Kanpazar Mendatea

Overview

Kanpazar Mendatea is a long, patient climb rather than a wall. Over 16.7 km it lifts you from a low base of 46 m to a summit of 566 m, a net gain of 520 m. The average gradient reads 3.12%, which places it firmly in the "big-ring or not" grey zone where the real challenge is duration, not steepness. At category 3 it sits toward the friendlier end of the classification scale (HC being hardest, then 1, 2, 3, 4), yet the sheer length means it still rewards a rider who can hold a rhythm and punishes anyone who starts too hot.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number to respect is the gap between the 3.12% average and the 9.51% maximum. That spread tells you this is not a uniform drag. The climb records a total ascent of 511 m against a net gain of 520 m, so there is very little downhill relief mixed in — nearly everything you gain, you keep. What the numbers describe is a road that spends long stretches sitting well below its own average, then stiffens sharply toward that 9.51% pitch. Expect shallow, momentum-friendly sections where you can carry speed, broken by steeper ramps that spike the heart rate before easing again. Reading the gradient rather than fighting it is the whole game here.

Pacing Notes

Because the average is modest but the distance is long, this climb is decided by restraint. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to sit just under threshold on the shallow sections, spending your matches only on the ramps that approach 9.51%. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the effort. A rider who paces the first two-thirds conservatively will still be turning the pedals over cleanly on the steep pitches near the top; a rider who chases the low-gradient opening will pay for it when the road kicks up. Over 16.7 km, small pacing errors compound into large ones.

Gearing

Given the length and the 9.51% maximum, err toward more range than you think you need. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette is the sensible baseline for most riders tackling a climb of this size, giving you a spinnable gear for the steep ramps without over-geared struggling. If you carry extra weight, ride tired, or simply prefer to protect your knees on a 16.7 km effort, step up to 34×34 for that additional bailout cog. On the long shallow stretches you will rarely use the bottom gears — but on the pitches toward 9.51%, having them means the difference between spinning and grinding.

Summary

Kanpazar Mendatea is an endurance climb: long, mostly gentle, but with enough sting to demand smart pacing and generous gearing. Respect the distance, pace off your threshold, and keep something for the steep ramps near the top.

Length: 16.7 km
Average gradient: 3.12%
Max gradient: 9.51%
Start: 46 m
Summit: 566 m
Net gain: 520 m
Total ascent: 511 m
Category: 3