Portillo Gamizarrate

Overview

Portillo Gamizarrate is a category 2 climb that packs a genuine mid-length challenge into 7.1 km. From the base at 582 m it lifts you to a summit of 989 m, a net elevation gain of 407 m at an average gradient of 5.75%. That average sounds moderate, but it hides a maximum pitch of 10.97% — nearly double the mean — which tells you the road does not climb at a single steady tilt. With 387 m of total ascent recorded over the ascent, this is a climb long enough to matter and steep enough in places to hurt if you get your pacing wrong.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 5.75% average over 7.1 km is the kind of gradient a fit rider can settle into, but the 10.97% maximum reveals the personality of the road. The gap between the average and the max — just over 5% — means there are ramps that spike well above the rhythm your legs expect from the mean. Between those ramps sit shallower sections that let the gradient breathe. Practically, expect to shift up and down repeatedly rather than lock into one gear. The net gain of 407 m against a total ascent of 387 m suggests the road climbs almost continuously, with little in the way of false flat or descent to break the effort — the elevation you gain is the elevation you keep.

Pacing Notes

The key to Gamizarrate is treating the 5.75% average as your baseline and the 10.97% ramps as controlled surges rather than emergencies. Riding just below your FTP on the steady sections gives you the headroom to absorb the steep pitches without redlining. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you tackle this one — knowing that figure turns a guessing game into a plan. Over 7.1 km the effort is long enough that a blow-up in the first third will cost you dearly by the summit at 989 m. Start conservatively, let the gradient come to you, and save something for the ramps.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 5.75% with pitches to 10.97%, gearing is about protecting your cadence on the steep bits. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear will get most riders up the ramps while keeping legs turning. If you carry fatigue, ride at altitude, or simply prefer to spin, step up to a 34×34 for extra insurance against the 10.97% sections. Either way, err toward an easier gear than you think you need — over 407 m of climbing, a cadence you can sustain beats a heavier gear you grind.

Summary

Portillo Gamizarrate is a rewarding category 2 test: 7.1 km of near-continuous climbing at 5.75%, with 10.97% ramps to keep you honest. Pace it off your threshold, gear low, and the 407 m to the 989 m summit will feel earned rather than survived.

Length: 7.1 km
Average gradient: 5.75%
Max gradient: 10.97%
Start: 582 m
Summit: 989 m
Net gain: 407 m
Total ascent: 387 m
Category: 2