Alto de Aristébano

Overview

The Alto de Aristébano is a category 2 climb stretching 13.3 km with an average gradient of 4.02%. From a start elevation of just 26 m near sea level, it winds its way up to a summit at 562 m — a net elevation gain of 536 m. The total ascent along the road, accounting for the small dips and false flats that break up the profile, comes to 520 m. It is a long, honest effort rather than a wall: the kind of climb where rhythm and patience beat raw power.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 4.02% average over 13.3 km sounds gentle, and much of the road is exactly that — a steady grind you can settle into. But the profile hides sharper teeth. The steepest ramp bites at 9.16%, more than double the average, so the climb is far from uniform. That gap between the 4.02% average and the 9.16% maximum tells the story: expect stretches where the gradient eases toward the low single digits, punctuated by pitches that force you out of the saddle or down a couple of cogs. The 16 m difference between the 536 m net gain and the 520 m total ascent confirms there are brief respites where the road flattens or dips before climbing again — small recoveries you should use.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this length, the biggest mistake is starting too hard on the early slopes when your legs feel fresh. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to hold a steady, sustainable power for the full 13.3 km rather than chasing surges. On the shallower 4.02% sections, keep the pressure on the pedals — this is where you make time — then absorb the 9.16% ramps by shifting early and spinning through rather than grinding. If you are unsure what your sustainable number is, run the FTP estimator before your ride and use it to set a ceiling you will not exceed in the first third. A climb of 536 m net gain rewards even effort: negative-split it if you can.

Gearing

For a 13.3 km climb topping out at 9.16%, comfortable gearing keeps your cadence high and your legs fresh. A compact 34-tooth inner ring is the sensible starting point. Pair it with a 34×32 for the bulk of the climb — that ratio covers the sustained 4.02% grind without bogging down. If you tend to ride at a higher cadence, carry less climbing power, or simply want insurance for the steepest 9.16% pitches, step up to a 34×34. Both options let you sit and spin rather than muscle the pedals, which matters most when the road kicks up after 10 km with tired legs.

Summary

The Alto de Aristébano is a rewarding category 2 climb: long enough at 13.3 km to test your endurance, steady enough at 4.02% to find a rhythm, and just spiky enough at 9.16% to keep you honest. Pace it evenly, gear it comfortably, and the 536 m of net elevation gain from bottom to top will feel earned rather than punishing.

Length: 13.3 km
Average gradient: 4.02%
Max gradient: 9.16%
Start: 26 m
Summit: 562 m
Net gain: 536 m
Total ascent: 520 m
Category: 2