Lizuniagako mendatea

Overview

Lizuniagako mendatea is a compact category-4 climb, the gentlest rung on the ladder that runs from HC down through 1, 2, 3 and 4. Over 3.4 km it lifts you from a start elevation of just 13 m to a summit of 171 m — a net gain of 158 m. The average gradient sits at 4.63%, with the steepest pitch touching 7.02%. This is a climb you can attack rather than survive: short enough to hold real intensity from bottom to top, but with enough vertical to reward a smart, controlled effort.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a clear story. A 4.63% average across 3.4 km is a steady, rolling grind rather than a wall, and the 7.02% maximum means the hardest ramp is only a couple of points above the mean. That narrow spread — a difference of 2.39% between average and max — signals a consistent climb without brutal surprises. Note too that the net elevation gain of 158 m exceeds the total ascent of 142 m; that gap points to a road that mostly climbs but includes brief flatter or gently descending kicks where you can recover your rhythm before the next rise. Expect a climb that breathes: pull hard on the ramps toward 7.02%, then settle back to the 4.63% baseline.

Pacing Notes

Because the climb is short and the gradient forgiving, this is a place to ride above your all-day pace. A useful anchor is your FTP — your functional threshold power. On a 3.4 km effort you can comfortably ride at or slightly above FTP, treating it like a sustained tempo-to-threshold push rather than a conservative long-climb wattage. Save a match for the steepest section near 7.02%, where holding steady power keeps your speed from bleeding away. If you're unsure of your threshold number, run it through the FTP estimator first, then set a target you can hold for the full 3.4 km without blowing up before the 171 m summit.

Gearing

For a category-4 climb topping out at 7.02%, most riders will be well served by a compact setup. A 34×32 lowest gear gives you plenty of range to spin the steeper ramps while staying seated and smooth across the 4.63% average. If you prefer a higher cadence, run tired legs, or like insurance on the sharper pitches, a 34×34 drops your minimum gear further and lets you keep the cranks turning even when the road tips toward its maximum. Neither is overkill here — the extra sprocket simply lets you protect your legs on a climb short enough to finish strong.

Summary

Lizuniagako mendatea packs a genuine, punchy effort into a modest package: 3.4 km, a 4.63% average, and a 7.02% max, carrying you 158 m upward to a 171 m summit. Ride it near threshold, gear compact, and enjoy a climb built for attacking.

Length: 3.4 km
Average gradient: 4.63%
Max gradient: 7.02%
Start: 13 m
Summit: 171 m
Net gain: 158 m
Total ascent: 142 m
Category: 4