Puerto de La Ragua

Overview

Puerto de La Ragua is a Category 1 climb in Spain (ES), running 8.5 km from a start elevation of 1,323 m to a summit at 2,042 m. Over that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 719 m at an average gradient of 8.43%. Starting well above 1,300 m and topping out just over 2,000 m, this is a high-mountain effort where thin air compounds the demands of the gradient.

The headline number hides a wrinkle. While the net gain is 719 m, the total ascent is 890 m — a difference of 171 m. That gap means the climb is not a clean, monotonic drag upward; there are descents and false flats that you have to re-climb. Every metre you give back has to be earned again, so the actual climbing work exceeds what the net figure suggests. Plan your effort around 890 m of vertical, not 719 m.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An 8.43% average is a useful benchmark, but it smooths over a climb that clearly varies. The 171 m of undulation confirms sections where the road eases, flattens, or drops before rearing up again. The steepest recorded pitch hits 33.89% — a savage ramp far above the average that will spike your power and force a hard gear change if you are caught in the wrong ratio.

Expect roughly this shape across the profile:

• Flatter or recovery sections where the road eases and lets you spin
• Repeated short climbs stacked between those breaks, adding up to the extra 171 m of ascent
• A single brutal ramp near 33.89% that demands your lowest gear and a seated, measured effort

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort, not even speed. Your pace will naturally rise on the flatter sections and fall on the steep ramps, and that is correct. Hold a steady, sustainable sustainable power output rather than fighting to keep the same speed everywhere — surging to maintain velocity on the 33.89% ramp will cook you before the summit.

Set your target as a percentage of threshold and let the terrain dictate speed. If you do not know your number, use the FTP estimator to anchor a realistic ceiling before you commit to the effort.

Gearing

The steepest gradient governs your gearing choice, and at 33.89% that pitch is uncompromising. Run a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 at minimum, and go easier if your setup allows. On a ramp this steep at over 2,000 m of altitude, spinning a low gear beats grinding. Check your chainset and cassette before the ride; discovering you are over-geared on the steepest ramp is not a mistake you can fix mid-climb.

Summary

• Length: 8.5 km
• Average gradient: 8.43%
• Maximum gradient: 33.89%
• Net elevation gain: 719 m
• Total ascent: 890 m
• Category: 1

Puerto de La Ragua rewards riders who respect the undulation and gear conservatively. Pace to effort, protect your legs on the flatter breaks, and save something for the steepest ramp.