Puerto de Navalmoral

Overview

Puerto de Navalmoral is a Category 2 climb in Spain (ES) that runs 11.2 km from a start elevation of 1026 m to a summit at 1515 m. Over that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 489 m at an average gradient of 4.38%, placing it firmly in the mid-length, moderate-grade bracket where consistency matters more than raw power.

The headline number to watch is the gap between net gain and total ascent. While you climb 489 m net, the total ascent is 707 m — a 218 m difference. That means the road gives back roughly 218 m of descent along the way, so the profile undulates rather than climbing cleanly. Every metre of that lost elevation has to be re-earned, which makes the real climbing effort harder than the 4.38% average suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 4.38% average is a blend, not a constant. Between the flatter and downhill sections that produce the 218 m of undulation sit noticeably steeper pitches, and the steepest ramp reaches 11.99% — nearly three times the average. Treat the mean as a planning figure, not a promise.

• Flatter and downhill recovery sections where you regain rhythm and can spin or freewheel briefly
• Repeated short climbing efforts as the road claws back the elevation it just surrendered
• A steepest ramp near 11.99% that will spike your power if you hit it in the wrong gear

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, even-effort beats even-speed. Chasing a constant speed forces you to surge on every re-climb and coast on the descents, spiking your load exactly where it costs most. Instead, anchor your effort to your sustainable power output and hold it steady: ease slightly on the descents rather than hammering, and let the steep ramps pull your speed down while your power stays controlled.

Because the 218 m of undulation hides repeated short efforts, over-pacing early is the classic mistake here. If you don't know your ceiling, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator and set a target you can defend all the way to 1515 m.

Gearing

The steepest gradient governs your gearing, and 11.99% is steep enough to demand real range. Fit a compact (34-tooth inner) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 low gear gives you the cadence to spin the steepest ramp without grinding. Falling back on a tight cassette will leave you mashing at low RPM exactly when the undulation has already drained your legs. Check your setup before the ride, not at the bottom of the ramp.

Summary

• Length: 11.2 km
• Average gradient: 4.38%
• Maximum gradient: 11.99%
• Net elevation gain: 489 m
• Total ascent: 707 m
• Category: 2

Puerto de Navalmoral is a deceptively honest climb: the modest average masks 707 m of total ascent packed into repeated efforts. Pace it by effort, gear for the 11.99% ramp, and the summit at 1515 m is well within reach.