The highest road in Europe
It is strange to think that the highest road in mainland Europe is overlooked by road cyclists, especially considering the beautiful surroundings that Andalucia has to offer. But without the allure and history of some other high peaks in Europe, such as the Galibier and the Tourmalet the Pico de Veleta hasn’t yet entered the consciousness of the cycling community yet, like it deserves. Including the weather vane, the climb is 2295 metres above sea level with a mighty 2600m of ascending in 43 km.
Its place at the Veulta a España
In 1995 the Vuelta a España, Spain’s 3 week long cycling grand tour moved its race in the calendar from April to September, in part to allow the race to visit climbs in Spain that in the Spring were still under snow. This has not exactly worked out for the giant of Andalucia as the Vuelta has only used its roads a handful of times and has never gone beyond the military refuge, finishing at 2520 twice in 2009 with Frenchman David Moncoutié crossing the line in first and Miguel Ángel López winning in 2017.