Porto da Cruz da Cancela

Overview

Porto da Cruz da Cancela is a 9 km ascent that carries you from a low start at 67 m up to a summit of 539 m. That is 472 m of net elevation gain across the climb, with 468 m of total ascent logged along the way — the two figures sitting close together tells you this is a road that climbs steadily rather than pitching up and dropping back down. At an average gradient of 5.23% it earns a category 2 rating: a genuine test that sits below the category 1 and hors catégorie monsters, but demanding enough to reshape a ride around it. The defining number, though, is the 14.34% maximum. That is more than double the average, and it warns you that the effort will not be evenly spread.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Do the arithmetic and the shape reveals itself. If a 9 km climb averages 5.23% but spikes to 14.34%, the gentler stretches must be dragging that mean down — which means there are ramps well above 5.23% balanced by softer sections that let you recover. Treat the average as a bookkeeping figure, not a promise. The 472 m you have to gain is fixed; how it is parcelled out is what matters. Expect the steepest pitch, near 14.34%, to arrive as a distinct wall rather than a sustained wall-of-effort, with the surrounding kilometres offering places to reset your rhythm. The narrow gap between 472 m of net gain and 468 m of total ascent confirms there is almost no downhill respite once you begin: this climbs, and keeps climbing.

Pacing Notes

The trap on a climb like this is burning matches on the steep ramp toward 14.34% and then fading across the remaining distance. Anchor your effort to your FTP. On the 5.23% stretches, ride just under threshold; when the road tilts toward its 14.34% max, allow a short surge above threshold but keep it brief — a category 2 effort of 9 km is long enough to punish over-cooking early. If you do not know your threshold number, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the climb, then translate that wattage into a ceiling you hold from the 67 m base to the 539 m summit. Steady beats heroic across 472 m of gain.

Gearing

With an average of 5.23% you could survive on standard gearing, but the 14.34% pitch is where compact ratios earn their place. A 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 32-tooth sprocket — a 34×32 — gives most riders enough range to spin the steepest section without grinding. If you are carrying fatigue, tend to climb seated, or want margin on that near-14.34% ramp, drop to a 34×34 for the extra cushion. Over a 9 km, 472 m effort, the lower gear protects your legs for the whole ascent rather than just the wall.

Summary

Porto da Cruz da Cancela is a steady, honest 9 km climb with one sharp bite. Pace it to your threshold, gear for the 14.34% ramp, and let the 5.23% average carry you to the 539 m top.

Length: 9 km
Average gradient: 5.23%
Max gradient: 14.34%
Start: 67 m
Summit: 539 m
Net gain: 472 m
Total ascent: 468 m
Category: 2