Hauereck

Overview

Hauereck is a Category 1 climb in Austria, starting at 744 m and finishing at 1,297 m. The net elevation gain is 553 m over 5.9 km, but the total ascent of 646 m tells you something important: the road doesn't simply march upward. There are undulations, brief recoveries, and at least one section that claws back elevation you thought you'd already banked. Respect that 93-metre gap between net and total ascent — it means you'll do more work than the headline numbers suggest.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 9.4% average is already firmly in the "this hurts" category for most riders. For reference, that average sits well above the kind of sustained gradient that forces significant FTP management from the first kilometre. But the average here is arguably understating the challenge, because the 27.61% maximum gradient is exceptional — approaching the steepest terrain found anywhere in competitive cycling.

A climb that averages 9.4% but peaks at 27.61% is not a uniform grind. Expect the profile to feature:

• Moderate ramps in the lower section, where the gradient is likely closer to the average or below it, giving legs a chance to settle.
• Savage pitch changes somewhere in the middle or upper third, where the road kicks into double-digit gradients and briefly touches or approaches that near-28% maximum.
• Partial recoveries that account for the difference between net and total ascent — short descents or flattening that reset breathing but not necessarily accumulated fatigue.

The total ascent figure of 646 m versus the 553 m net gain confirms these fluctuations are real and meaningful, not just rounding artifacts.

Pacing Strategy

The biggest mistake on a climb like this is riding the moderate early gradients too hard. By the time the pitch spikes toward its maximum, you need reserves.

Starting effort: Keep the first third controlled — below threshold if you're targeting a full effort, or at a pace you could hold for considerably longer than 5.9 km. The road is giving you relatively easier terrain early; treat it as a gift, not an invitation to push.

Through the steep sections: When the gradient bites hard, don't panic-accelerate or try to maintain speed. Maintain power output, let speed drop, and stay seated where possible. Standing is expensive on sustained steep pitches — use it tactically for surges of 15–30 seconds, then return to the saddle.

The false recoveries: Any flat or downhill section mid-climb is an opportunity to spin the legs out, briefly lower heart rate, and top up breathing. Resist the urge to sprint on these — the road will go upward again shortly.

Gearing Notes

With a maximum gradient of 27.61%, this climb is not a place to show up with a standard 34-tooth inner ring and a road cassette topping out at 28 or 30 teeth. Unless you are an exceptionally strong climber, you want a genuine bail-out gear available.

• Compact or sub-compact chainset (34t or 32t inner) paired with at least a 32-tooth or 34-tooth largest sprocket is the sensible choice.
• On the steepest pitches, cadence will drop regardless of gearing. Aim to stay above 60–65 rpm if at all possible to protect the knees and maintain some cardiovascular rhythm.
• If you're unsure where you stand on climbs of this severity, use the FTP estimator to benchmark your watts-per-kilo before committing to a target pace.

Bottom Line

Hauereck earns its Category 1 rating honestly. The 9.4% average over 5.9 km with 553 m of net gain would be a hard day by any measure; the 27.61% maximum makes it a serious test of both fitness and tactics. Arrive with appropriate gearing, start conservatively, and treat the steep pitches as the crux they are.