Collada de la Plana del Alba

Overview

Collada de la Plana del Alba is a Category 1 climb in Spain that runs 8.5km from a start elevation of 1626m to a summit at 2404m. That gives a net elevation gain of 778m, and the whole effort sits at high altitude, with the final metres cresting above 2400m. At 9.13% average gradient over that distance, it is a serious, sustained ascent that rewards riders who arrive with a clear plan.

The net figures only tell part of the story. Total ascent on the climb is 960m, against a net gain of 778m — a gap of 182m. That difference means the road does not climb cleanly; it undulates, giving back elevation you then have to reclaim. On paper you gain 778m, but your legs pay for 960m. Expect the effort to feel harder than a simple point-to-point profile would suggest, and factor that extra work into how you ration your energy.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 9.13% average is already steep, but averages flatten out the real shape of the road. Because the climb undulates, some sections sit well below 9.13% while others rear up well above it. The 182m of extra ascent has to come from somewhere: short descents followed by sharp reclaims that break your rhythm.

• Flatter or recovery sections where the gradient eases, letting you shift up and reset
• Repeated short climbs where the road gives back elevation and forces you to reclaim it
• The steepest ramps, sitting noticeably above the 9.13% average and demanding your lowest gears

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, even-effort pacing beats even-speed pacing. Chasing a constant speed will spike your power on every reclaim and blow you up before the summit. Instead, hold a steady effort anchored to your sustainable power output, letting your speed rise on the flatter sections and drop on the ramps.

Know your number before you start. Use the FTP estimator to set a target you can hold for the full 8.5km, then cap your surges on the steep pitches so you have something left when the road undulates late in the climb.

Gearing

With ramps sitting above a 9.13% average, gearing is not optional — it decides whether you spin or grind to a halt. Run a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette, something like 34×32 or 34×34, so you can keep a workable cadence on the steepest reclaims at altitude. Check your setup before the ride, not at the bottom of the climb. Confirm the cassette and chainring you have actually installed, and make sure the derailleur handles the full range cleanly.

Summary

• Length: 8.5km
• Average gradient: 9.13%
• Net elevation gain: 778m
• Total ascent: 960m
• Category: 1

Collada de la Plana del Alba is a sustained, high-altitude Category 1 climb where the undulation matters as much as the average. Pace to effort, gear low, and respect the 960m your legs actually have to lift.