Táchira depression

Overview

The Táchira depression is a Category 1 climb that packs a serious sting into a compact 8.7 km. It starts at 661 m and tops out at 1375 m, a net gain of 714 m over its length. That works out to an average gradient of 8.2%, which is steep enough to keep you honest from the very first pedal stroke and never really lets go. With a maximum pitch of 17.12% lurking somewhere along the way, this is a climb that rewards riders who respect it early and punishes those who go out too hard.

At just under nine kilometres, it is short enough to seem manageable on paper but long enough to expose any pacing mistakes. The 8.2% average is the number to internalise: there is very little shallow ground here to hide and recover on.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure is the 8.2% average, but averages flatten out the real story. The gap between that 8.2% mean and the 17.12% maximum tells you the climb is uneven, with at least one pitch nearly twice as steep as the overall figure. Expect ramps that sit at or above 8% for long stretches, punctuated by a hardest section approaching 17.12% where the road tilts sharply upward.

Note too that the total ascent is recorded as 690 m while the net elevation gain is 714 m. That small difference points to a road that is not purely one-directional; there are minor undulations along the way, though the trend is relentlessly upward toward the 1375 m summit.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steep and this short, pacing is everything. The temptation is to attack the lower slopes while your legs feel fresh, but the 17.12% maximum means you must hold something in reserve. Ride the early kilometres at an effort just below your FTP so you have headroom for the steepest ramp without blowing up.

If you are not sure what your sustainable ceiling is, work it out first with the FTP estimator and set a power target you can defend across the full 8.7 km. On the 8.2% average sections, settle into a rhythm; when the gradient spikes toward 17.12%, accept that your power will surge briefly and focus on keeping cadence from collapsing.

Gearing

Given the sustained 8.2% average and the 17.12% maximum, err generously on gearing. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette is a sensible baseline for strong climbers, giving you a low enough ratio to keep spinning through most of the climb. For the steepest pitch near 17.12%, or if you simply want to preserve your legs across the full 714 m of climbing, step up to a 34×34. That extra sprocket buys you cadence and protects your knees when the road bites hardest.

Summary

The Táchira depression is a genuine Category 1 test: 8.7 km, an 8.2% average, and a 17.12% maximum that demands respect. Pace conservatively, gear low, and save something for the steep ramps and you will crest the 1375 m summit intact.

Length: 8.7 km
Average gradient: 8.2%
Max gradient: 17.12%
Start: 661 m
Summit: 1375 m
Net gain: 714 m
Total ascent: 690 m
Category: 1