Alto de los Andakies

Overview

Alto de los Andakies is a hors catégorie ascent, the hardest classification on the scale that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4. It stretches 26.8 km from a base at 549 m to a summit at 2305 m — a net elevation gain of 1756 m. Over that distance the road averages 6.54%, and the total ascent tallies 1745 m, confirming there is almost no respite: nearly every kilometre points uphill. This is a climb defined by its length rather than by any single ferocious wall. The steepest pitch peaks at 10.66%, which sounds modest until you remember you may be facing it deep into an effort that has already lasted well over an hour.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The signature of Andakies is consistency. With a 6.54% average and a 10.66% maximum, the gap between the mean and the peak is only 4.12% — a narrow spread that tells you the road rarely eases and rarely spikes. There are no long false flats to hide in and no dramatic ramps to survive; instead the gradient hovers around its average for kilometre after kilometre. The 11-metre difference between the 1756 m net gain and the 1745 m total ascent means the descents along the way are almost nonexistent. In practical terms, from 549 m you climb steadily toward 2305 m with the pitch nudging up toward double digits on its hardest sections, then settling back into that grinding 6-to-7% rhythm that will dominate your memory of the day.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, pacing is everything. Anchor your effort to a percentage of your FTP rather than to how you feel in the first few kilometres, because 26.8 km leaves plenty of room to pay for early enthusiasm. Riders typically hold a sustainable tempo below threshold for an ascent of this duration, keeping something in reserve for the steeper 10.66% sections. If you don't know your threshold number, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your climb-day targets. With 1756 m of vertical to absorb, a disciplined, even effort will beat a surging one every time.

Gearing

Gear for the long haul, not the average. Even though 6.54% is manageable on paper, sustaining it for 26.8 km with pitches to 10.66% will grind down anything too tall. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible starting point. A 34×32 gives most riders enough range to spin the average without over-torquing the legs, but on a full 1756 m HC effort many will be glad of a 34×34 for the steeper stretches and the closing kilometres near 2305 m, where fatigue makes every extra sprocket count. When in doubt on a climb this size, choose the easier option.

Summary

Alto de los Andakies rewards patience over power: a long, evenly graded HC climb where the total ascent of 1745 m and the 1756 m net gain arrive one steady pedal stroke at a time. Respect the distance, gear low, pace to your threshold, and the 2305 m summit is yours.

Length: 26.8 km
Average gradient: 6.54%
Max gradient: 10.66%
Start: 549 m
Summit: 2305 m
Net gain: 1756 m
Total ascent: 1745 m
Category: HC