Suchá priehyba

Overview

Suchá priehyba is a category 2 climb that asks a steady, honest effort over its full 8.6 km. From a start elevation of 635 m it rises to a summit of 1133 m, a net gain of 498 m spread across an average gradient of 5.82%. That average sits in the sweet spot where a climb is long enough to matter but never so steep that survival mode becomes the only option — until, that is, the road bites back at its steepest with a 15.08% maximum pitch. With a total ascent of 482 m over the timed segment, this is a climb you can ride to a target rather than simply endure.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is 5.82%, but averages hide the story. A max of 15.08% against a mean of 5.82% tells you the road is not uniform: expect gentler stretches where you can find rhythm, punctuated by ramps that force you out of the saddle or down into your easiest gear. Over 8.6 km, that variance is your friend and your enemy. The shallower sections invite you to recover and even push, while the steep pitches — anywhere the gradient climbs toward that 15.08% ceiling — will spike your heart rate fast if you carry too much speed into them. Read the road ahead, and treat every easing as a chance to reset before the next kick.

Pacing Notes

For a climb of this length, discipline beats bravado. Your FTP is the anchor: aim to hold a steady percentage of it across the 8.6 km rather than surging on every ramp. On the shallow sections, settle just below threshold; when the gradient rears toward 15.08%, accept the temporary spike above your target rather than blowing up trying to hold an even pace by force. If you don't know your threshold number yet, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan your effort. The 498 m of net gain rewards riders who leave something in reserve for the upper slopes.

Gearing

With ramps reaching 15.08% on a climb that spans 8.6 km, gearing matters. For most riders a compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the right call. A 34×32 low gear will get many fit climbers up the steep pitches while keeping cadence respectable. If you're carrying fatigue, riding heavier, or simply want to spin rather than grind, step up to a 34×34 — the extra range keeps your legs turning through the 15.08% sections instead of forcing a slow, grinding mash that drains your reserves before the 1133 m summit.

Summary

Suchá priehyba is a rewarding category 2 test: long enough to demand pacing, varied enough to stay interesting, and steep enough in places to punish overconfidence. Ride it to your numbers and it will treat you fairly.

Length: 8.6 km
Average gradient: 5.82%
Max gradient: 15.08%
Start: 635 m
Summit: 1133 m
Net gain: 498 m
Total ascent: 482 m
Category: 2