Tlstý javor

Overview

Tlstý javor is a long, steady category 2 climb that stretches across 14.4 km of road. It begins at 434 m and tops out at 1026 m, delivering a net elevation gain of 592 m over its full length. The average gradient sits at a manageable-looking 4.11%, but that figure hides real variety: the steepest pitch bites at 8.91%, more than double the average. This is a climb defined by length rather than brutality — a rhythm effort where consistency and patience matter far more than raw power. At just over 14 km, it demands sustained concentration, and the modest overall gradient means you will spend a long time in the saddle rather than out of it.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The math tells the story of a climb that is never uniform. With a 4.11% average and an 8.91% maximum, the road clearly alternates between gentler drags and sharper ramps. The recorded total ascent of 574 m is slightly less than the 592 m net gain between base and summit, which points to a road that climbs almost continuously with only minor undulations rather than long descents mid-climb. Expect stretches well below the average that let you recover, punctuated by the steeper kicks approaching that 8.91% ceiling. Because the summit stands at 1026 m, the upper reaches also bring thinner air, so pitches that felt routine lower down will demand a little more near the top.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, pacing discipline wins the day. Anchor your effort to a percentage of your FTP and hold it steady rather than chasing the steeper ramps. Over 14.4 km, surging on every rise to 8.91% will empty your legs long before the 1026 m summit. Aim to ride the gentler sections at a sustainable tempo and allow your effort — not your speed — to stay even as the gradient swings. If you are unsure of your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you tackle it, then convert that figure into a target you can defend for the full 592 m of gain. Treat the climb as one long, controlled effort, not fourteen separate ones.

Gearing

The 4.11% average is friendly, but the 8.91% maximum and the sheer 14.4 km length argue for gearing on the generous side. A compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible choice here. A 34×32 will cover most riders comfortably across the steadier gradients, giving you a low enough gear to spin through the ramps without grinding. If you prefer to keep cadence high on the steeper pitches, or you are fatigued by the time the road reaches 1026 m, step up to a 34×34 for extra insurance. There is no penalty for carrying a bailout gear you may not need on a climb this sustained.

Summary

Tlstý javor rewards steady, intelligent riding: a long category 2 ascent where patience beats aggression, and where holding a measured effort across all 14.4 km delivers you to the summit with something left in reserve.

Length: 14.4 km
Average gradient: 4.11%
Max gradient: 8.91%
Start: 434 m
Summit: 1026 m
Net gain: 592 m
Total ascent: 574 m
Category: 2