Puerto del Pico

Overview

Puerto del Pico is a Category 2 climb in Spain, running 14.7 km from a start elevation of 643 m to a summit at 1391 m. On paper it is a moderate ascent: a net elevation gain of 748 m spread across nearly fifteen kilometres gives an average gradient of 5.07%. That number reads as manageable, and for a fit rider it is — but the average is the least useful figure in this profile.

The gap between net gain and total ascent is where the real story sits. The climb records 1130 m of total ascent against only 748 m of net gain, meaning roughly 382 m of extra vertical is hidden in the profile as short descents and re-climbs. You do not simply go up; you give back height and take it again. That undulation raises the total work well above what a smooth 5.07% grade would demand, and it punishes riders who pace off the average alone.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 5.07% average across a climb carrying 1130 m of ascent tells you the gradient is anything but even. The flat and descending sections drag the mean down, which means the climbing pitches are steeper than the number suggests — and the profile spikes to a maximum of 25.55%.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or briefly drops, dropping the average
• Repeated short climbs that re-take the height lost on the descents
• A steepest ramp hitting 25.55%, far above anything the average prepares you for

Pacing Notes

On a smooth climb you can hold a steady wattage and let speed vary. Here the undulation makes that harder: the descents let you soften, but the re-climbs and the 25.55% ramp force sharp surges if you insist on even speed. Pace by effort, not by pace. Hold a consistent sustainable power output through the climbing sections, ease genuinely on the descents to recover, and accept that your speed will swing widely. Do not chase a target km/h on the steep pitches — that is where riders blow up. Know your number before you start; the FTP estimator will give you the ceiling to ride under.

Gearing

The 25.55% maximum dictates your setup, not the average. Gearing that feels fine at 5% will have you grinding or walking on that ramp. Run a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 gives you the low gear to spin the steepest section rather than muscle it. Check your setup before the ride. Confirm the cassette and chainring actually give you the bottom gear you expect; discovering you are over-geared on a 25% wall is not the time to find out.

Summary

• Length: 14.7 km
• Average gradient: 5.07%
• Maximum gradient: 25.55%
• Net elevation gain: 748 m
• Total ascent: 1130 m
• Category: 2

Puerto del Pico is a climb defined by its undulation, not its average. Respect the 382 m of hidden re-climbing, gear for the 25.55% ramp, and pace by effort — do that and the Category 2 label holds true.