There’s a new cycling mecca, and it’s sparking both awe and controversy. The Coll de Rates has become the ultimate climb in the cycling world, drawing riders from every corner to test their mettle against Tadej Pogačar’s legendary Strava record. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this climb a true test of skill, or has it become a victim of its own hype? Let’s dive in.
For the past two months, the Coll de Rates has been on fire—literally lighting up heat maps with hundreds of rides and segment times logged on Strava. This 6.4km ascent, nestled near the Costa Blanca, has become a winter hotspot for both pros and amateurs alike. But why this climb? It’s not just about the challenge; it’s about the lore, the records, and the chance to ride where the legends train.
Every December and January, WorldTour teams flock to the Costa Blanca for training camps, and the Coll de Rates is their go-to climb. It’s a symbolic crossroads where riders of all abilities converge. Amateur cyclists from across Europe also make the pilgrimage, not just for the warm weather but to ‘pro-spot’ and compare their times with the professionals. And this is the part most people miss: the climb’s popularity isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the culture it’s created.
Cyclingnews visited the Coll de Rates during a trip to Calpe, home to teams like Tudor Pro Cycling, Soudal-QuickStep, and Picnic PostNL. While we didn’t ride it ourselves, we witnessed the phenomenon firsthand. Groups of pros and amateurs lined the valley road to Parcent, with local drivers showing remarkable patience. The climb begins after a left turn on the edge of Parcent, marked by signs warning motorists to give cyclists a 1.5-meter buffer—a small but significant gesture of respect.
The Strava segment starts outside Parcent on a flat stretch, then winds through hairpins under pine trees before cutting along the hillside for two kilometers. The views are breathtaking, with the Mediterranean Sea visible 35km in the distance. The climb ends at an 896-meter summit, where a signboard—now covered in stickers—marks the spot. Some riders even venture further to the ‘Super Rates’ summit, a narrow path that’s become a curiosity for pros like Mathieu van der Poel and Thibau Nys.
But here’s the controversy: not everyone is a fan of the climb’s newfound fame. French Tudor rider Mathys Rondel recently called it a ‘highway,’ criticizing its overcrowding. ‘People want to do what everyone else does,’ he told L’Équipe. Is the Coll de Rates a genuine cycling gem, or has it become a victim of herd mentality? We’ll let you decide.
The climb’s popularity has also sparked a mini-economy, with cycling cafes and bike businesses popping up nearby. We stopped at the Musette Café, a favorite among pros like Remco Evenepoel and Van der Poel. In just one hour, we spotted riders from teams like Bahrain Victorious, Euskaltel, and Visma-Lease a Bike—a testament to its status as the winter cycling hub.
The records here are nothing short of legendary. Jonas Vingegaard set a time of 13:02 in 2018, sparking interest from teams like Visma-Lease a Bike. But it was Tadej Pogačar who stole the show, breaking his own record with a jaw-dropping 11:57 in December 2024, paced by teammates like Pavel Sivakov and Florian Vermeersch. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: an imposter account claiming to be Vingegaard ‘beat’ Pogačar’s record using a motorbike, highlighting just how iconic this climb has become.
‘Tadej likes to conquer everything a bit mythical in cycling,’ said Warbasse. ‘I think he saw Rates as another opportunity to show the world he’s on another level.’ But not everyone agrees. Some argue that the focus on records takes away from the pure joy of riding. What do you think? Is the Coll de Rates a cycling paradise or a crowded cliché?
Whether you’re a pro training for the season or an amateur chasing the thrill, the Coll de Rates has proven itself as the winter climb to beat. Ventoux and Finestre may dominate summer headlines, but in January, all roads lead to Rates. So, grab your bike, head to the Costa Blanca, and decide for yourself—is this climb worth the hype?
