Alto de la Mera

Overview

Alto de la Mera is a short, honest category 3 climb that packs its work into a tight window. At just 2.2 km long, it rises from 222 m at the base to a 371 m summit — a net gain of 149 m. The average gradient of 6.84% keeps the pressure steady from the first pedal stroke, and with a maximum of 7.43% there are no cruel ramps waiting to blow your legs apart. This is a climb defined by consistency rather than surprise: what you see at the bottom is very close to what you get all the way up.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of la Mera is how little the gradient varies. The spread between the 6.84% average and the 7.43% maximum is only 0.59% — remarkably narrow for a real-world climb. In practical terms, that means the road never truly flattens to let you recover, but it also never spikes into a wall that forces you out of the saddle. You settle into one rhythm early and hold it. Over 2.2 km, the ascent measures 117 m of climbing across the road surface, and the near-constant pitch makes the effort feel longer than the modest distance suggests. Expect a sustained burn rather than repeated surges.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so even, la Mera rewards a disciplined, metered effort. Set your pace to something you can sustain for the full 2.2 km and resist the temptation to attack early — there is no easier section later to bail you out. A good target is riding just under or right at your threshold. If you know your FTP, aim to sit close to it for the duration; the climb is short enough that a strong rider can push slightly above and still hold on to the top. If you are unsure of your numbers, run them through the FTP estimator before you commit to a race-effort attempt. With only a 0.59% swing between average and max, your power output should stay almost flat the whole way — a perfect testing ground for steady-state pacing.

Gearing

At 6.84% average with a 7.43% ceiling, la Mera does not demand ultra-low ratios for most fit riders. A compact chainring paired with a 34×32 will give you a comfortable spinning gear that keeps your cadence high across the sustained pitch. If you prefer to protect your legs, favor climbing on tired days, or ride at a more relaxed effort, a 34×34 offers a touch more headroom without over-gearing on such a short climb. Because there are no severe ramps beyond 7.43%, you will rarely reach for your easiest cog in anger — the priority here is holding a smooth, repeatable cadence rather than grinding through a crisis.

Summary

Alto de la Mera is a compact, steady category 3 test: short enough to attack, consistent enough to reward clean pacing. Ride it at threshold, hold your rhythm, and you will crest the 371 m summit with room to spare.

Length: 2.2 km
Average gradient: 6.84%
Max gradient: 7.43%
Start: 222 m
Summit: 371 m
Net gain: 149 m
Total ascent: 117 m
Category: 3