Housinské sedlo

Overview

Housinské sedlo is a short, honest category 4 climb in the Czech Republic. It runs for 2.8 km and lifts you 134 m, from a start elevation of 223 m to a summit at 357 m. The average gradient of 4.71% keeps it firmly in the tempo range for most riders, but a maximum pitch of 8.22% means it is not a climb you can simply switch off and coast through. At this length and steepness, it is the kind of effort that rewards a steady, controlled ride rather than a heroic early attack.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a clear story about the shape of this climb. Over 2.8 km the road gains 134 m of net elevation, which produces that 4.71% average. The reported total ascent of 120 m sits just below the net gain, a sign that this is an almost uninterrupted uphill with little in the way of false flat or descent to break the rhythm.

The gap between the average of 4.71% and the maximum of 8.22% is where the character lives. Roughly three and a half percentage points separate the typical grade from the steepest ramp, so expect long stretches close to the average punctuated by one or two sharper kicks. Those steeper sections are where your effort will spike, and they are the parts worth reading before you commit to a pace.

Pacing Notes

For a climb this short, pacing is about not overcooking the opening. At 2.8 km the whole ascent may only take a handful of minutes, so the temptation is to start hard. Resist it. Anchor your effort to your threshold and let the steeper 8.22% ramps push you above it briefly, rather than starting above threshold and fading.

If you know your FTP, aim to ride the shallower sections just under it and spend your matches on the sharp pitches. Not sure of your number? Run the FTP estimator first, then set a target that leaves you something in reserve for the 8.22% sections. Because the net gain is only 134 m, a well-judged, even effort will feel far better at the summit than a ragged one.

Gearing

A 4.71% average with an 8.22% maximum is comfortably within reach of standard road gearing for most riders. A compact chainset paired with a 34×32 low gear gives plenty of range to spin the steeper ramps without grinding. If you prefer to keep your cadence high, or you are carrying fatigue from earlier climbing, a 34×34 adds a little extra breathing room on that 8.22% pitch. Either setup will let you sit and turn the pedals rather than muscling over the top.

Summary

Housinské sedlo is a tidy, punchy category 4 climb: short enough to attack, steep enough in places to demand respect. Ride the 4.71% sections within yourself, save something for the 8.22% ramps, and you will crest the 357 m summit with plenty left.

Length: 2.8 km
Average gradient: 4.71%
Max gradient: 8.22%
Start: 223 m
Summit: 357 m
Net gain: 134 m
Total ascent: 120 m
Category: 4