Puerto de la Teja

Overview

Puerto de la Teja is a short, approachable climb that starts almost at sea level and works its way steadily upward. Over 4.4 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 6 m to a summit of 182 m, a net gain of 176 m. That works out to an average gradient of 4.03%, placing it firmly in category 4 territory — the gentlest of the classified brackets, sitting below categories 3, 2, 1 and the hors catégorie monsters at the top.

Don't let the low category fool you into thinking there's nothing to it. A steady 4.03% for the better part of an hour of climbing (depending on your fitness) still asks for honest effort, and the climb has enough variation to keep you thinking about how you spend your matches.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is the 4.03% average, but the road isn't a perfectly even ramp. The maximum gradient touches 6.3%, meaning the steepest sections sit a little more than 2% above the average. That's a modest swing — this is not a climb of vicious walls — but it's enough that you'll feel the pitch stiffen and ease as you go.

There's a subtle detail in the numbers worth noticing. The net elevation gain is 176 m, while the total ascent is 156 m. The gap between those figures tells you the climb includes small downhill or flat stretches where the road gives a little back before resuming its rise. Practically, that means a few brief moments to recover the legs, followed by the pitch returning toward — and occasionally beyond — that 4.03% mean, peaking at 6.3%.

Pacing Notes

Because the climb is short and never truly steep, the smart approach is a controlled, sustainable tempo rather than repeated surges. Aim to hold a steady effort just at or slightly below your threshold. Your FTP is the reference point here: on a 4.4 km climb averaging 4.03%, riding close to threshold is achievable without blowing up, and the 6.3% ramps are short enough to push through rather than sit up for.

If you're unsure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your pacing. Once you know that figure, treat the gentle rollers implied by the 176 m net versus 156 m total ascent as free recovery — soft-pedal them, then re-settle into your rhythm as the climb tips back up.

Gearing

This is not a climb that demands ultra-compact gearing, but comfort still pays off. With a maximum of 6.3% and an average of 4.03%, a compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear gives most riders plenty of range to spin the steeper pitches without grinding.

If you prefer to keep your cadence high — or you're carrying fatigue from earlier in a ride — a 34×34 setup adds a touch more headroom and makes the whole 4.4 km feel relaxed. Either choice is more than adequate for a category 4 effort; the extra range simply lets you protect your legs.

Summary

Puerto de la Teja is a friendly, honest climb: short, steady, and never savage, but rewarding to ride well. Pace it near threshold, use the rollers to recover, and gear comfortably.

Length: 4.4 km
Average gradient: 4.03%
Max gradient: 6.3%
Start: 6 m
Summit: 182 m
Net gain: 176 m
Total ascent: 156 m
Category: 4