29.2
PDI
12.3 mi
DISTANCE
4,561 ft
GAINED
6.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
This brutal ascent climbs out of the Lena valley near the hamlet of Las Puentes (Fresneo), in Asturias, and finishes atop Cuitu Negru, the high point of the Valgrande-Pajares ski resort. It's 19.8 km (12.3 mi) long, gains 1,390 m (4,561 ft), and averages 6.9% - but that average badly undersells it, since the final kilometers ramp into some of the steepest sustained pitches on any paved road in Spain.
The route climbs via the historic Puerto de Pajares pass and the Brañillín ski-station turnoff before the final push to the Cuitu Negru summit at 1,851 m (6,070 ft). This particular ascent starts higher up the valley, near Las Puentes, than the traditional Campomanes starting point used by most published stats for this road - which is why our recorded distance is shorter, and our average grade steeper, than the roughly 23-26 km figures you'll see elsewhere for the same summit.
The final stretch to Cuitu Negru was a rough gravel and dirt track until it was paved for the 2012 Vuelta a España, when Stage 16 - Gijón to Valgrande-Pajares - finished here, won by Dario Cataldo. It's widely regarded as one of the hardest stages in Vuelta history, with ramps reported as steep as 28% and the final three kilometers averaging over 10%.
Since the AP-66's Negrón Tunnel opened in 1997, most through traffic and trucks bypass the old Puerto de Pajares pass entirely, leaving this historic road far quieter than it once was - though the ski resort still closes it seasonally with the first serious snow.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The 6.9% average grade over 19.8 km (12.3 mi) hides an extremely uneven profile - long moderate stretches punctuated by short, brutal ramps, concentrated in the final kilometers above Brañillín. The steepest 100 yards reaches 19.3%, the steepest quarter mile 17.1%, and the steepest half mile 14.8% (steepest mile, 13.8%). Even measured over longer stretches the climb stays hard: steepest 2 km, 13.9%; steepest 5 km, 9.1%; steepest 10 km, 8.4%. The lower kilometers near Las Puentes are comparatively gentle - the difficulty is almost entirely back-loaded into the push to Cuitu Negru.
Roadway: The entire road is now paved, including the final stretch to Cuitu Negru, which was gravel and dirt until it was surfaced for the 2012 Vuelta a España. The lower kilometers near Las Puentes and through Puerto de Pajares are in good, well-maintained condition; the road narrows and gets rougher in the final kilometers above Brañillín, where the steepest ramps are. This is ski-resort access at altitude, so it closes with the first serious snowfall and doesn't reopen until spring - check Valgrande-Pajares' own status page before a shoulder-season visit.
Traffic: Since the AP-66's Negrón Tunnel opened in 1997, most through traffic and truck traffic that once used the Puerto de Pajares pass now bypasses it entirely, leaving this historic road far quieter than its "national road" designation suggests. Expect local traffic and, in ski season, resort-bound cars on weekends; the final kilometers to Cuitu Negru see mostly cyclists and hikers.
Parking: This ascent begins near Las Puentes (the turnoff for Fresneo) in the Lena valley; there's informal parking along the road near the junction. Riders looking for the fuller, traditional version of this climb can instead start lower in Campomanes, adding roughly 4-6 km before joining this same route.
Bring the lowest gearing you have - sustained double-digit ramps in the final kilometers (steepest 100 yards, 19.3%) make a compact or triple crankset worth it even for strong riders. The road is paved the entire way, so a standard road bike works, but tire choice matters less than gearing here. Cafetería Cuitu Negru, at the top near the ski station's high lifts, is a welcome stop when it's open in season; don't count on it outside ski-resort operating hours. Pack a real jacket for the 1,851 m (6,070 ft) summit - it's noticeably colder and windier than the Lena valley floor, even in summer.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Cuitu Negru is one of the hardest paved climbs in Western Europe, and its 2012 Vuelta a España debut - one of the race's most punishing stage finishes - put it on the map for serious climbers. The Valgrande-Pajares ski station at the top has real infrastructure (lifts, a cafeteria, lodging nearby) if you want to make a stop of it rather than just turning around.
If you're building an Asturias trip around its brutal climbs, this pairs naturally with the nearby Alto de l'Angliru, another of Spain's hardest ascents and a short drive away. Given the 1,851 m (6,070 ft) summit, our Weather tool is worth checking before you go - conditions up here can differ sharply from the valley below, even in midsummer.
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