Alto La Varga

Overview

Alto La Varga is a compact category 4 climb that packs a genuine effort into a short distance. It measures 2.9 km from base to summit, averaging 5.8% the whole way. You start at 564 m and finish at 733 m, a net elevation gain of 169 m, with total ascent recorded at 155 m. The category tells you plenty on its own: on the scale where HC is the hardest and the numbers descend 1, 2, 3, 4, this sits at the friendly end. But friendly does not mean flat. At under three kilometres with a max gradient of 7.03%, it is the kind of climb you can attack hard without needing to ration everything for a long grind.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is remarkably consistent. With an average of 5.8% and a maximum of only 7.03%, the difference between the mellowest and steepest sections is small, so there are no cruel ramps waiting to break your rhythm. Think of it as a sustained pull rather than a series of walls. The gap between net gain (169 m) and total ascent (155 m) is modest, which reinforces that this is a largely uphill, one-directional effort without meaningful descents or false flats to reset your legs. Because the gradient never spikes far above the average, your speed and cadence should stay fairly stable from bottom to top. The main challenge is simply holding a strong, steady output across all 2.9 km.

Pacing Notes

Short climbs reward controlled aggression. Because Alto La Varga is under 3 km, you can ride it meaningfully above your all-day pace. Aim to hold an effort just above your FTP for the full 2.9 km, since the climb is too short to blow up catastrophically if you judge it well but long enough to punish a reckless first minute. Settle into the 5.8% gradient early, find a cadence you can sustain, and lift the intensity in the final third as the summit at 733 m comes into view. If you are not sure what threshold number to target, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first, then treat that figure as your ceiling for the opening kilometre and something to nudge past as you close in on the top.

Gearing

With a max gradient of 7.03% and a steady 5.8% average, Alto La Varga does not demand ultra-low gearing, but comfort keeps your cadence high and your effort efficient. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 32-tooth largest sprocket (34×32) is plenty for most riders to spin cleanly up the whole 2.9 km. If you carry a heavier build, prefer a higher cadence, or want extra insurance on tired legs, a 34×34 gives you a little more breathing room without any downside on a climb this length. Either setup lets you sit and pedal rather than grind out of the saddle.

Summary

Alto La Varga is an honest, evenly graded category 4 climb: short, steady, and ideal for a hard, focused effort. Consistent pitching and a moderate summit height of 733 m make it approachable for newer climbers while still rewarding a strong pace.

Length: 2.9 km
Average gradient: 5.8%
Max gradient: 7.03%
Start: 564 m
Summit: 733 m
Net gain: 169 m
Total ascent: 155 m
Category: 4