Welcome to the cutting-edge of uphill cycling
and world's most famous ascents of each of the continents
Of the 250,000 cyclists who visit Mallorca every year, only 250 selected cyclists have the privilege of conquering the summit of Puig Major on a racing bike. At the Kill-the-Hill event, which has only been taking place for a few years, the hand-picked participants set off on a unique tour up Mallorca's highest mountain, which is normally an impregnable restricted military area. For normal cyclists, the Tunel de Monnaber (see below) at 879 metres is the highest accessible point on the is-land.
Start: Pollenca 40m
Profile of the kill-the-hill climb with the eastern approach from Pollenca. The climb to Son Massip begins at kilometre 23 after Selva. By the time the climb to Puig Major begins at kilometre 47, you have already accumulated almost 1,200 metres in altitude. From there, the climb to the summit is almost exactly 600 metres in altitude over a distance of seven kilometres, i.e. a gradient of around 8.5%.
The pictures start here at an altitude of 831 metres directly at the entrance to the Zona Militar, which is only open to registered participants today.
The peloton is torn apart early on. At the back, the pace is leisurely.
The radar dome on the summit is only rarely visible in the low-hanging clouds.
Looking back - I'm not last yet...
The road is in surprisingly good condition and winds its way up the serpentine road.
Not far now
At the top, there is a magnificent panorama of the route you have travelled and of the Gorg Blau deep below.
On the cool summit, the participants are wrapped in warm aluminium rescue blankets before heading back down the cold descent.
Summit photo
-------------------------------
Puig Major (Tunel de Monnaber) 879m
Mallorca's highest spot reachable by road bike is located in a tunnel in the Tramuntana range beneath Puig Major. Departing from the Mediterranean Sea you have to conquer 900 meters of altitude difference on the Ma-10 roadway. Unfortunately, it is not permitted to climb the road onto Puig Major due to a military restricted area there. The ride becomes even more demanding if you combine it with a trip to Sa Calobra and to Coll dels Reis.
Departure: Port de Soller 6m
Western ascent to Puig Major starts in Soller and winds with a moderate slope of some 6% up to the tunnel at an elevation of almost 900m.
Departure of our today's ride in the very early morning at the beach of Port de Soller
The climb commences right here.
View down to Soller with first sunlight on the mountains
Excellent road conditions in June 2017 (used to be worse in the past)
A rocky breakthrough...
...leads up the Ma-10 road.
Mediterranean Sea in the very back
Funny goats alongside the road
Pleasant route
Finally you have reached the tunnel entrance.
Well-tried in poor lit tunnels:
Taking-off sunglasses, waiting for a motor-car gap and then passing through with high pace.
Shortly behind the tunnel there is the closed way to the military radar facility on Puig Major summit.
The prohibited way winds zigzaging to the top.
When proceeding to eastern direction you pass Embassament de Cober...
...and Panta de Gorg Blau...
...and behind this second tunnel the way diverts to Coll dels Reis and down to Sa Calobra.
Alternative western approach via Fornalutx...
...and Biniaraix, both belonging to Mallorca's most beautiful villages.