Collado de Anciles

Overview

The Collado de Anciles is a compact, honest climb that packs a real bite into a short distance. Over just 3.7 km it averages 7.06%, carrying you from a start elevation of 1141 m to a summit at 1399 m. That works out to a net elevation gain of 258 m, with 224 m of total ascent logged along the way. Rated category 3, it sits well below the brutal HC and category 1 giants, but the numbers make it clear this is no gentle warm-up — a 7.06% average sustained over nearly 4 km will have your legs talking long before the top.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is the gap between the average and the maximum. While the mean gradient reads 7.06%, the steepest pitch ramps up to 13.84% — very nearly double the average. That tells you the climb is not evenly graded. Expect stretches that sit close to or slightly below the 7.06% mean, punctuated by sharper ramps where the road rears up toward that 13.84% peak. On a climb this short, those steep sections carry outsized weight: there is little flat road to recover on, so the effort stays continuous. The 258 m of net gain over 3.7 km is delivered in a steady, front-loaded grind rather than a series of long, rolling steps.

Pacing Notes

Because the climb is short, the temptation is to attack from the base. Resist it. With a 7.06% average and ramps to 13.84%, the smart approach is to settle into a rhythm you can hold to the summit and keep a small reserve for the steep pitches. Ride the steady sections just under your threshold and let your effort rise naturally on the ramps rather than surging. Knowing your FTP makes this far easier — it gives you a reference power to pace against so you don't redline early on a 13.84% wall and blow up before 1399 m. If you're not sure of your current number, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan your ride. For a climb of 3.7 km, holding just below threshold is usually the fastest and most repeatable strategy.

Gearing

With ramps reaching 13.84%, gearing matters more than the modest length suggests. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most reasonably fit riders up the 7.06% average comfortably, keeping your cadence spinning rather than grinding. If you carry any fatigue, ride at a lighter build, or simply want insurance for the 13.84% pitches, step up to a 34×34 — that extra sprocket keeps the cadence alive when the road bites hardest. On a climb this steep for its length, err toward the easier ratio; there is no penalty for spinning, and plenty for grinding to a standstill on a ramp.

Summary

The Collado de Anciles is a short, steep, honest test — 3.7 km that asks for smart pacing and forgiving gears. Respect the gap between its 7.06% average and 13.84% maximum, ride within yourself, and the summit at 1399 m arrives sooner than the effort suggests.

Length: 3.7 km
Average gradient: 7.06%
Max gradient: 13.84%
Start: 1141 m
Summit: 1399 m
Net gain: 258 m
Total ascent: 224 m
Category: 3