Alto de Vila Verde

Overview

The Alto de Vila Verde is a category 4 climb that measures 6.2 km from base to summit. It starts at 409 m and tops out at 649 m, giving a net elevation gain of 240 m. The average gradient sits at a gentle 3.85%, which places this firmly in the "tempo effort" bracket rather than the leg-breaking territory of the higher categories. With a max gradient of 7.97%, there is a genuine sting hidden inside an otherwise moderate profile, but nothing here forces you fully out of the saddle for long. It is the kind of climb you can attack with a rhythm and hold to the line.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 3.85% average over 6.2 km, the Vila Verde rewards consistency more than raw power. The gap between the 3.85% mean and the 7.97% maximum tells the real story: this is a rolling climb rather than a wall. Expect long stretches that sit below the average, where you can carry speed and recover, punctuated by short pitches that spike toward that 7.97% figure. Because the total ascent of 220 m is slightly less than the 240 m net gain, the road clearly gives back a little elevation along the way — meaning brief flatter or gently descending sections interrupt the climbing. Those respites are where you make up time, and where over-eager riders bleed energy by surging instead of settling.

Pacing Notes

Because the average is modest, the temptation is to treat Vila Verde as an all-out effort. Resist that on the lower slopes. A climb of 6.2 km at 3.85% is best ridden just under your threshold, saving a match for the 7.97% pitches. Anchor your effort to your FTP: aim to hold a controlled tempo on the shallow sections and allow your power to rise naturally on the steep ramps without redlining. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first, then set a target that leaves headroom for the steepest kicks. Riders who pace the flatter middle well arrive at the final ramps with something left, which is exactly where a category 4 like this is won or lost.

Gearing

You do not need mountain gearing for 240 m of climbing at 3.85%, but the 7.97% pitches make a forgiving cassette worthwhile. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear covers almost everyone comfortably on this profile, letting you spin the steep sections rather than grind. If you favour a higher cadence, or you are carrying fatigue from earlier climbing, a 34×34 gives that extra margin on the sharpest ramps without any real downside on a climb this short. Either 34×32 or 34×34 keeps your legs fresh for the punchy sections.

Summary

Alto de Vila Verde is an approachable, rhythm-friendly category 4 climb: 6.2 km of steady gradient with just enough bite near 7.97% to keep you honest. Pace the shallow parts, spin the ramps, and enjoy the 240 m of gain.

Length: 6.2 km
Average gradient: 3.85%
Max gradient: 7.97%
Start: 409 m
Summit: 649 m
Net gain: 240 m
Total ascent: 220 m
Category: 4