Tossals Verds, ESP

The Tossals Verds Gravel Climb Overview

Tossals Verds cycling means tackling 7.5 km of climbing to 506 m altitude in the Serra de Tramuntana on Mallorca. The climb gains 340 metres with an average gradient of 4.6 %, placing it firmly in Category 2. However, a maximum gradient of 16.6 % makes it considerably tougher than the average figure suggests. Both start and finish are located in Lloseta, a small town in the interior of the island. The upper third of the climb demands real power and patience. Tossals Verds cycling is a smart choice for riders who want to explore Mallorca beyond the most famous routes. Overall, this climb delivers an honest mix of a manageable opening and a genuinely hard finale.

Route Description

The climb to Tossals Verds begins at a relaxed pace. The opening kilometre averages just 1. 5 %, followed by a moderate 3. 9 % in kilometre two. Kilometre three adds a steady 3. 2 %. Then comes a brief false flat. Kilometre four averages only 0. 4 %, rising from 256 m to just 261 m. Do not be fooled. From kilometre four onward, the gradient jumps sharply to 8. 1 %, pushing the road from 261 m up to 343 m. The section between kilometres five and six eases slightly to 4. 2 %, but recovery remains limited. After that, the real work begins. Kilometres six to seven average 8.

3 %, climbing from 387 m to 469 m. The final 500 metres hit an average of 8. 7 %, with local spikes well above 16 %. Riders who burn through their reserves early will feel it here. Additionally, the road narrows and becomes rougher in the upper sections.

History & Racing

At 506 m summit elevation, Tossals Verds sits within one of Europe’s most celebrated cycling landscapes. The Refugi de Tossals Verds, located on the GR 221 long-distance trail, has welcomed hikers for decades. It is named after the nearby Puig des Tossals Verds, which rises to 1118 m. The refuge sits on its southern slope and draws many day visitors. In professional cycling, this climb is less prominent than Sa Calobra or the Puig Major. Nevertheless, it is a well-known training feature during Mallorca cycling camps. Numerous ProTour teams use the island in early spring for altitude preparation. Tossals Verds cycling regularly appears as a benchmark segment during those camps.

Its irregular gradient profile makes it particularly useful for testing form and pacing.

Practical Tips

The best time for Tossals Verds cycling is between March and May or September and October. Temperatures of 15 to 22 degrees Celsius make the ascent genuinely enjoyable. Summer temperatures in the Serra de Tramuntana regularly exceed 35 degrees. That is punishing on a bike, especially in the exposed upper section. Water is available at the Refugi de Tossals Verds at the top, but supply along the route is not guaranteed. Therefore, carry at least two full bottles from the start. Parking is available at the edge of Lloseta. The drive from Palma takes approximately 30 minutes by car. Furthermore, a compact chainset is strongly recommended. A gearing of 1:1 or lower will make the finale far more manageable. And a gravel bike would be good …

How Does Tossals Verds Compare?

An average gradient of 4.6 % sounds manageable. Compared to Sa Calobra at 7.1 % over 9.5 km, Tossals Verds is noticeably more accessible. However, the final kilometres push close to 9 %, which demands respect. The Puig Major is longer and more consistently steep. Tossals Verds therefore feels more approachable overall, while still rewarding riders who pace themselves well. For riders who already know Sa Calobra, it offers a worthwhile contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is Tossals Verds?

Tossals Verds is a Category 2 climb. At 7.5 km with 340 metres of elevation gain and a 4.6 % average gradient, it is less brutal than Sa Calobra. However, the final kilometre averages close to 9 %, which demands solid climbing legs.

When is the best time to ride Tossals Verds?

March to May and September to October offer the best conditions. Temperatures between 15 and 22 degrees make the climb comfortable. Summer heat above 35 degrees and the lack of shade in the upper section make it genuinely tough to manage.

Can I combine Tossals Verds with other climbs?

Yes, Lloseta is centrally located on Mallorca. The Coll de sa Batalla is around 10 km away. The Coll d’Honor is similarly close. Combining these climbs with Tossals Verds cycling creates a well-rounded training loop of roughly 60 to 80 km.