Collado de los Ballesteros

Overview

The Collado de los Ballesteros is a short, approachable climb that rewards rhythm over raw power. At 2.9 km long with an average gradient of 3.72%, it sits firmly in category 4 territory — the gentlest of the categorised ascents, but still enough to sting the legs if you attack it cold. The road lifts you from a low start elevation of 9 m to a summit of 116 m, a net elevation gain of 107 m. The total measured ascent comes in at 87 m, a hint that the profile isn't a perfectly monotonic drag but carries small dips and easings along the way.

How the Gradient Unfolds

This is a climb defined by consistency. With an average of 3.72% and a maximum of just 5.68%, there is never a wall to fear — the difference between the average and the steepest pitch is under 2%, so the effort stays remarkably even from bottom to top. The gap between the 107 m net gain and the 87 m of total ascent tells the real story: somewhere along the 2.9 km you'll roll across flatter or briefly descending sections that give the legs a moment to recover. Expect a gentle opening, a middle that tips toward that 5.68% high point, and a final drag into the 116 m summit that never truly bites. It is a climb you can see the shape of the whole way up.

Pacing Notes

Because the Collado de los Ballesteros is so short and shallow, pacing is less about survival and more about not overcooking a punchy effort. At 2.9 km you're looking at a single sustained push rather than a battle of attrition. Riders comfortable holding tempo can sit just below threshold the entire way; those chasing a time can afford to ride above their FTP for the steeper 5.68% section knowing the summit at 116 m arrives quickly.

If you're unsure what wattage to target, the FTP estimator will give you a working number to anchor your effort. On a climb this brief, going out slightly too hard costs little — the 107 m of net gain simply doesn't last long enough to blow you up.

Gearing

For most riders a standard compact setup is more than enough here. A 34×32 lowest gear gives you a comfortable spinning cadence across the 3.72% average and leaves plenty in reserve for the 5.68% maximum. If you prefer to stay seated and turn a light gear — or you're carrying fatigue from a longer day — a 34×34 adds a touch more margin and lets you float up the steepest pitch without straining. Neither is strictly necessary on a 2.9 km category 4 climb, but both keep the effort smooth rather than forced.

Summary

The Collado de los Ballesteros is a friendly, well-mannered climb: short at 2.9 km, steady at 3.72%, and never harsher than 5.68%. It's an ideal warm-up effort, a tempo test, or a stepping stone toward tougher categorised climbs. Ride it smooth, respect the brief steep pitch, and enjoy the quick 107 m ascent to the top.

Length: 2.9 km
Average gradient: 3.72%
Max gradient: 5.68%
Start: 9 m
Summit: 116 m
Net gain: 107 m
Total ascent: 87 m
Category: 4