Collado de las Cuevas Ortiz

Overview

Collado de las Cuevas Ortiz is a 5.4 km category 3 climb in Spain that trades brute force for rhythm. Starting from 0 m and topping out at 271 m, it delivers a net elevation gain of 271 m at an average gradient of 4.97%. The total ascent comes in at 260 m — a hint that the road is not relentlessly upward, but rolls just enough to nudge the recorded climbing slightly below the pure net figure. This is a climb you can settle into: long enough to matter, gentle enough on average to reward a rider who paces well, but with a maximum gradient of 8.92% that ensures you never fully switch off.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The math tells a clear story. With a 4.97% average and an 8.92% peak, the steepest section is roughly 3.95 percentage points above the mean — a meaningful spike, but far from a wall. Because the total ascent of 260 m sits just under the 271 m net gain, expect the profile to include short flatter or slightly descending kicks that let the road recover. Practically, that means the effort is not evenly spread. Some of the 5.4 km will feel easier than 4.97%, which implies other stretches must climb harder to hold the average — and that is where the 8.92% pinch lives. Ride it as a series of undulating ramps rather than one uniform grade.

Pacing Notes

The key to Collado de las Cuevas Ortiz is not blowing up on the steepest ramp. On a climb of this length, aim to hold an effort a touch under your threshold on the shallower sections, then absorb the 8.92% pinch as a controlled surge rather than a panic. If you know your FTP, target the flatter portions at a sustainable percentage of it and let your power drift upward only where the gradient forces it. Not sure where your threshold sits? Run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a pacing plan. At 5.4 km, the whole climb is short enough that a slightly-too-hard start will cost you dearly near the top — patience pays.

Gearing

With an average of 4.97% and a peak of 8.92%, most fit riders will be well served by a compact setup. A 34×32 bottom gear gives you room to spin the steeper ramps without grinding, keeping your cadence high enough to protect your legs across the full 5.4 km. If you carry extra fatigue, ride at a heavier build, or simply prefer to twiddle up the 8.92% section seated, step up to a 34×34 for a little more insurance. Either way, the goal is to keep the pedals turning smoothly rather than forcing a low, muscular grind on a climb whose average is comfortably moderate.

Summary

Collado de las Cuevas Ortiz is an honest, rhythm-friendly category 3 test: 271 m of gain over 5.4 km, ridden at a manageable average with one respectable 8.92% kick. Pace the flatter stretches sensibly, save something for the pinch, and it rewards a smart ride.

Length: 5.4 km
Average gradient: 4.97%
Max gradient: 8.92%
Start: 0 m
Summit: 271 m
Net gain: 271 m
Total ascent: 260 m
Category: 3