Alto de Daza

Overview

Alto de Daza is a category 1 climb that asks for patience before it asks for power. Over 23 km it lifts you from 1572 m to a summit of 2801 m, a net gain of 1229 m at an average gradient of 5.35%. That average sounds civil, and for long stretches it is — but the maximum pitch of 13.48% is more than double it, so the road clearly has moments where the honeymoon ends. At altitudes north of 2800 m, thinner air quietly taxes every watt, turning a moderate-looking profile into a genuine test of durability.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a story of a climb that is long rather than savage. With a 5.35% average spread across 23 km, most of the ascent sits in the sustainable zone — the kind of grade you can turn over for an hour or more without your legs screaming. But the gap between that 5.35% average and the 13.48% maximum is the part to respect. Whenever the road ramps toward that ceiling, expect the effort to spike sharply, then settle again. Because total ascent (1223 m) sits just below the net gain (1229 m), there is essentially no descending or false flat to recover on — every metre you climb, you keep. That makes the gradient feel honest: what goes up, stays up.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, the enemy is your own enthusiasm in the opening kilometres. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to ride the sustainable sections a touch below threshold, banking reserves for the steeper ramps toward 13.48%. If you don't have a current threshold figure, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your day. The smart approach is to treat the 5.35% average as your baseline rhythm and simply absorb the surges — surge over the steep bits, then immediately return to your steady cadence. Given the 2801 m summit, also budget for altitude: your usable power fades as you climb, so a pace that feels easy at 1572 m may feel very different near the top. Start conservative; the climb rewards it across all 23 km.

Gearing

For 23 km averaging 5.35% with pitches to 13.48%, gear for the steep bits, not the average. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible default. A 34×32 will cover most riders on the sustained gradient and let you keep a fluid cadence for the bulk of the ascent. But when the road bites toward its 13.48% maximum — especially with tired legs and thin air near 2801 m — the extra range of a 34×34 buys real insurance. If you tend to grind or you're carrying fatigue, run the 34×34 and enjoy the spinning room. Under-gearing on a climb this long is a mistake you pay for repeatedly.

Summary

Alto de Daza is a long, steady category 1 effort with real teeth in its steepest ramps and altitude that compounds every kilometre. Pace it off your threshold, gear generously, and let the 23 km come to you.

Length: 23 km
Average gradient: 5.35%
Max gradient: 13.48%
Start: 1572 m
Summit: 2801 m
Net gain: 1229 m
Total ascent: 1223 m
Category: 1