Puerto Rayo

Overview

Puerto Rayo is a short, approachable climb that rewards rhythm over raw power. Over 3.7 km it lifts you from 169 m to 287 m, a net gain of 118 m at an average gradient of 3.16%. That average sits firmly in category 4 territory — the gentlest of the graded climbs, but not a throwaway. With a max gradient of 5.37%, the steepest sections are moderate rather than punishing, which makes Puerto Rayo an ideal climb for building tempo, testing your sustained effort, or warming the legs before a harder day. It is the kind of ascent you can ride at threshold from bottom to top without ever being forced to grind.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Puerto Rayo is its consistency. An average of 3.16% across 3.7 km means there are no long false flats hiding brutal ramps — the effort is spread evenly. The gap between the 3.16% average and the 5.37% maximum is only a couple of percentage points, so even the hardest pitches feel like a firm nudge rather than a wall. Expect a climb that settles into a single sustainable cadence early and holds it. The total ascent of 104 m against a net gain of 118 m tells you the road climbs almost continuously, with very little give-back or descending in between. Treat it as one continuous effort rather than a series of separate ramps.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient never spikes hard, Puerto Rayo is best ridden at or just below your FTP. The steady 3.16% average lets you hold a fixed power target the whole way up, so this climb doubles as a clean, repeatable test piece. Aim to arrive at the 5.37% sections with a little in reserve, then let power drift up slightly as the road tilts. If you are not sure what wattage to target, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first and set a ceiling you can hold for the full 3.7 km. The mistake here is going out too hard on the easy lower slopes and fading before the summit at 287 m.

Gearing

For a climb this moderate, most riders will spin comfortably on a standard compact setup. A 34×32 lowest gear gives you plenty of range for the 5.37% maximum while keeping cadence high across the 3.16% average. If you prefer to sit and spin, ride tired, or carry extra weight, a 34×34 adds a touch more insurance without ever feeling over-geared. Either 34×32 or 34×34 will let you stay seated and rhythmic for the whole 118 m of climbing. On a short category 4 like this, cadence and consistency matter far more than having a bailout cog.

Summary

Puerto Rayo is a steady, honest category 4 climb — 3.7 km of even gradient that rewards a smooth, sustained effort. Ride it at tempo, hold your cadence, and let the numbers do the pacing.

Length: 3.7 km
Average gradient: 3.16%
Max gradient: 5.37%
Start: 169 m
Summit: 287 m
Net gain: 118 m
Total ascent: 104 m
Category: 4