Puerto de Don Pedro

Overview

Puerto de Don Pedro is a category 3 climb that rewards steady riding over heroics. It runs for 7.6 km, lifting you from a start elevation of 270 m to a summit at 625 m — a net elevation gain of 355 m across the ascent. The average gradient sits at a friendly 4.64%, the kind of number that lets you settle into a rhythm rather than fight for survival. But the headline figure hides the real story: a maximum gradient of 10.02% waits somewhere along the way, more than double the average. That single statistic is what separates riding this climb well from getting caught out.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An average of 4.64% over 7.6 km with a peak of 10.02% tells you the road is uneven. This is not a wall, and it is not a motorway drag either — it is a climb of contrast. For long stretches the gradient must sit below the 4.64% mean to make room for the pitches that spike toward 10.02%. Expect the effort to pulse: easier ramps where you can recover and carry momentum, punctuated by steeper kicks that force a downshift and a harder push on the pedals. With a net gain of 355 m and a total ascent of 352 m, there is very little false flat or descending to reset your legs — nearly all of the elevation you gain, you keep. Read the road ahead and you can meter your effort into the steep sections instead of being surprised by them.

Pacing Notes

The smart way to ride Puerto de Don Pedro is to pace against your sustainable power, not against the steepest ramp. Anchor your effort to your FTP: on the shallower stretches below 4.64%, sit just under threshold and let the reduced gradient do some of the work. When the road bites toward 10.02%, allow your power to rise briefly rather than trying to hold a fixed speed — short surges over a steep pitch cost far less than blowing up trying to keep an even pace. Because the climb is only 7.6 km, you can afford to ride the steep sections a touch harder than you would on a longer col. If you are not sure what your threshold number is, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan your target watts.

Gearing

At 4.64% average this climb is comfortable on most road setups, but the 10.02% max is where gearing earns its keep. A compact crankset paired with a wide-range cassette is ideal. A 34×32 lowest gear will get most riders over the steep pitches while keeping a workable cadence, and it is a sensible default for the 355 m of climbing here. If you prefer to spin, run tired legs, or carry extra weight, a 34×34 gives you more headroom on the steepest ramp toward 10.02% and lets you protect your cadence rather than grinding.

Summary

Puerto de Don Pedro is a well-mannered category 3 climb with just enough bite to keep you honest. Pace to your FTP, respect the 10.02% pitches, and gear low enough to spin, and the 355 m to the summit will pass smoothly.

Length: 7.6 km
Average gradient: 4.64%
Max gradient: 10.02%
Start: 270 m
Summit: 625 m
Net gain: 355 m
Total ascent: 352 m
Category: 3