Puerto de las Carretas

Overview

Puerto de las Carretas is the kind of climb that rewards a steady head. Over 5.4 km it averages 5.02%, lifting you from a start elevation of 471 m to a summit at 740 m — a net gain of 269 m. The total ascent registers at 250 m, hinting that the road doesn't rise in a single unbroken line but instead settles and lifts as it works upward. Rated category 3, it sits comfortably in the tier below the sport's marquee climbs (HC, then 1 and 2), which makes it approachable for most riders while still demanding genuine effort.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is consistency. With an average of 5.02% and a maximum of just 6.44%, the range between "easy" and "hard" is narrow — only about 1.42 percentage points separate the mean gradient from the steepest pitch. That tells you almost everything: there are no leg-breaking walls, no sudden ramps that force you out of the saddle in panic. Instead, the climb holds a moderate, sustained slope for the full 5.4 km. The small gap between the 269 m net gain and the 250 m of total ascent suggests brief flatter or gently rolling sections woven into the grade, giving you fleeting moments to reset your cadence before the road tips up again.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so even, Puerto de las Carretas is an ideal climb for pacing by effort rather than feel. A climb of this length — comfortably under six kilometres — sits in the sweet spot for a sustained threshold push. Aim to ride close to your FTP from the base, holding a controlled tempo that you can carry all the way to the 740 m summit without a late fade. If you don't yet know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you tackle it, then translate that figure into a target you can watch on your head unit. The absence of steep spikes means you rarely need to surge; the winning strategy is to lock into a rhythm early and defend it, keeping your power steady across the whole 5.4 km rather than spending matches you can't recover.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 5.02% with a max of 6.44%, most riders will be well served by a compact setup. A 34×32 gives you enough range to spin comfortably through the sustained middle sections without grinding, and it keeps your cadence high on a grade that never turns brutal. If you carry more fatigue, ride at altitude, or simply prefer to protect your knees over the 269 m of climbing, a 34×34 buys extra insurance for the steepest 6.44% pitches. Either combination lets you stay seated and smooth — exactly the style this consistent climb rewards.

Summary

Puerto de las Carretas is a fair, honest category 3 test: even in gradient, moderate in length, and forgiving in its demands. Ride it at threshold, gear for a comfortable cadence, and you'll crest the 740 m summit with room to spare.

Length: 5.4 km
Average gradient: 5.02%
Max gradient: 6.44%
Start: 471 m
Summit: 740 m
Net gain: 269 m
Total ascent: 250 m
Category: 3