Puerto de San Lorenzo (East side)

Puerto de San Lorenzo (East side)

Puerto de San Lorenzo is one of the gateways to the Somiedo Natural Park. It is a scenic climb, particularly towards the top as you climb out of the forests, but it is a challenging ascent particularly if you plan on following it with La Farrapona or Puerto de Somiedo. It has been used several times in recent editions of the Vuelta a España, but has rarely seen decisive attacks by GC contenders, as it has never been the final climb on a stage and the steep gradients often lead it to be ridden conservatively. It is also a very fast descent on both sides. There are few hairpin bends - particularly on the descent towards San Martín - and the steep gradients allow you to pick up speed quickly. Beware of horses and cows though that will often be standing in the middle of the road.