Alto de Tibaná

Overview

Alto de Tibaná is a compact category-3 ascent that packs a genuine punch into a short distance. Over 4.9 km the road climbs from 1956 m to 2228 m, a net gain of 272 m at an average gradient of 5.58%. The category tells you this sits toward the gentler end of the difficulty scale — HC climbs are the hardest, then 1, 2, 3, and 4 — but the 11.13% max pitch means it is far from a rolling warm-up. This is the kind of effort you can bury yourself in from bottom to top without needing to ration energy for a long haul.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape of Tibaná is defined by the gap between its average and its steepest ramp. A 5.58% mean over 4.9 km is a steady, sustainable slope, but the 11.13% max — roughly double the average — signals that the gradient is not evenly spread. Expect the road to ease back toward the low single digits in places and then rear up on the harder ramps, where you will be pushing nearly twice the effort of the average.

One useful cross-check: the net elevation gain is 272 m, while the total ascent measured along the road is 257 m. Because net gain exceeds total ascent here, the profile trends relentlessly upward with essentially no descending or false-flat relief to recover on. Every metre of road is working for you.

Pacing Notes

Because Tibaná is short, treat it as a threshold-to-supra-threshold effort rather than a conservative long climb. Riding at or just above your FTP for the full 4.9 km is realistic for most trained riders, and the limited length means a small overshoot early is survivable if the steeper ramps don't blow you apart.

The tactical key is the 11.13% pitches. Ride the shallower sections at a firm but controlled tempo, then accept a wattage spike on the steep ramps rather than trying to hold even power throughout. If you don't know your threshold, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so you can anchor your climbing effort to real data instead of guesswork.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 5.58% with an 11.13% max, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear is plenty for the average slope and handles the steep ramps for strong climbers. If you spin a higher cadence, carry extra load, or simply want insurance on the 11.13% sections, step up to a 34×34 to keep the pedals turning without grinding into the red. Given the sustained upward trend and total ascent of 257 m, favour the easier ratio if you're in doubt — a cadence you can hold beats a gear you have to fight.

Summary

Alto de Tibaná rewards a committed, near-threshold effort: short enough to attack, steep enough on the 11.13% ramps to demand respect, and relentlessly uphill from base to summit. Pace it firm, gear it kind, and enjoy the 272 m of clean elevation.

Length: 4.9 km
Average gradient: 5.58%
Max gradient: 11.13%
Start: 1956 m
Summit: 2228 m
Net gain: 272 m
Total ascent: 257 m
Category: 3