Zákres

Overview

Zákres is a serious mountain climb: 9 km of continuous ascent that averages 8.73% and never really lets you settle. Starting at 447 m and topping out at 1228 m, it delivers a net gain of 781 m and 780 m of total ascent — numbers so close together that they tell you this is an almost relentlessly uphill road, with no meaningful descents to break the effort. That combination of length and steepness earns it a Category 1 rating, one rung below hors catégorie, and it demands respect from the first pedal stroke.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure is the 8.73% average, but averages hide the real story. With a maximum pitch of 24.42%, Zákres packs ramps that are nearly three times steeper than its overall mean. That gap between the 8.73% average and the 24.42% maximum is the crux of the climb: long stretches sit around the average, punctuated by savage kickers that spike toward the maximum. Because total ascent (780 m) and net gain (781 m) are essentially identical, there is no false flat or recovery dip to exploit — every metre of the 9 km is spent going up. Expect to grind through the steady middle grades and then brace hard whenever the road pitches toward that 24.42% wall.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long and this steep, discipline early pays dividends late. A sustainable target is riding the shallower sections just below your FTP, then accepting that the ramps toward 24.42% will inevitably push you over threshold for short bursts. If you don't know your threshold power, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so you can anchor your pacing to real data rather than feel. The trap here is burning matches on the first steep pitch and then bleeding time across the remaining kilometres — with 781 m of gain still to come, patience protects you. Meter your effort, keep cadence smooth on the 8.73% stretches, and save your reserves for the spikes.

Gearing

At 8.73% average with 24.42% maximum ramps, gearing is not a luxury — it is survival. A compact 34-tooth chainring is the sensible front, and the cassette is where you make or break the climb. A 34×32 works if you are strong and light, but for most riders a 34×34 is the smarter choice on Zákres: that extra sprocket buys you a lower cadence floor precisely where the road tips toward 24.42% and the 34×32 would leave you mashing. If your bike can take an even wider range, all the better over 9 km of sustained load. Set up to spin, not grind.

Summary

Zákres is a compact but brutal Category 1 climb: 9 km averaging 8.73%, spiking to 24.42%, with almost every metre spent ascending from 447 m to 1228 m. Come with low gears, a paced plan, and respect for the ramps.

Length: 9 km
Average gradient: 8.73%
Max gradient: 24.42%
Start: 447 m
Summit: 1228 m
Net gain: 781 m
Total ascent: 780 m
Category: 1