Alto de los Chivos

Overview

Alto de los Chivos is a short, honest category-4 climb that rewards a smooth, controlled effort rather than raw punch. Over just 1.3 km the road lifts you from a start elevation of 144 m to a summit at 219 m, a net gain of 75 m. The average gradient sits at 5.73%, firmly in the tempo range where you can settle into a rhythm and hold it all the way to the top. With a max gradient of only 5.67%, this is one of those rare climbs where the steepest pitch barely edges above the average — meaning there are no nasty surprises waiting to blow your legs apart.

How the Gradient Unfolds

What defines Alto de los Chivos is its remarkable consistency. The gap between the 5.73% average and the 5.67% max is tiny, which tells you the road climbs at very nearly the same pitch from bottom to top. There's no false flat to recover on and no wall to brace for — just a steady, even grade that keeps the pressure constant. The recorded total ascent of 61 m against a net gain of 75 m confirms the road runs mostly upward without meaningful dips. Over 1.3 km, that translates to a climb you can read at a glance: pick a gear, pick a cadence, and let the consistency work in your favour.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient never spikes, Alto de los Chivos is an ideal climb to ride at or just below your threshold. Aim to hold a steady percentage of your FTP for the full 1.3 km rather than surging — the even grade means every watt spent early is a watt you'll miss near the summit. If you don't know your threshold number, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan your effort. On a climb this short and uniform, a slightly harder-than-comfortable tempo is sustainable to the line; the 75 m of gain simply isn't long enough to punish an aggressive but measured pace.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 5.73% with a max of 5.67%, most riders on a compact chainset will be comfortably geared. A 34×32 is plenty for staying seated and spinning a healthy cadence across the whole 1.3 km, especially given how consistent the grade is. If you prefer to keep your legs fresh, carry higher torque reserves, or simply spin lighter on tired legs, a 34×34 gives you a touch more headroom without any downside on a climb this moderate. Either setup lets you match your cadence to the steady pitch and avoid grinding.

Summary

Alto de los Chivos is a compact, evenly graded category-4 climb — short enough to attack, consistent enough to pace cleanly. With a max gradient barely above its average and just 75 m of net gain, it's a climb about rhythm, not survival. Settle in, hold your tempo, and roll over the top at 219 m.

Length: 1.3 km
Average gradient: 5.73%
Max gradient: 5.67%
Start: 144 m
Summit: 219 m
Net gain: 75 m
Total ascent: 61 m
Category: 4