Collada Llomena

Overview

Collada Llomena is a Category 1 climb in Spain, running 8.9 km from a valley start at 215 m to a summit at 1009 m. That gives a net elevation gain of 794 m over its length — a serious sustained ascent that earns its category. At an average of 8.94%, this is not a climb you settle into casually; the mean gradient alone puts it among the harder rated efforts you will encounter.

The number that matters most here is the gap between net gain and total ascent. The climb nets 794 m but racks up 1111 m of total ascent — a difference of 317 m. That extra vertical comes from descents and false flats mid-climb that you have to re-climb. Practically, it means the road undulates: you lose altitude and pay to regain it, so your legs do more work than the net 794 m figure suggests. Budget for that.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 8.94% average is a blend, not a constant. With 317 m of hidden climbing folded in, the profile swings above and below the mean repeatedly. Some sections ease off or tip downhill; others rear up well past the average to compensate.

• Recovery dips and short descents where you can shift up and spin
• Repeated short climbs stacked back to back, each one re-earning lost height
• Steep ramps that push well into double digits, sitting far above the 8.94% average

Do not trust the average to tell you how any single kilometre will feel — the steep pitches are where the climb is won or lost.

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, even-speed pacing is a trap. Chasing a constant speed forces you to spike your power on every ramp and coast on the dips, burning matches you will want later. Ride to even effort instead: hold a steady output tied to your sustainable power output, let your speed rise on the shallow sections, and accept a lower speed on the steep ramps rather than surging. Know your ceiling before you start — the FTP estimator gives you a target to pace against so you do not overcook the lower slopes.

Gearing

Gradient governs gearing, and this climb demands range. With sustained pitches near 9% and steeper ramps beyond it, a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline — think 34×32 or 34×34 to keep a workable cadence when the road tilts up hardest. Check your setup before the ride. Confirming your smallest gear now beats grinding a gear that is too tall halfway up.

Summary

• Length: 8.9 km
• Average gradient: 8.94%
• Net elevation gain: 794 m
• Total ascent: 1111 m
• Category: 1

Collada Llomena is a genuine Category 1 test: 8.9 km, nearly 9% average, and undulation that makes the real effort exceed the 794 m net gain. Gear low, pace to effort, and respect the ramps.