La Bonaigua is one of those classical mountain passes in Catalonia and cycling Port de la Bonaigua is a must for any cycloclimber.
Nevertheless, being a ski resort on top these roads is usually accessible to
Switchback at Port de la Bonaiguatraffic all year long. On the north side there is also a very popular ski resort at Baqueira Beret (which has been stage ending at some Grand Tours so far).
With almost 20 km length, and reaching 2072 mts height, it is one of the king mountains the Pyrenées.
Long and demanding climb
The climb itself is very long and steady from both sides, and the road is wide and usually in pretty good condition.
The road was improved and slightly modified in 2009. On the south side there is still a nice rideable stretch of the old road. This is called “Bosc del Gerdar” (see picture) and it is a very nice bendy route without any traffic into a deep forest (bosc in Catalan language). Also, just starting the climb from Esterri d’Aneu, it is possible to get the old road leading to València d’Aneu, much more beautiful than the steeper straight route of the new road.
La Bonaigua was included several times in La Vuelta route. Especially remarkable is the Vuelta a España 2013, in which Bonaigua was included in the stage which finished in Peyragudes after also climbing Port de Bales and Peyresourde. Amazing tough stage! (see elevation profile below).
First On Top on professional races lately (source cyclingcols)
