Rocacorba

By Jon Street

Distance
14 km

Gain
798 m

Type
Single Climb

Time
1 hour to summit

Rocacorba is where the pros test their form

Start

Banyoles (from the lake)

Finish

Rocacorba (hilltop)

Distance

14 km

Rocacorba has a history every cyclist should become a part of. 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 and demanding your easiest gear on sections up to 11%, disciplined pacing will pay off for the last half of the climb that averages 9%. However, the quiet tree-lined road offers just enough respite to remain achievable for the determined weekend warrior. Keep your eyes peeled toward the top for the faded “Look Right” painted on the road to see spanning Pyrenean peaks through an opening in the trees.

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THE SYMBOL OF GIRONA'S CYCLING

Since it was fully paved in around 2000, Rocacorba has been used by some of the world’s best cyclists as a test climb to see what sort of shape they’re in. For pros it’s all about getting sub 30 minutes; the climb has seen some big names turn themselves inside out to achieve that. Then there’s the story of Wiggins turning up with his rollers and skinsuit to try and beat the previous benchmark set by Dan Martin.

BIRD'S EYE VIEW

As you climb higher, the views grow more intense. The mountain has no close neighbours making for a picturesque panorama of Banyoles, the seaside, and even the Pyrenees. Get your camera out, the view is one you will want to share. Oh and at the finish there’s the famous paragliding platform, a selfie from there is a must have!

IT'S YOU AND THE CLIMB

What we especially love about Rocacorba is that, for the most part, it’s traffic free. Fellow cyclists yes, but that’s about it. It doesn’t matter if you go for your PR, the KOM, or just to spin – it’s a very meditative place. And when riding the tree canopy covered sections it’s cycling at its purest.

Expert opinion

Test your lungs here - or go for the views

Rocacorba is one of the most popular cycling climbs in the Catalonia region. Its proximity to Girona makes it a key training climb for the many professional cyclists based in the region, and it is also a popular ride for local amateurs.

The challenging gradients and quiet road make it an enjoyable climb, although most of the ascent is in trees there are spectacular views when you reach the summit.

Rocacorba is open throughout the year.

CLIMB ANALYSIS

	Gradient
1	0.6
2	1.8
3	0.8
4	4.3
5	5.3
6	5.9
7	6.9
8	2.2
9	10.1
10	10.3
11	8.4
12	8.5
13	4.8
14	9.1

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Gain
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Time
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Gain
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Temp
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