Iturburu mendatea

Overview

Iturburu mendatea is a long, moderate ascent that rewards patience over power. Across 12.1 km it climbs from a start elevation of 91 m to a summit of 554 m, giving a net elevation gain of 463 m. The average gradient of 3.82% keeps it firmly in category 3 territory, but the total ascent figure of 447 m hints at the truth every rider discovers on the road: this climb is not perfectly linear. It rolls, it eases, and then it bites. With a max gradient of 8.77% waiting somewhere along the way, the effort is less about surviving one wall and more about metering yourself across a distance that stretches well past the ten-kilometre mark.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 3.82% average and the 8.77% maximum tells the story. A steady 3.82% grade would feel almost conversational, but the presence of pitches more than twice that steep means the climb is stitched together from harder ramps and softer recoveries. That the total ascent (447 m) sits just below the net gain (463 m) suggests very little descending along the way — this is a climb that keeps pointing upward, trading brief flatter stretches for the sharper kickers. Expect to shift up and down repeatedly rather than settling into a single rhythm for the full 12.1 km. The steepest sections are where the day is won or lost, and they punish anyone who spent too much early.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, the smart play is to ride well within yourself for the opening kilometres and save matches for the steep ramps near 8.77%. Anchor your effort to your FTP: sitting a touch below threshold on the shallow 3.82% sections leaves room to surge over the harder pitches without blowing up. Because the climb spans 12.1 km, small pacing errors compound over time, so a controlled, even effort beats a heroic start every time. If you are not sure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you set your target power. Aim to arrive at the steepest ramps with legs still willing to answer.

Gearing

The 3.82% average is manageable on almost any setup, but the 8.77% maximum is what dictates your cassette. For most riders, a compact chainring paired with a 34×32 gives enough range to spin through the steep ramps without grinding to a standstill. If you carry extra fatigue, ride at lower cadence, or simply prefer to keep the effort aerobic across all 12.1 km, step up to a 34×34 for a little more insurance. Over a climb this length, protecting your cadence is protecting your legs — err toward the easier gear.

Summary

Iturburu mendatea is a patience climb: 12.1 km, a friendly 3.82% average, and a summit at 554 m that only feels earned once the 8.77% ramps are behind you. Pace it evenly, gear it kindly, and the 463 m of climbing passes far more smoothly.

Length: 12.1 km
Average gradient: 3.82%
Max gradient: 8.77%
Start: 91 m
Summit: 554 m
Net gain: 463 m
Total ascent: 447 m
Category: 3