Puerto de la Moraleja

Overview

Puerto de la Moraleja is a category-3 climb that packs a genuine effort into a compact 4.8 km. From a start elevation of 308 m it lifts you to a 580 m summit, a net gain of 272 m at an average gradient of 5.72%. That average sits in the sweet spot where a climb is long enough to matter but short enough that a strong, steady rider can take it on without blowing up. The 7.77% maximum tells you the road does have a bite in places, but nowhere does it tip into the wall-like ramps that define the harder categories. This is a climb of rhythm rather than survival.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is defined by the gap between the 5.72% average and the 7.77% maximum. That spread of just over two points means the climb is fairly consistent: there are no flat recovery shelves hiding an average, and no brutal double-digit ramps either. Expect the gradient to hover around the mid-5% mark for much of the 4.8 km, stiffening toward its 7.77% peak on the steeper pitches. The difference between the 272 m net gain and the 260 m of total ascent is small, which confirms the road climbs almost continuously with little up-and-down. In practical terms, you settle into one gear and one cadence and hold it.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is steady, Puerto de la Moraleja rewards a measured, even effort over surges. A climb of this length and pitch is best ridden just around or slightly below your threshold — anchor your pace to your FTP and resist the urge to attack the early slopes. At 4.8 km, most riders will be climbing for a meaningful block of time, so going out too hard leaves nothing for the 7.77% sections higher up. If you are not sure where your threshold sits, run your numbers through the FTP estimator first, then aim to hold a constant power that leaves a small reserve for the steeper ramps. Even pacing here almost always beats a fast start.

Gearing

For a 5.72% average topping out at 7.77%, a compact setup gives you plenty of range. A 34×32 will cover most riders comfortably on the steeper pitches, letting you keep a spinning cadence rather than grinding. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance for the 7.77% sections late in the 4.8 km, step up to a 34×34 — the extra sprocket keeps your legs fresh without any real downside on a climb this length. Neither the gradient nor the distance demands anything more exotic than a standard climbing cassette.

Summary

Puerto de la Moraleja is a well-mannered category-3 climb: short at 4.8 km, steady at 5.72%, and never harsher than 7.77%. Pace it evenly, gear it sensibly, and it becomes a satisfying, repeatable effort rather than a battle.

Length: 4.8 km
Average gradient: 5.72%
Max gradient: 7.77%
Start: 308 m
Summit: 580 m
Net gain: 272 m
Total ascent: 260 m
Category: 3