Los Machucos is one of the steepest roads in Spain (31%)
Los Machucos is a mountain pass at an elevation of 880m (2,887ft) above sea level, located in the Autonomous Community of Cantabria, in Spain. It’s one of the steepest roads that a Spanish bike race has ever tackled, where you ride directly uphill over a huge rock. The climb is brutal, with gradients reaching up to 31%.
Where is Los Machucos?
The pass is located in the northern part of the country, to the east of Collado de la Espina. The climb has been featured in the Spanish Vuelta race.
Is the road to Los Machucos paved?
The narrow road to the summit is paved, but the steepest sections are concrete. It was built between 2003 and 2007. The pass is typically open all year round, but short-term closures are common in winter due to dangerous weather conditions.
How long is the road to Los Machucos?
The pass is 14.1km (8.76 miles) long, running from San Roque de Riomiera to Bustablado.
What’s at the summit of Los Machucos?
Set high in the easternmost sector of the Cantabrian Mountains, at the top of the climb, there is a metal sculpture of a cow, known as Monumento a la Vaca Pasiega.