Alto del Mohan

Overview

Alto del Mohan is a long, patient climb: 23.8 km of road that lifts you from 608 m at the base to a summit of 1557 m. On paper the average gradient of 3.99% reads gentle, and for long stretches it is. But length is the difficulty here. The net elevation gain is 949 m, while the total ascent tallies 1028 m — the difference tells you the road is not a single clean ramp. There are false flats, small descents, and rolling sections stitched between the harder pitches, which is why the climb earns a Category 2 rating despite a modest average. This is a climb you settle into rather than attack.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story of Alto del Mohan is the gap between its average and its extremes. A 3.99% mean gradient over 23.8 km is an all-day tempo effort, but the road hides a maximum pitch of 13.72% — more than three times the average. That single steep ramp is what you must survive, and it will not arrive when your legs are fresh. Because the total ascent (1028 m) exceeds the net gain (949 m) by 79 m, expect the profile to sag and recover: every metre you lose on a dip must be re-climbed. Treat the flatter kilometres as recovery, not as an excuse to burn matches, and save something for the 13.72% wall.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold the flatter kilometres just below threshold so you arrive at the steep sections with headroom. When the gradient spikes toward 13.72%, a short surge above threshold is fine — just don't let it become your default. Over 23.8 km, repeated overshoots compound into an early blow-up. If you don't know your number, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator and set a target power you can genuinely sustain for the better part of an hour. Aim to finish the 949 m of climbing feeling like you paced it, not like it paced you.

Gearing

The average of 3.99% flatters this climb; the 13.72% maximum is what dictates your cassette. For most riders a compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the right call. A 34×32 will get many trained riders up the steep ramp without cross-chaining into the redline, and it keeps your cadence honest on the tempo sections. If you're carrying fatigue, riding at altitude toward the 1557 m summit, or simply prefer to spin, size up to a 34×34 for extra insurance on the 13.72% pitch. Over 23.8 km, the ability to keep the pedals turning smoothly matters far more than saving a few grams.

Summary

Alto del Mohan rewards patience. Its 3.99% average masks both real length and a genuinely steep 13.72% maximum, and the 79 m gap between net gain and total ascent means the road never lets you fully switch off. Pace it to your FTP, gear for the steep pinch, and let the 949 m come to you.

Length: 23.8 km
Average gradient: 3.99%
Max gradient: 13.72%
Start: 608 m
Summit: 1557 m
Net gain: 949 m
Total ascent: 1028 m
Category: 2