Alto de San Quílez

Overview

The Alto de San Quílez is short, but it does not trade on distance. At just 2.9 km with an average gradient of 8.94%, it packs a full climbing effort into a window most riders can hold in their heads from the first pedal stroke. You begin at 850 m and finish at 1113 m, a net elevation gain of 263 m earned over ground that rarely relents. The category 2 label reflects that math honestly: not the sustained monster of a category 1, but far more than a warm-up. With a maximum gradient of 12.09%, there is a genuine sting waiting for anyone who starts too eagerly.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining number here is the ratio between length and severity. Averaging 8.94% over 2.9 km means the climb almost never dips into easy territory — the average itself sits close to double digits, so the "flat" moments are relative at best. The total ascent of 219 m against a net gain of 263 m tells you the profile trends upward almost continuously, with little of the rolling give-and-take that lets you recover. The gap between the 8.94% average and the 12.09% maximum is about 3.15%, which means the steepest ramps stand out sharply against an already demanding baseline rather than being isolated spikes. Expect the hardest ground to feel like a step up from an effort that was never comfortable to begin with.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short and steep, the temptation is to attack from the base — and that is exactly the trap. Anchor your effort to your FTP. Over 2.9 km at 8.94% average, most riders will finish in a window where holding just above threshold is realistic, so aim to sit at or slightly under FTP through the opening, then spend your reserves as the gradient climbs toward 12.09%. If you do not know your threshold, run your numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the effort. The 263 m of net gain arrives quickly enough that a single mistimed surge can cost you the whole summit.

Gearing

Do not underestimate a 2.9 km climb that averages 8.94%. The steepest ramps at 12.09% will punish a stiff cassette. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear is a sensible baseline for strong riders who can turn a bigger gear on grade. If you prefer to spin and protect your legs — or if you are carrying fatigue into the climb — step up to a 34×34. That extra cog buys cadence exactly where the 12.09% pitches try to force you into a grind, keeping your effort aerobic rather than muscular over the final metres to 1113 m.

Summary

Alto de San Quílez is a compact, honest category 2 test: short enough to memorise, steep enough to respect. Pace it to your threshold, gear for the 12.09% ramps, and let the 263 m of climbing come to you.

Length: 2.9 km
Average gradient: 8.94%
Max gradient: 12.09%
Start: 850 m
Summit: 1113 m
Net gain: 263 m
Total ascent: 219 m
Category: 2