Portillo de Eza

Overview

Portillo de Eza is a category 2 climb that packs a real punch into a compact package. Over 8 km of road it lifts you from a start elevation of 244 m to a summit at 677 m, a net gain of 433 m. The average gradient reads a moderate 5.43%, but that figure hides the climb's true character: a peak pitch of 16.61% that turns an otherwise steady effort into a test of composure. With 418 m of total ascent recorded across its length, this is a climb where the numbers on paper undersell the sting in your legs.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 5.43% average across 8 km sounds like a rhythm climb, and for long stretches it is. The catch is that the maximum gradient of 16.61% sits roughly three times steeper than the average. That imbalance tells you the road is not uniform. Expect gentler pitches that let you settle, punctuated by at least one wall that spikes toward that 16.61% figure. The gap between the 433 m net gain and the 418 m of total ascent is small, which means there is little downhill respite once you start climbing. The road goes up, holds, then bites. Read the terrain ahead and stay out of the red on the shallow sections so you have something left for the steep one.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this shape, pacing is about protecting your effort for the steepest ramp. Aim to hold a steady percentage of your FTP on the average-gradient sections rather than chasing the wheel in front of you. When the road tilts toward 16.61%, your power will surge whether you like it or not, so bank patience early. If you do not know your threshold number, the FTP estimator will give you a working figure to pace against. A climb of only 8 km rewards a strong, controlled effort: too hard at the base and that 16.61% pitch will empty you before the 677 m summit.

Gearing

The average of 5.43% is manageable on almost any setup, but the 16.61% maximum is what dictates your cassette. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear will get most riders over the wall while keeping cadence respectable. If you tend to grind or you are carrying fatigue, step up to a 34×34 for extra margin on that steepest ramp. The 433 m of climbing is not long enough to ruin you, but the wrong gear on a 16.61% pitch forces you out of the saddle and drains reserves fast. Choose the easier of the two if in doubt.

Summary

Portillo de Eza is a short, honest category 2 climb: 8 km, a friendly 5.43% average, and a 16.61% sting that defines it. Pace for the wall, gear for the wall, and the 433 m gain to the 677 m summit will feel earned rather than brutal.

Length: 8 km
Average gradient: 5.43%
Max gradient: 16.61%
Start: 244 m
Summit: 677 m
Net gain: 433 m
Total ascent: 418 m
Category: 2