This HC climb was first included in La Vuelta in 1983, making 2024’s stage 16 inclusion its 23rd appearance in La Vuelta. It was most recently the race finale for La Vuelta Femenina in 2023, where Demi Vollering took the race win. Past men’s winners include Primoz Roglic in 2021 but also Marino Lejarreta, Pedro Delgado, Laurent Jalabert, Luis Herrera, Nairo Quintana, and Thibaut Pinot, the current Strava KOM holder.

Officially a 12.5km climb at 6.9% according to La Vuelta, this climb’s average gradient belies its true feel, with the vast majority of the climb being closer to 10%, with some 20% ramps.

What’s in a name? This climb is located in Covadonga, an area in Northwestern Spain within the province of Asturias. And when you conquer it you’ll find two lakes at its terminus: Lake Enol and Lake Ercina.

Here’s the IRL Strava segment: