Puerto del Cardoso

Overview

Puerto del Cardoso is a 7.4 km climb that starts high, at 1092 m, and tops out at 1355 m. That gives it a net elevation gain of 263 m and a total ascent of 243 m — numbers that tell you two useful things straight away. First, this is a category 4 ascent, the gentlest rung on the scale below HC, 1, 2 and 3. Second, because the total ascent (243 m) sits just under the net gain (263 m), the road climbs almost the entire way with barely any downhill respite. It is a steady drag rather than a wall.

The average gradient is 3.56%, and the steepest section touches 6.92%. For most trained riders that ceiling is comfortably manageable — this is a climb you can ride at tempo rather than survive.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 3.56% average across 7.4 km, Puerto del Cardoso is defined by consistency. Nothing here spikes dramatically: the difference between the mean grade and the 6.92% maximum is under three and a half percent, so even the hardest pitch is less than double the average. Expect long stretches that sit close to the average, punctuated by a firmer ramp or two where the gradient nudges toward that 6.92% peak.

Because the road gains 263 m over 7.4 km with almost no descending, you can settle into a single rhythm early and hold it. There are no false flats deep enough to break your cadence, and no hairpins steep enough to force you out of the saddle for long.

Pacing Notes

This is a climb best ridden at a controlled, sustainable effort. Because the average is only 3.56%, your limiter is aerobic pacing rather than raw force — so anchor your effort to your FTP and hold a steady percentage of it from the bottom. Riding at tempo-to-threshold will carry you up the 7.4 km efficiently without blowing your legs on the 6.92% pinch.

If you do not know your threshold number, spend two minutes with the FTP estimator before you plan your climb. On a gradient this gentle, the temptation is to over-gear and grind; resist it, keep your cadence high, and let the modest 263 m of gain come to you.

Gearing

You do not need extreme ratios here. On a 3.56% average with a 6.92% maximum, a standard compact setup is more than enough. A 34×32 lowest gear gives most riders a relaxed spin over the whole 7.4 km, keeping cadence up through the steeper ramps. If you prefer to spin even lighter — or you are carrying fatigue, luggage, or simply like to save your legs — a 34×34 adds a touch more headroom without ever feeling like overkill. Either choice lets you sit and turn the pedals rather than muscle them.

Summary

Puerto del Cardoso is a friendly, rhythmic climb: 7.4 km of steady, consistent gradient that rewards smooth pacing over brute force. With a 3.56% average, a manageable 6.92% ceiling, and just 263 m of gain, it is an ideal tempo effort and a confidence-building category 4.

Length: 7.4 km
Average gradient: 3.56%
Max gradient: 6.92%
Start: 1092 m
Summit: 1355 m
Net gain: 263 m
Total ascent: 243 m
Category: 4