Alto de Pidria

Overview

Alto de Pidria is a category 2 climb that packs a genuine test into 8.9 km of road. From a base at 828 m, it drags you up to a summit of 1419 m — a net elevation gain of 591 m over the course of the ascent. The average gradient sits at 6.67%, which is steep enough to demand respect without ever letting up into a false flat. This is the kind of climb where the number that matters most is that 18.71% maximum: a wall that lurks somewhere in the profile and can undo a rider who arrives at it already in the red.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure of 6.67% is an average, and averages hide the story. With a maximum pitch of 18.71%, this climb is far from uniform. Expect the road to swing above and below its mean repeatedly — stretches near the 6.67% average that let you settle into a rhythm, punctuated by ramps that spike toward that punishing 18.71%. Total ascent across the effort works out to 581 m, close to the net gain of 591 m, which tells you the climb is almost entirely uphill with little in the way of recovery descents. There is nowhere to coast and reset. Over 8.9 km, that consistency of upward pressure is what makes a category 2 rating honest.

Pacing Notes

The smart way to ride Alto de Pidria is to pace off your sustainable power, not off the steepest ramp. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold something you can sustain for the full 8.9 km rather than burning matches on the early slopes. The danger zone is that 18.71% pitch — if you hit it already gassed, you will be forced to a crawl. Keep a reserve so you can absorb the spikes above 6.67% and float over the wall rather than grinding to a halt. If you're not sure what wattage to target across 591 m of gain, use the FTP estimator to set a realistic ceiling before you start, then ride just under it until the summit at 1419 m is in sight.

Gearing

Gearing is where this climb is won or lost. A 6.67% average is manageable on standard setups, but the 18.71% maximum changes the calculation entirely. For most riders, a compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the right call. A 34×32 will get you up the sustained sections in reasonable comfort, but for the steepest ramp toward 18.71% you'll be grateful for the extra relief of a 34×34. If your legs or your loaded weight give you any doubt, choose the 34×34 — spinning a low gear over that wall beats standing and stalling every time on an 8.9 km effort.

Summary

Alto de Pidria is a compact but honest category 2 climb: 8.9 km at 6.67% with a summit of 1419 m and a single vicious ramp to define the day. Pace it off your FTP, gear low for the 18.71% wall, and let the 591 m of gain come to you.

Length: 8.9 km
Average gradient: 6.67%
Max gradient: 18.71%
Start: 828 m
Summit: 1419 m
Net gain: 591 m
Total ascent: 581 m
Category: 2