How to Tackle Rocacorba

“If there is one thing we know, it’s Rocacorba”

Rocacorba is more than our name. The Rocacorba mountain is one of Girona’s best-known and toughest cycling climbs. It was made famous by its popularity among the local pros. Close enough to Girona (but only 1.5km from our doorstep) with challenging slopes, it became the perfect climb for the pro riders to test their form. Even leading up to the grand tours, riders including Tour winner Bradley Wiggins and Giro winner Ryder Hesjedal were known to train on the climb. With years of pro riders trying to break the magical 30 minute mark (~40 for the women), the Strava segment was and still is hotly contested and not just between the pro riders. It’s the perfect climb for any rider to test themselves and see how they stack up against some of the best in the world and a must-do climb for every cyclist in the Girona area. 

Years before we ever started Rocacorba Cycling, we were all riding on the slopes of the locally famous climb week after week, year after year. Given our combined history with the climb and location of Can Campolier, it was only natural when we started the business that we would name it “Rocacorba Cycling”. So, if there is one thing we know, it’s Rocacorba. 

We know every detail of our namesake climb: every corner, every gradient change, where to save and where to spend energy, and every horse and donkey along the way. Of course, Ashleigh is also the presiding QOM so we also have all her tips and secrets to help you get a personal best or tackle the climb for the first time. 

The Start 

The Rocacorba climb might be 1.5km from our doorstep but the first thing we suggest is a good warm up! A quick roll around the lake will wake the legs up by the time you arrive to the start of the climb which is officially just after the bridge. Make sure you have fluids as there is no place to get water on the climb. 

The 9.7km climb has an average gradient of 7%. On paper, that’s pretty straightforward but in reality the climb isn’t that simple. The start is the easiest part with shallower gradients and fools way too many riders into going out too hard. Pacing is most the most critical at this point so hold back! As Ash warns, “if you want your best time, don’t get excited too soon or you will pay for it at the top”.

When you reach the more open fields (hello mini horses!), you’re just arriving to the first of two flat/downhill sections. Use the 500m to spin out your legs because the second half of the climb is much harder. 

The Hardest Part

The next two kilometres are the toughest part of the climb with the average gradient at 10%. There is no shade and no respite, even on the outside lines of the corners, only hard and harder.

The key here is to be steady. Find a powerful rhythm and stay there. Keep an eye out to the left because you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the summit for the first time, demarcated by the cellular towers at the top. 

The road will feel like it’s levelling out and then you’ll be granted the welcome gift of the second 500m of downhill. Again, use it to spin out your legs and prepare for the final section up to the summit.

The Final Push 

The final 1.5km is still steep with an average gradient of 8%. With 8.5km in the legs, it bites but with views on the right of the Pyrenees and the summit so-close, you can start burning the end of your matches. Don’t be fooled by the green and white “Rocacorba” sign on the right, the summit is still 500m to go!

Make it to the hairpin past the sign and there is only 300m left. There is a white line across the road to mark the official finish so put your head down and empty the tank. It’s literally downhill home so don’t save anything now!

The Glory  

Once at the top, take the mandatory photo with the big green Rocacorba sign. Have a seat on the paragliding launch and enjoy the well-deserved beautiful views of Girona and the Costa Brava. After you carefully cycle back down, finish your pilgrimage with a celebratory coffee and cake at the official Rocacorba Food Truck right at Can Campolier—you’ve earned it. And maybe have a quick check on Strava too… 

Really want to get a PB? Ride it with one of our guides for a one-on-one coached climbing experience. 

If you are on a gravel bike, or on foot, head down the dirt road to the Rocacorba Sanctuary

Bringing The Fire

There wasn’t going to be fireworks this race, it was going to be a patient burn. The relatively short 104km course left a lot to be desired with nothing more than a few roughly surfaced uphill drags and undulations to test the peloton. I wanted a hard race so, even though I was happy it wasn’t another 38°C day like TT champs, I knew the parcours weren’t enough to make the race. 

My strategy became more about patience rather than power. In the past, I probably would have attacked a lot, tried to liven up the race and risked the win in favour of good racing; but with experience comes composure. We ticked over the majority of the race but, finally, with 12km to go, I turned up the heat and attacked. Carla Oberholzer came with me and, although we were working well together, we were brought back by the bunch with 5km to go. The composure I had maintained the whole race was wearing thin.

Just then, however, we rolled over a section of really rough rumble strips and suddenly, my gears were frozen. Luckily, I was stuck in the middle of the cassette but then, of course, someone attacked on the downhill. With some furious cadence I was able to stay with the bunch and thankfully no one seemed to noticed. I couldn’t believe it. I had kept it together the whole race and now, with the national title being decided in a matter of kilometres, I only had two gears. 

Image: Cyclenation

This was really the moment for composure. But it was also the moment for fire. I wanted the win badly and, two gears or no gears, I had to keep it together and wait for the right moment. I took a calming breath, I got into position, and at the exact spot I had planned, I laid it down. I had the lead but the entire bunch reacted and I could feel the heat of the chase. By less than a second, I crossed the line first and took the title.

The rush of winning is always special but, unlike most races, the national champs win is something you get to be proud of every time you pull on the jersey. I’m really proud of the way I raced; even when it was time to bring the fire, I kept my cool from start to finish. Especially in an Olympic year, I’ll be proud to wear the South African colours for the 2020 European season.