Puerto de Okina

Overview

Puerto de Okina is a 5.9 km category 3 climb in Spain that rises from 560 m to a summit at 857 m. Over that distance it gains 297 m in net elevation, averaging 5.02% — a gradient squarely in the tempo zone rather than the leg-breaking territory of the steeper categories. The steepest recorded pitch touches 8.5%, so while the climb never becomes truly severe, it does hold a few moments that demand attention. Recorded total ascent comes in at 268 m, a touch under the net figure because of small undulations that give a little back before the road resumes climbing.

At just under six kilometres with a moderate average, Okina is the kind of ascent that rewards a steady, controlled effort. It is long enough to matter but short enough that a strong rider can push the pace from the base without blowing up, provided the harder ramps are respected.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining number here is the gap between the 5.02% average and the 8.5% maximum. That 3.48-point spread tells you the climb is not perfectly uniform: stretches sitting close to the average are punctuated by short pitches that lean toward that 8.5% ceiling. With 297 m of net gain packed into 5.9 km, the overall profile is consistent, but the difference between total ascent (268 m) and net gain (297 m) confirms there are brief easings — false flats or shallow dips — where the road relents before tilting up again.

Practically, expect long passages you can settle into at a rhythmic cadence, broken by a handful of firmer ramps. Those are the sections where the gradient bites toward 8.5% and where a rider who has overcooked the earlier kilometres will start to feel it.

Pacing Notes

Because the average sits at 5.02%, Okina is best ridden as a sustained tempo effort just below or around your threshold. Aim to hold a percentage of your FTP that you can carry for the full 5.9 km without spiking into the red on every ramp. Save a small buffer for the pitches approaching 8.5% — let your power rise there, then ease back to your target once the road settles.

If you are unsure what wattage to target, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first and pace the whole climb from that figure rather than riding on feel alone.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 5.02% with ramps to 8.5%, a compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is plenty. A 34×32 bottom gear will spin comfortably through the steeper sections for most riders with reasonable fitness, keeping cadence high on the 8.5% pitches. If you prefer to sit and grind, or you are carrying fatigue, a 34×34 gives extra margin and lets you protect your legs across all 5.9 km. Neither is overkill on a category 3 ascent, and the lighter option pays off on the firmer ramps.

Summary

Puerto de Okina is an approachable, well-shaped climb: long enough to build a rhythm, moderate enough to attack, with just enough gradient variation to keep it interesting. Pace it to threshold, respect the ramps, and it makes a satisfying tempo test.

Length: 5.9 km
Average gradient: 5.02%
Max gradient: 8.5%
Start: 560 m
Summit: 857 m
Net gain: 297 m
Total ascent: 268 m
Category: 3