Rocacorba
By Jon Street
Distance
14 km
Gain
798 m
Road
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
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.
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 |
Nearby Climbs
Barcelona to Girona Cycling Tour 🇪🇸
Distance
240 km
Gain
4,200 m
Temp
20°C
Ride through the most breathtaking scenery of Catalonia – a renowned cycling paradise. Ride perfect roads with little traffic and deep forests. Take on challenging mountain passes and discover the region.
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