Alto Pozo de la Mora

Overview

Alto Pozo de la Mora is a category 4 ascent that stretches 6.9 km with an average gradient of 3.08%. It begins high, at 1272 m of elevation, and tops out at a summit of 1485 m — a net gain of 213 m across the effort. That places it firmly in the friendliest of the categorised tiers: category 4 is the gentlest rung on the ladder that runs upward through 3, 2, 1 and finally HC, the hors catégorie giants. This is not a wall. It is a long, rolling drag at real altitude, and its character comes from that combination of thin air and a forgiving slope rather than from any single savage ramp.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is a 3.08% average, but averages hide the texture. With a maximum pitch of 6.84%, the steepest section is roughly double the mean — a clear sign that the gradient is uneven rather than a metronomic false flat. Expect stretches that sit well below 3.08%, offset by short passages that bite toward that 6.84% ceiling. It is worth noting the small gap between the net elevation gain of 213 m and the total ascent of 202 m: the climb is almost entirely uphill, with barely any downhill kickers eating into your progress. That means momentum, once built, tends to stay with you rather than being repeatedly bled away.

Pacing Notes

Because the average is modest, the temptation is to attack the whole thing. Resist it on the steeper pitches. Ride the shallow sections at a controlled tempo and save a little for the ramps that reach toward 6.84%, where holding power matters most. A good target is to sit just under your threshold on the flatter portions and let the hardest ramps nudge you briefly toward it. If you know your FTP, aim to keep your average for the 6.9 km comfortably below it, with only the steep bites pulling you close. Not sure of your number? Run a quick check with the FTP estimator before you plan a target effort. At 1272 m rising to 1485 m, altitude will trim your ceiling slightly, so pace on feel as much as on watts.

Gearing

At 3.08% average with a 6.84% maximum, you do not need mountain-goat gearing here — but the thin air makes a spinnable low end welcome. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible choice. A 34×32 combination gives most riders enough range to spin the steepest 6.84% pitches without grinding, and a 34×34 adds a touch more insurance if you are carrying fatigue, riding at altitude, or simply prefer a higher cadence. Either setup lets you stay seated and relaxed for the bulk of the 6.9 km.

Summary

Alto Pozo de la Mora rewards steady riding over heroics: a category 4 climb of 6.9 km, averaging 3.08% with an uneven profile that peaks at 6.84%. Starting at 1272 m and cresting at 1485 m, it delivers 213 m of net gain almost entirely uphill. Pace the shallows, respect the ramps, and gear for comfort.

Length: 6.9 km
Average gradient: 3.08%
Max gradient: 6.84%
Start: 1272 m
Summit: 1485 m
Net gain: 213 m
Total ascent: 202 m
Category: 4