Alto del Palo de Campana

Alto del Palo de Campana cycling climb profile

Alto del Palo de Campana is a compact category 4 climb that asks for discipline more than drama. At 2.2 km with an average gradient of 6.38%, it is long enough to punish a sloppy opening, but not long enough to reward sitting back and waiting too long. The important detail is the narrow gap between the average gradient and the listed maximum of 7.17%. That tells you this is not a climb defined by violent ramps. It is a controlled uphill effort where the cost comes from holding pressure consistently.

The climb starts at 423 m and tops out at 566 m, giving a net elevation gain of 143 m. On the road, that means the gradient should feel present almost immediately rather than building into a high-mountain rhythm. There is not much room for a true reset once the climb begins, so the first mistake to avoid is treating the lower slopes like a lead-in.

How the gradient unfolds

With a 6.38% average and a 7.17% maximum, Alto del Palo de Campana sits in a tight gradient band. The practical read is simple: expect sustained resistance, not repeated changes in character. If the road touches its steepest pitch, it is only modestly above the average, so the climb should reward riders who can keep torque smooth rather than those relying on repeated accelerations.

This makes it a good test of pacing judgement. A rider who goes above /glossary/ftp too early will not get much help from easier terrain, because the profile does not suggest large gradient relief. Conversely, a rider who starts too conservatively may run out of climb before converting that restraint into speed.

Pacing and gearing notes

Ride the opening as if the average gradient is already telling the truth. Settle into a gear that lets you apply pressure without grinding, then only lift the effort once the summit is clearly within reach. Because the maximum gradient is only 7.17%, there is no need to save an emergency gear for a brutal wall, but there is still value in keeping one easier option available if fatigue bites late.

For stronger riders, this is a climb suited to a firm seated effort with a controlled final increase. For less experienced climbers, the safer approach is to cap the effort early and avoid chasing speed changes. The climb is short, but its steadiness means every overreaction has a cost.