Port de Biar

Overview

Port de Biar is a Category 4 climb in Spain, running 6.9 km from a start elevation of 565 m to a summit at 813 m. Over that distance you net 248 m of elevation gain, giving the ascent its overall shape: a steady, moderate haul rather than a wall. The category and the numbers agree — this is a climb you settle into, not one that forces you into the red from the first pedal stroke.

The one detail worth flagging is the gap between net gain and total ascent. You climb 248 m net, but the total ascent is 269 m — roughly 21 m more. That difference means the road gives some elevation back along the way, dropping and re-climbing rather than rising cleanly. Practically, it tells you the profile undulates: expect short descents or flat sections that break the rhythm and cost you a little repeated effort.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 3.59% average is honest but smooths over the terrain. With 21 m of extra ascent baked into the profile, the real gradient swings above and below that mean rather than holding it. The flatter and downhill stretches drag the average down, which means the climbing pitches must run steeper than 3.59% to compensate — topping out at the maximum of 7.21%.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or briefly drops
• Repeated short climbs that re-take the elevation you just lost
• The steepest ramp at 7.21%, well above the average and the section to save legs for

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, even-effort beats even-speed. Chasing a constant speed forces you to surge on every short ramp and coast the descents, spiking your sustainable power output exactly where it hurts most. Instead, hold a steady effort: let your speed rise on the flatter sections and accept it dropping on the 7.21% ramp. Because the gradient keeps changing, discipline on the pedals matters more than the clock. Know your ceiling before you start — the FTP estimator gives you a target wattage to pace against so the repeated re-climbs don't quietly overcook you.

Gearing

The steepest gradient here is 7.21%, which is manageable but rewards a comfortable setup, especially late in a ride. A compact (50/34) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette gives you room to spin the ramp rather than grind it. A 34×32 is plenty for most riders; a 34×34 adds margin if you fatigue or carry load. Check your chainset and cassette before you head out — confirming the low gear now beats wishing for it on the ramp.

Summary

• Length: 6.9 km
• Average gradient: 3.59%
• Maximum gradient: 7.21%
• Net elevation gain: 248 m
• Total ascent: 269 m
• Category: 4

Port de Biar is an accessible Category 4 climb whose gentle average masks a mildly undulating profile. Pace by effort, gear conservatively for the 7.21% ramp, and it rides as a steady, satisfying ascent.