Rocacorba
By John Deer
Distance
10.7 km
Gain
742 m
31-70
Moderate to hard
Rocacorba is where the pros test their form
Start
Banyoles (from the lake)
Finish
Rocacorba (hilltop)
Distance
10.7 km
Rocacorba has a history every cyclist should become a part of. Used for over a decade by many local pros as a testing climb, the famous mountain is a challenge to anyone and everyone. The 10.7 kilometre 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.
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 a sub 30 minute; the climb has seen some big names turn themselves inside to achieve that. Then there’s the story of Wiggins coming along with his rollers and skinsuit to try and beat the previous benchmark set by Dan Martin.
BIRD'S VIEW OF THE AREA
As you'll get higher, the views will get more intense. The hill is not surrounded by any close enough mountains so you'll get really nice panorama of Banyoles, the seaside and even the Pyrenees. At the finish there is this famous paragliding start platform, the selfie from there is must have!
IT'S YOU AND THE CLIMB
What I especially love in Rocacorba is that most time you find little to no traffic there. Some cyclists yes, and that's it. No matter if you go for your PR or KOM, or just spinning - it's a very meditative place, where trees bend you cover your way and it's cycling in it's 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 so there are few spectacular views.
Rocacorba is open throughout the year.
CLIMB ANALYSIS
| Gradient | |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 5 |
| 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 7 |
| 5 | 8 |
| 6 | 12 |
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 so there are few spectacular views.
Rocacorba is open throughout the year.
Girona Luxury Cycling Retreat
Distance
700 km
Gain
10 000 m
Temp
20°C
All inclusive luxury retreat in a Catalan cycling Mecca - Girona. Get a taste of local routes and culture and figure out why so many pros choose to live and to ride here.
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