Grand Tour of Catalonia Gravel - Stage 40

From Vic to Viladrau—the gateway to Montseny

We leave Vic via dirt roads and side roads that cross the Osona Plain—passing grain fields and scattered farmhouses. Via Sant Julià de Vilatorta, we reach the climb up a dirt road to the Coll de Romegats (725 m), a gentle pass that brings us closer to Montseny. The road is narrow and quiet, with wooded sections and open views across the plain we’re leaving behind. After a short descent, we reach Viladrau—known for its water and more than two hundred natural springs that emerge in the village and the surrounding forests. The fresh, humid microclimate, unique throughout the Montseny, defines the identity of this special place.

Crossing the Montseny: from Coll de Bordoriol to Coll de Sant Marçal

From Viladrau, the most spectacular section of the stage begins. The road enters the Massís del Montseny Natural Park and climbs steadily. We ride up to Coll de Bordoriol and on to Coll de Sant Marçal (1,324 m), constantly surrounded by dense forests of beech, fir, and oak. At the highest elevations, the light is filtered and the silence is absolute. In summer, the forests shimmer in intense shades of green; in fall, they glow in gold, ochre, and red. From the open vantage points, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains of the massif and the Santa Fe valley unfold.

Descent into Vallès – from Santa Fe to Sant Celoni

After reaching the highest point, a long, spectacular descent begins. The first few kilometers wind through the Santa Fe del Montseny region, beneath natural tunnels formed by tall, shady trees. Further down, the road opens up and the curves become more frequent—a fast, highly enjoyable descent on flawless asphalt. From several vantage points, you can already see the Vallès plain and the coastal mountains in the background. As the elevation decreases, the temperature rises, and the vegetation changes: Mediterranean pine and holm oak forests replace the high-alpine greenery. The final section follows a gently sloping road all the way to Sant Celoni—a town with historic streets, Baroque churches, and medieval charm. This is where the stage ends.