Belateko mendatea

Overview

Belateko mendatea is a long, honest category 2 climb that rewards patience over punch. Across 16.4 km you gain 741 m of net elevation, starting at 126 m and topping out at 867 m. That works out to an average gradient of 4.52% — a number that sounds gentle on paper but adds up relentlessly over sixteen kilometres. The total ascent of 721 m is only slightly below the net figure, which tells you this is a climb that keeps going up rather than one broken by long descents. Expect a sustained effort where the challenge is time in the saddle, not survival on a wall.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining trait here is consistency. With an average of 4.52% and a maximum of 9.04%, the steepest ramps are almost exactly double the mean — meaning the hardest pitches are firm but never leg-breaking. The gap between the 721 m total ascent and the 741 m net gain is just 20 m, so there is very little false flat or downhill recovery hidden inside the route. Practically, this is a climb of shallow-to-moderate grades broken up by occasional steeper kicks toward that 9.04% ceiling. You will spend most of your time somewhere near the average, which makes rhythm everything. Find a cadence that feels sustainable in the first few kilometres and protect it.

Pacing Notes

Because the effort is so even, Belateko mendatea is a textbook climb for pacing to power. Sixteen-plus kilometres at 4.52% is well beyond a short punchy effort, so aim to ride close to — but not over — your FTP. A good target is a steady percentage just below threshold that you can hold for the full 16.4 km, then lift slightly on the steeper ramps toward 9.04% rather than surging early. If you do not know your threshold number, run your recent efforts through the FTP estimator before you plan the ascent. Over 741 m of climbing, going 20 watts too hard in the opening kilometres will cost you far more than it gains. Ride within yourself, keep breathing controlled, and save your matches for the pitches nearest the summit.

Gearing

For a climb this long, gearing should prioritise a comfortable cadence over raw ratios. On the sustained 4.52% sections a compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 sprocket gives most riders enough spin to stay seated and efficient. When the road tilts toward the 9.04% maximum, having a 34×34 available keeps your cadence up without forcing you out of the saddle and burning through your effort budget. If you tend to grind or you are carrying fatigue, default to the easier end and let the terrain dictate your gear. Over 16.4 km, protecting your knees and your rhythm matters more than pushing a bigger gear for pride.

Summary

Belateko mendatea is a long, steady grind rather than a savage wall — a category 2 test of endurance and pacing discipline. Ride it to power, gear low enough to spin the steeper ramps, and let its consistency work in your favour.

Length: 16.4 km
Average gradient: 4.52%
Max gradient: 9.04%
Start: 126 m
Summit: 867 m
Net gain: 741 m
Total ascent: 721 m
Category: 2