Alto de la Argolla

Overview

Alto de la Argolla is a long, patient category 2 climb that rewards rhythm over aggression. Over 15.8 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 36 m to a summit of 662 m, a net gain of 626 m. The average gradient sits at a moderate 3.97%, and the steepest pitch tops out at 6.59% — numbers that tell you this is a climb of endurance rather than explosive punch. With 613 m of total ascent packed into nearly sixteen kilometres, there is nowhere truly savage to hide, but nowhere to fully switch off either.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of this climb is its length relative to its slope. A 3.97% average across 15.8 km means the road tilts up gently and just keeps going. Because the net gain (626 m) sits close to the total ascent (613 m), there is very little downhill respite along the way — the elevation profile trends almost monotonically upward, giving back only a handful of metres. The 6.59% maximum tells you the hardest ramp is only about two and a half points steeper than the average, so the climb never spikes into leg-breaking territory. Expect a road that stiffens noticeably on its steeper sections while spending most of its time in the comfortable 3–5% band that surrounds the average.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steady, pacing is everything. Set your effort just under threshold and hold it: because the gradient rarely swings hard, you can lock into a consistent power target and ride the full 15.8 km at a near-constant intensity. Anchor that target to your FTP — for a climb of roughly this duration, most riders will sit a shade below FTP for the bulk of the ascent, saving a little for the 6.59% sections. If you do not know your current number, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan your climb, then translate that figure into a gradient-adjusted pace. The trap here is starting too hard on the shallow lower slopes; the climb's 626 m of vertical will find you if you overcook the opening kilometres.

Gearing

Because the maximum gradient stays at 6.59% and the average is a manageable 3.97%, most fit riders can clear Alto de la Argolla without ultra-wide gearing. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear gives you comfortable spinning room on the steeper ramps while keeping a workable cadence across the long middle section. If you are carrying fatigue, riding at altitude, or simply prefer to protect your knees over 15.8 km, step up to a 34×34 for a touch more insurance. Either choice lets you stay seated and turn the pedals smoothly rather than grinding — which is exactly what a climb of this shape asks for.

Summary

Alto de la Argolla is a classic tempo climb: long, consistent, and honest. Respect the distance, meter your effort against your FTP, and the modest gradients will carry you to the summit without drama.

Length — 15.8 km
Average gradient — 3.97%
Max gradient — 6.59%
Start — 36 m
Summit — 662 m
Net gain — 626 m
Total ascent — 613 m
Category — 2