Valley of the Tears: Cycling Climb

The climb · Spain

About Valley of the Tears

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Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of Spain

Valley of the Tears is aptly named, a climb that punishes the unprepared. The early sections meander through rolling terrain, but the gradient soon rises sharply, demanding sustained effort and careful pacing. The surrounding hills amplify the climb’s drama, with steep walls on either side.

Midway, the climb tightens, with hairpins and exposed sections that require focus and strength. The lactic burn is constant, and the sun-soaked slopes of Spain add a relentless intensity.

The summit offers sweeping views across the Spanish interior, rewarding perseverance with a dramatic panorama. Valley of the Tears is a climb that challenges the body and spirit alike, a true test.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 433 m · Summit 1,394 m

Gradient by distance11.89 km / 1,040 m gain

0 km2.4 km4.8 km7.1 km9.5 km11.9 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

Choose a distance to find the steepest continuous section of the climb.

Steepest 500 m average

15.6%

Where to find it

4.00–4.50 km from start

Net height gained: 78 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb11.89 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 11.89 km
Elevation gain: 1,040 m
Average gradient: 7.9%
Climb category: HC
Start elevation: 433 m
Summit elevation: 1,394 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

04 / Your effort

How long would it take?

Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.

Advanced settings

Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

1 h 10 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 10.2 km/h

Based on the 11.89 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.

The science behind the calculation

For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.

Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses

The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.

It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.

05 / On the ground