Puerto de San Martín

Overview

Puerto de San Martín is a category 2 climb that packs a genuine day's work into 7.9 km. From a start elevation of 437 m it lifts you to a summit of 867 m, a net elevation gain of 430 m, with a recorded total ascent of 414 m along the way. The average gradient of 5.43% sits in that honest middle band where the road is always working against you but rarely brutal, and the maximum pitch of 9.67% guarantees at least one moment where the rhythm breaks and you have to fight.

At just under eight kilometres, this is a climb long enough to demand pacing discipline yet short enough that a strong effort stays sustainable from bottom to top. Category 2 is meaningful: harder than a 3 or 4, a real test, but well short of the sustained suffering of a category 1 or hors catégorie giant.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 5.43% average and a 9.67% maximum, the defining feature of Puerto de San Martín is variation. The gap between the average and the steepest ramp — roughly four points of gradient — tells you the climb is not a metronomic drag. Expect stretches noticeably shallower than 5.43% where you can build speed and recover, offset by ramps that push toward that 9.67% ceiling and spike your heart rate.

Because the total ascent of 414 m is slightly less than the 430 m net gain, the profile is almost entirely uphill with little to no descending on the way up. That means every metre of the 7.9 km is contributing to the climb — there are no free-rolling downhill sections to reset your legs. The work is continuous; only the pitch changes.

Pacing Notes

The smart way to ride a climb of this length and shape is to hold a steady effort just under threshold, letting the gradient — not your ego — dictate speed. Aim to sit close to your FTP on the shallower sections and allow the effort to drift a little higher over the ramps toward 9.67%, rather than surging and blowing up.

If you don't know your threshold power, estimate it first with the FTP estimator so you can set a realistic target for the full 7.9 km. Bank patience early: the 430 m of climbing arrives steadily, and riders who overcook the opening kilometres pay for it when the steepest pitches appear.

Gearing

For a 5.43% average with ramps to 9.67% over 7.9 km, prioritise a low bailout gear so you can spin the steep sections rather than grind. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is ideal. A 34×32 will cover most riders comfortably on the harder pitches, and if you favour a higher cadence or you're carrying fatigue, stepping up to 34×34 gives you extra margin exactly where the gradient bites toward 9.67%. Either setup lets you protect your legs across the full 430 m of ascent.

Summary

Puerto de San Martín is a well-rounded category 2 test: 7.9 km of near-continuous climbing at a fair but variable 5.43%, with a sharp 9.67% high point to keep you honest. Pace it near threshold, gear low, and enjoy a summit earned.

Length 7.9 km
Average gradient 5.43%
Max gradient 9.67%
Start 437 m
Summit 867 m
Net gain 430 m
Total ascent 414 m
Category 2