Alto del Cogollo

Overview

Alto del Cogollo is a compact category 2 climb that packs real bite into a short distance. Over 4.5 km it averages 6.82%, dragging you from a start elevation of 2518 m up to a summit at 2827 m — a net gain of 309 m. That average is the headline number here: 6.82% is not a gradient you can casually spin through, and with a max pitch of 9.14% there are moments where the road genuinely stands up. This is a climb that rewards a steady head and punishes anyone who goes out too hot.

The thin air adds a quiet extra tax. Finishing above 2800 m, your legs will feel the altitude even if the raw gradient looks manageable on paper. Treat it as a sustained effort at threshold rather than a series of accelerations.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape of Cogollo is defined by the gap between its average and its maximum. With a mean of 6.82% and a peak of 9.14%, the difference is only 2.32 percentage points — meaning this is a remarkably consistent climb. There are no long false flats to recover on and no sudden walls to survive; instead the road holds a demanding-but-even pitch for nearly its entire 4.5 km.

That consistency cuts both ways. On the upside, you can settle into a single rhythm and hold it. On the downside, there is nowhere to hide and no easy stretch to soft-pedal and refuel. The steepest ramps at 9.14% arrive as small intensifications of a grind that is already firm, so the trick is to keep something in reserve rather than emptying the tank on the lower slopes.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient barely wavers, Cogollo is an ideal climb to ride at a controlled, threshold-style intensity. Aim to sit just under your FTP for the bulk of the 4.5 km, letting the effort creep up only over the final stretch toward 2827 m. If you don't know your threshold power, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your effort.

At altitude, respect that your usable power will be lower than at sea level — don't chase your flatland numbers. Start conservatively over the first kilometre, confirm your breathing is sustainable, then hold that line. With a net gain of 309 m and a total ascent of 291 m, the whole climb is over relatively quickly, so a well-judged, even pace almost always beats a fast start followed by a fade.

Gearing

For a 4.5 km wall averaging 6.82% and touching 9.14%, err toward easier gearing than you think you need — especially given the altitude. A compact 34-tooth inner ring paired with a 34×32 low is a sensible baseline for strong climbers who can turn a bigger gear comfortably. If you prefer to spin, or you're carrying fatigue, a 34×34 gives you extra headroom on the 9.14% pitches without wrecking your cadence. The consistent gradient means whichever ratio you choose, you'll use it for most of the climb, so pick the one that keeps you seated and spinning rather than grinding.

Summary

Alto del Cogollo is a short, honest, high-altitude test: consistent, sustained, and unforgiving of a bad pace. Ride it at threshold, gear low, and let the even gradient work for you.

Length: 4.5 km
Average gradient: 6.82%
Max gradient: 9.14%
Start: 2518 m
Summit: 2827 m
Net gain: 309 m
Total ascent: 291 m
Category: 2