Costa Daurada

La Mussara

By Artem

Distance
10.5 km

Gain
636 m

Road
6%

Time
45 mins

Mythical climb of the region

Start

Vilaplana

Finish

Pic de la Mussara

Distance

10.5 km

Alt de la Musara is a picturesque cycling climb situated in the Tarragona province of Catalonia. It has been used in the Volta a Catalunya professional race, most recently in 2017 when the riders descended this side. The climb on the Vilaplana side is characterized by a high number of hairpin bends, as it winds its way through forest towards the Prades Mountains. Ocasionally, the trees open out to offer some nice views looking back down the climb. Alt de la Musara is nominally open year-round, with only very rare closures due to snow in winter.

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MYTHICAL RIDE FOR THE LOCALS

As nice of a climb as it gets, for the locals it’s a symbol of their home riding. The climb is featured in many local amateur races and even give name to some. Dedicated local riders would know their PR from top of the head and Strava rating gets very serious here.

NO CARS, JUST YOU AND THE FOREST

Ride through the lonely road with perfect asphalt, breathing in some pine scent and enjoying some shade. Hairpin paradise. As you get higher you’ll be prompted to stop for a photo on one of the turns!

WHAT CYCLISTS THINK

As hard as you want it to be

It’s a fabulous winding, 10km climb, with 6% average gradients with a carpet of green trees before you, reaching up to the rugged red rocks of the Mussara above you. As you reach the switchback section at about 5km into the climb (43km into the ride), the views open out and you get that feeling of being on top of the world.

Above you you can see some communications masts, it’s just a question of keeping the legs spinning until you reach the top – but on this friendly climb (average gradient 6%, maximum 8%) it’s not too much of a struggle. There’s no summit sign or marker, just an open flat road and a couple of kilometres of easy, twisting descent, before a little ramp up to where you turn left onto the TV-7092.

SOME DETAILS

	Gradient
1	5
2	6
3	6
4	6
5	6
6	7
7	7
8	5
9	6

It’s a fabulous winding, 10km climb, with 6% average gradients with a carpet of green trees before you, reaching up to the rugged red rocks of the Mussara above you. As you reach the switchback section at about 5km into the climb (43km into the ride), the views open out and you get that feeling of being on top of the world.

Nearby Climb

Rocacorba

Distance
14 km

Gain
798 m

Road
Single Climb

Time
1 hour to summit

Rocacorba has been used for over a decade by many local pros as a test of form, the famous mountain is a challenge to anyone and everyone. The 10.7 km climb has a deceptive overall gradient of 7%. Starting teasingly gentle before levelling off, disciplined pacing will pay off.

More

Catalonia Cycling Retreat

7 days | 1900€ | Road

Distance
700 km

Gain
7000m+

Temp
20°C

Ideal roads and world class cycling under the gentle autumn Mediterranean sun. Packed with fine cuisine and Catalan culture.

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