Collado de los Chaparros

Overview

Collado de los Chaparros is a category 3 climb that trades brutality for endurance. Over 12.1 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 821 m to a summit of 1199 m, a net gain of 378 m at an average gradient of just 3.14%. The steepest ramp you will meet peaks at 5.98%, which by the standards of a serious mountain pass is barely a wall at all. This is a climb defined by its length and its consistency rather than any single defining pitch, and it rewards riders who can hold a rhythm far more than those who rely on explosive power.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is gentle and remarkably even. With an average of 3.14% spread across the full 12.1 km, and a maximum of only 5.98%, there is very little variation to disrupt your cadence. The gap between the average and the max is under three percentage points, which tells you the road never truly bites. Note too that the total ascent of 365 m sits slightly below the net gain of 378 m, meaning the profile climbs almost monotonically with virtually no descending or false-flat give-back along the way. In practical terms, you point the bike uphill at the bottom and you keep climbing, steadily, until the top arrives.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this even, pacing is everything. Because nothing ever spikes far above 5.98%, you can settle into a sustainable effort just below your threshold and hold it for the entire 12.1 km. Aim to ride at or slightly under your FTP rather than surging, since the shallow 3.14% average means every watt wasted on an acceleration is a watt you cannot recover on a nonexistent steep section. If you are unsure what number to target, run your figures through the FTP estimator before you set off. A disciplined, metronomic tempo will carry you to 1199 m faster than any stop-start approach.

Gearing

You do not need extreme gearing for a climb that never exceeds 5.98%, but comfort still pays off across 12.1 km of continuous ascent. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear gives most riders ample range to spin the 3.14% average without straining. If you prefer to keep your cadence high late in the climb, or you simply want insurance for tired legs near the 1199 m summit, a 34×34 offers a touch more relief. Either setup is more than sufficient here; the priority is a gear that lets you sit and spin rather than grind.

Summary

Collado de los Chaparros is a long, consistent, forgiving category 3 climb: 12.1 km of steady tempo with no real steep sections, ideal for practising even pacing. Set your effort near threshold, spin a comfortable gear, and let the 378 m of net gain come to you.

Length: 12.1 km
Average gradient: 3.14%
Max gradient: 5.98%
Start: 821 m
Summit: 1199 m
Net gain: 378 m
Total ascent: 365 m
Category: 3