Alto del Padrún

Overview

Alto del Padrún is a short, honest climb that packs a real punch into a modest distance. Over just 3.8 km the road lifts you from 152 m at the foot to 379 m at the summit, a net gain of 227 m. The average gradient of 6% sounds friendly on paper, but the total ascent of 211 m across such a compact stretch means there is little room to hide. Rated category 3 — one step above the gentlest category 4, and well below the brutal hors catégorie giants — it sits in that sweet spot where a strong rider can attack it hard while a steadier climber still needs to respect the numbers.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story of Padrún is one of a climb that never truly relents. With 3.8 km of road and a 6% average, the ramp is fairly consistent, but the standout figure is the 10.92% maximum. That steepest pitch is where the climb bares its teeth, nearly doubling the average and demanding a sudden change of rhythm. Because the net gain (227 m) slightly exceeds the total ascent figure of 211 m, you can expect the profile to trend upward almost the entire way, with the hardest gradient likely tucked into one of the middle or upper sections where fatigue is already building. Read the road ahead, because that double-digit ramp will find you if you have overcooked the lower slopes.

Pacing Notes

For a climb this length, pacing is about holding just below your ceiling. Aim to ride the 6% stretches at a controlled tempo near your FTP, keeping a small reserve in the tank for the 10.92% pitch. Going into the red too early on a 3.8 km effort is costly — there simply is not enough climb left to recover. If you are unsure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target. A good plan: settle in at a sustainable effort, then allow your power to rise as the steepest ramp arrives, knowing the 379 m summit is close once the gradient bites hardest.

Gearing

Given the 10.92% maximum, you want gearing that lets you spin rather than grind through that pitch. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible choice here. For most fit riders a 34×32 combination gives enough range to keep the cadence up on the steep section without stalling. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance on tired legs, step up to a 34×34 — that extra sprocket turns the 10.92% ramp from a struggle into a manageable seated effort. Either way, the goal is momentum over the 227 m of gain.

Summary

Alto del Padrún rewards riders who pace the 6% average shrewdly and save something for the 10.92% sting. Short, steady, and category 3, it is a satisfying test that fits neatly into a longer day in the saddle.

Length: 3.8 km
Average gradient: 6%
Max gradient: 10.92%
Start: 152 m
Summit: 379 m
Net gain: 227 m
Total ascent: 211 m
Category: 3