C - Port of Tàrbena - Port of Sa Creueta - Port of Tudons - C

👑 The Giants of the Costa Blanca: An Epic Climbing Ride over the Tudons

Want to test your climbing legs to the max? This monstrous journey of 149 kilometers dives deep into the untamed inland of the Spanish east coast. With a staggering 3200 meters of elevation, this is a stage that will push your endurance, morale, and handling skills to the limit. We conquer legendary Vuelta climbs and traverse deserted mountain valleys. An epic challenge for the true grimpeur! 🏔️🚴‍♂️

📊 Ride Details & Difficulty Level

Distance: 149 km 📏

Elevation Gain: approx. 3200 m 🏔️

Surface: Excellent Spanish mountain asphalt with steep gradients 🏎️

Condition: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Extremely hard! 3200 m at this distance is food for excellently trained climbers)

Technique: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Long descents with technical turns require a lot of focus)

🗺️ Route Description

From Calp, we depart gently along the coast to warm up the muscles. Through Altea la Vella and Callosa d'en Sarrià, we reach Bolulla, where gravity mercilessly begins to pull. The first heavy test is the climb to the Puerto de Tàrbena. The tight asphalt winds beautifully up to the eponymous mountain village Tàrbena.

Without much resting, we push straight through to the top of the Port de Sa Creueta ⛰️. Upon arrival, a spectacular and completely deserted mountain plateau unfolds. We ripple for hours through the silent valley and pass picturesque, tiny villages: Castell de Castells, Famorca, Facheca, Quatretondeta, and Gorga. 🏘️

After a breathtaking passage via Benimantell, we prepare for the final sharpener: the brutally steep climb of the Puerto de Tudons. On these slopes, known from the Vuelta a España, you squeeze the very last reserves from your legs. 🧗‍♂️

The reward for all this climbing work? An epic, endless descent! We zoom down at great speed via Relleu and Finestrat, after which the familiar blue of the sea comes back into view. Through L'Alfàs del Pi and the picturesque Altea, we roll back to the start in Calp, probably completely drained but with an euphoric feeling. 🏁

✨ Highlights

📈 Tàrbena & Sa Creueta: A merciless yet beautifully scenic climbing duo in the first half of the ride full of spectacular views.

🦅 The Hidden Valleys: The absolute tranquility and expansive nature in villages like Facheca and Quatretondeta.

🏆 Puerto de Tudons: Sacred cycling ground! Conquer the mythical climb where the pros regularly battle it out.

🎢 Endless Descent: The magical feeling of flying over the asphalt during the kilometers-long descent from Tudons towards the Mediterranean Sea.

💡 Tips for the Road

Climbing Gear is a Necessity: With 3200 m, you can't rely solely on power. Ensure a low gear (at least 34 in front, 32 in the back) to spare your knees on the steep sections. ⚙️

Eat, Eat, Eat: You will burn an extreme amount of calories today. Start systematically taking in food from kilometer one; don't wait until the foot of the Tudons, because then the man with the hammer will strike hard. 🍌

Iron Pacing: Pay strict attention to your heart rate in the early phase. The Puerto de Tàrbena is tempting to ride quickly, but remember that the brutally heavy Tudons follows after you've already done over 2000 m. Ride with the handbrake on! 🐌

Descending with Sense: The descents are beautiful but long. Stay focused, take time to relax your body, and if in doubt, put on a windbreaker at the peaks. 🌬️

Conclusion

This is truly an absolute queen stage. A route of 149 kilometers with a whopping 3200 meters of elevation commands deep respect. It combines the harsh, unforgiving mountains of the Spanish hinterland with the ultimate reward of a spectacular coastal finish. A day full of sweat, suffering, and pure cycling romance. As soon as you step off your bike in Calp, you can call yourself a true mountain king. That gigantic portion of paella and cold cerveza on the terrace is more than well-deserved today! 🥘🍻