Collado Moreno

Overview

Collado Moreno is a compact climb that rewards a decisive effort. Over just 1.9 km the road lifts you from 374 m at the base to a 503 m summit, a net gain of 129 m at an average of 6.89%. On paper that puts it firmly in category 4 — the gentlest of the classified brackets that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4 — but the numbers hide how quickly it comes and goes. This is a climb you can attack from the bottom rather than ration across many kilometres. With a max gradient of 8.36%, the steepest ramp is a manageable step above the average, so there are no wall-like sections to blow your rhythm apart. The total ascent registers at 113 m, slightly under the net figure, which tells you the road climbs almost continuously with little in the way of false-flat relief.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is consistency. An average of 6.89% against a max of 8.36% means the gradient rarely strays far from where it sits most of the time — the difference between the two is under a percent and a half. There's no shallow run-in that lets you build speed for free, nor a brutal final kicker that forces a change of plan. Instead you get a steady, honest pitch that holds you in a fixed effort band from the first pedal stroke to the last. The steepest 8.36% section is the one moment to be ready for a small surge in resistance, but even that stays within reach of the same gear you'll use across the body of the climb. Treat the whole 1.9 km as a single sustained block rather than a series of distinct pitches.

Pacing Notes

Because Collado Moreno is so short, it sits closer to an interval than an endurance effort. You can afford to ride above your steady climbing tempo — think just over threshold rather than a conservative all-day pace. Anchoring the effort to your FTP helps: at only 1.9 km, most riders can hold well above 100% of FTP for the duration without cracking. If you don't have a current threshold figure, the FTP estimator will get you a working number to plan around. Start controlled for the opening stretch, settle into a rhythm you're confident you can sustain, then lift the pace over the final section once the summit at 503 m is in sight and you know the 129 m of gain is nearly behind you.

Gearing

For a climb this short and steady, most riders on a compact chainring will be comfortable with a 34×32 as their lowest ratio. The 8.36% max never demands anything extreme, and 34×32 gives you enough range to spin the steeper moments without grinding. If you prefer to keep cadence high, favour lighter legs, or expect to attack the climb repeatedly, step down to a 34×34 for a little extra insurance. Either way you'll rarely need the full range across the 1.9 km — the priority is holding a smooth, quick cadence rather than muscling a big gear.

Summary

Collado Moreno is a punchy, honest little climb: 1.9 km of consistent 6.89% gradient with no nasty surprises. Ride it hard, hold your rhythm, and you'll crest the 503 m summit before fatigue ever sets in.

Length: 1.9 km
Average gradient: 6.89%
Max gradient: 8.36%
Start: 374 m
Summit: 503 m
Net gain: 129 m
Total ascent: 113 m
Category: 4