Colláu de Alano

Overview

Colláu de Alano is a long, patient category 1 climb that rewards steady legs over explosive power. From a start elevation of 759 m, the road unspools for 24.8 km before topping out at 1923 m. That is a net elevation gain of 1164 m at an average gradient of 4.7% — numbers that describe a genuine mountain effort rather than a quick punch. Total ascent comes in slightly lower at 1090 m, a sign that the profile is not relentlessly upward and includes short reprieves where the road eases or briefly dips. At nearly 25 km in length, this is a climb measured in tens of minutes, not seconds, and pacing discipline matters more than raw peak wattage.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure is a 4.7% average, but averages hide the texture of a climb this long. Spread across 24.8 km, that mean gradient implies long stretches sitting comfortably in the mid-single digits, punctuated by steeper ramps and the occasional flatter recovery zone. The gap between the 1164 m net gain and the 1090 m of total ascent is the tell: somewhere on this ascent the road gives back a little altitude before clawing it back, so expect the gradient to breathe rather than hold one steady pitch. Treat the 4.7% as your planning number, but be ready for sections that sit well above it and others where you can shift up and roll.

Pacing Notes

On a climb of this length, holding a sustainable effort is everything. Anchor your pacing to your FTP and aim to sit just below threshold for the bulk of the 24.8 km, saving any surges for the steeper ramps rather than the early kilometres. Going out too hard on the lower slopes is the classic mistake here — with 1164 m of climbing to absorb, an early over-effort compounds badly over the remaining distance. If you are unsure of your threshold power, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so your target zones reflect your current fitness rather than a guess. Ration your effort, keep your cadence smooth, and let the average gradient do the work.

Gearing

A 4.7% average across 24.8 km is deceptively fatiguing, and the smart move is to carry more range than you think you need. A compact 34-tooth inner ring is the sensible foundation. Pairing that 34 with a 34×32 will handle the mean gradient and most of the steeper ramps for stronger riders, but if you tire late or want to protect your knees over a climb this long, step up to a 34×34 for a lower bailout gear. The extra sprocket costs you almost nothing on the mellower stretches and buys real insurance when the road kicks up in the final third and your legs are already 1000-plus metres into the ascent.

Summary

Colláu de Alano is a long-format category 1 climb best approached with patience, a low gear, and a threshold-based pacing plan. Meter your effort across the full 24.8 km and the 1164 m of net gain becomes a satisfying rhythm rather than a wall.

Length: 24.8 km
Average gradient: 4.7%
Max gradient: n/a
Start: 759 m
Summit: 1923 m
Net gain: 1164 m
Total ascent: 1090 m
Category: 1