Puerto de la Beltrana

Overview

Puerto de la Beltrana is a compact, honest climb that fits neatly into the category 4 bracket. Over 4.6 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 291 m to a summit of 493 m, a net elevation gain of 202 m. The average gradient of 4.39% keeps the effort firmly in tempo territory rather than survival mode, and with a max gradient of 6.51% there is nothing here that forces you out of the saddle for long. It is the kind of ascent you can measure, pace, and ride well on a good day.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a coherent story. A 4.39% average across 4.6 km means the road climbs steadily rather than in violent steps. The gap between the 4.39% average and the 6.51% max is only a little over two points, which signals a climb without brutal ramps: the steepest sections are only modestly harder than the mean. Expect long stretches that sit close to the average, punctuated by a firmer pitch or two nudging toward that 6.51% ceiling. There is a small wrinkle worth noting: the net elevation gain of 202 m is a touch larger than the total ascent figure of 176 m, a reminder that recorded profiles smooth and sample differently. Either way, the vertical work is manageable and consistent.

Pacing Notes

Because the slope rarely spikes, Beltrana rewards a rhythm rather than repeated surges. Settle into a sustainable output near your threshold and hold it. Riders who know their FTP can pace this climb almost by the numbers: on a 4.39% average grade you can pick a wattage you can defend for the whole 4.6 km and simply meter it out, spending a little more only on the pitches approaching 6.51%. If you do not have a tested figure yet, use the FTP estimator to get a working number before your next attempt. The key is discipline early: the temptation on a friendly gradient is to start too hard and pay for it on the upper third.

Gearing

For most riders a standard compact setup is more than enough here. A 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear covers the 4.39% average comfortably and leaves headroom for the 6.51% max. If you are carrying fatigue, riding on tired legs, or simply prefer to spin, a 34×34 gives you an easier bailout cog without any real downside on a climb this short. Neither ratio is overkill for 202 m of climbing, and having the spread means you can keep your cadence smooth all the way to the 493 m summit rather than grinding.

Summary

Puerto de la Beltrana is a well-behaved category 4 test: short, steady, and eminently pace-able. With a 4.39% average and a max of only 6.51%, it favours smooth power and steady cadence over heroics. Learn your threshold, pick a compact gear, and ride it in rhythm.

Length 4.6 km
Average gradient 4.39%
Max gradient 6.51%
Start 291 m
Summit 493 m
Net gain 202 m
Total ascent 176 m
Category 4