Laza

Overview

Laza is a Category 3 climb in Spain, running 7.1km from a start elevation of 839m to a summit at 1119m. On paper it reads as a moderate effort: a net elevation gain of 280m at an average gradient of 3.92%. That average puts it firmly in the tempo range rather than the survival range, and the Category 3 label sets expectations for a climb you ride rather than suffer through.

The numbers only tell half the story. The net elevation gain is 280m, but the total ascent is 536m — a difference of 256m. That gap is undulation: the road repeatedly kicks up and drops back over the 7.1km, so you are climbing nearly twice as much as the point-to-point profile suggests. Every metre of that extra 256m has to be paid for with the legs, and the downhills between pitches rarely give it all back. Treat this as a harder effort than the 3.92% average implies.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 3.92% average is an accountant's number — it blends the flat and downhill sections with the ramps, and the ramps are what matter. The steepest pitch hits 15.43%, roughly four times the average, so there are stretches where the road bites hard even though the overall climb is gentle.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the gradient drops off, letting you spin and reset
• Repeated short climbs stacked through the middle, the source of the 256m of extra ascent
• A steepest ramp reaching 15.43% that will force you out of the saddle or into your lowest gear

Pacing Notes

Because of the undulation, even-speed pacing is a trap here — holding a constant km/h means spiking your power on every ramp and coasting on every dip. Aim instead for even effort, keeping your output tethered to your sustainable power output across the whole climb. Let your speed rise on the flatter recovery sections and fall on the steep pitches, rather than forcing the pace uphill.

If you do not know your ceiling, run the FTP estimator before you go, then ride the ramps at or just below that threshold. The short, repeated climbs tempt you to surge; resist it, because the 256m of hidden ascent punishes anyone who burns matches early.

Gearing

The average never dictates gearing — the steepest gradient does. At 15.43%, you want a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette, something like a 34×32 or 34×34, so you can keep a comfortable cadence on the steepest ramp without grinding. The dips give you the chance to recover, but only if you can spin easily up the pitches between them. Check your setup before the ride: confirm your smallest chainring and largest sprocket give you a bailout gear for that 15.43% section.

Summary

• Length: 7.1km
• Average gradient: 3.92%
• Maximum gradient: 15.43%
• Net elevation gain: 280m
• Total ascent: 536m
• Category: 3

Laza is easy to underestimate. The 3.92% average and Category 3 rating suggest a gentle spin, but the gap between 280m of net gain and 536m of total ascent tells the real tale — this is an undulating climb that rewards even effort, sensible gearing, and patience over the ramps.