Puerto de Alcubierre

Overview

Puerto de Alcubierre is a category 4 climb that rewards rhythm over raw power. Over 5.1 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 428 m to a summit of 622 m, a net gain of 194 m at an average gradient of 3.8%. The max pitch tops out at just 5.82%, so nothing here should ever pull you out of the saddle against your will. This is a climb you can ride at tempo, settle into a cadence, and roll over the top with something left in the tank.

For a category 4 ascent, Alcubierre sits firmly in "approachable" territory. It is long enough to feel like a real effort, but the modest gradient means the challenge is one of pacing and patience rather than survival. Riders of nearly every level can complete it without the day-ending suffering that steeper climbs inflict.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a friendly story. With an average of 3.8% and a max of only 5.82%, the spread between the two is small — barely two percentage points. That tight band means the road never lurches into a wall; the steepest ramp is only marginally harder than the average.

The recorded total ascent of 173 m against a net gain of 194 m confirms the profile is almost entirely uphill, with little to no descending mid-climb to break your momentum. Expect a consistent, uninterrupted grind where the effort stays broadly even from base to summit. Because the pitch holds so steady, you can lock into one gear and one cadence and simply let the kilometres tick past.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this even, pacing is straightforward: pick a sustainable effort and hold it. Aim to ride the 5.1 km at or just below your threshold. A good target is roughly 85 to 90 percent of your FTP — comfortably hard, but repeatable, given the whole climb sits under 6%.

If you are unsure where your threshold actually sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you go. Knowing that figure lets you translate the 3.8% average into a power target you can trust, rather than guessing by feel and blowing up on the lower slopes. Because there are no severe ramps to spike your effort, discipline pays off — resist surging early and you will crest the 622 m summit strong.

Gearing

You do not need mountain gearing for Alcubierre. With a max of 5.82% and an average of 3.8%, a compact chainset paired with a standard cassette is plenty. A 34×32 low gear gives most riders comfortable margin to spin the steepest pitch without grinding.

If you are carrying fatigue, riding at the end of a long day, or simply prefer a higher cadence, a 34×34 buys you extra breathing room at negligible cost. Either setup lets you stay seated and smooth across all 5.1 km.

Summary

Puerto de Alcubierre is a fair, rhythmic category 4 climb — long enough to matter, gentle enough to enjoy. Ride it at tempo, respect the 194 m of gain, and you will have a satisfying ascent without the drama.

Length: 5.1 km
Average gradient: 3.8%
Max gradient: 5.82%
Start: 428 m
Summit: 622 m
Net gain: 194 m
Total ascent: 173 m
Category: 4