Coll de la Ventosa

Overview

Coll de la Ventosa is a short, honest category 4 climb that packs its work into just 4.8 km. From a low start at 31 m of elevation, the road lifts you to a summit of 245 m, a net gain of 214 m over the ascent. At an average gradient of 4.48%, it sits firmly in the tempo range rather than the grind range — steep enough to matter, gentle enough to hold a rhythm if you meter your effort well. The total ascent measures 196 m, a touch below the net figure, telling you the profile climbs almost continuously with only the smallest of dips along the way.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining number here is the gap between the 4.48% average and the 9.41% max. That spread of nearly five points means Ventosa is not a uniform drag — there is a distinct pinch where the gradient more than doubles the average. On a climb this short, a single ramp at 9.41% shapes the whole experience. Expect the bulk of the 4.8 km to sit close to that middle number, punctuated by one section where the road bites and your cadence drops. Because the total ascent (196 m) tracks so closely to the net gain (214 m), there are no meaningful recovery descents to reset your legs before the steep bit arrives — what you climb, you keep.

Pacing Notes

For a climb of this length, pacing is about not overcooking the opening. At 4.48% average across 4.8 km, most riders will finish inside a tempo-to-threshold effort, so the smart play is to hold something in reserve for the 9.41% ramp rather than burning matches on the shallower approach. If you know your FTP, aim to sit just under it on the average slopes and allow yourself to spike above it only through the steep pinch, where staying seated and steady beats surging. Not sure what your number is? Run a quick estimate with the FTP estimator before your next attempt and set a target you can actually sustain.

Gearing

Ventosa does not demand exotic gearing, but that 9.41% ramp rewards having something in reserve. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is ideal. For most fit riders a 34×32 will comfortably spin the steep section without forcing you out of the saddle. If you prefer a lower spin, favor climbing at higher cadence, or expect to arrive fatigued, a 34×34 gives you extra headroom to keep the pedals turning smoothly through the pinch. Either way, the goal is to protect your cadence when the gradient jumps from the mild average toward the maximum.

Summary

Coll de la Ventosa is a compact, punchy category 4 climb: 4.8 km of steady rising terrain with one sharp ramp that defines the effort. Pace the shallow slopes, save your legs for the 9.41% pinch, and let a 34×32 or 34×34 keep your rhythm intact.

Length: 4.8 km
Average gradient: 4.48%
Max gradient: 9.41%
Start: 31 m
Summit: 245 m
Net gain: 214 m
Total ascent: 196 m
Category: 4