Puerto de Campolayal

Overview

Puerto de Campolayal is a 10 km climb that starts almost at sea level, with the road beginning at just 1 m of elevation. From there it works its way up to a summit of 417 m, giving a net gain of 416 m over the full ascent. Categorised as a 3 — the gentlest of the classified tiers below 1 and 2 — it sits in the range where a climb is long enough to matter but forgiving enough that most riders can settle into a rhythm rather than simply survive. With an average gradient of 4.17% and a maximum of 8.7%, it rewards steady, sustainable effort over explosive bursts.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure is that 4.17% average, but the total ascent of 408 m across 10 km tells you the road does not climb in a single uninterrupted line. That 408 m of accumulated climbing sits just below the 416 m of net gain, a sign of a road that mostly climbs but includes brief flatter or gently rolling sections rather than one relentless wall. The 8.7% maximum gradient is more than double the average, so expect the effort to arrive in pulses: long, manageable stretches interrupted by short pinches where the slope roughly doubles. Reading the road ahead and anticipating those steeper kicks is the key to a clean ascent.

Pacing Notes

Because the climb averages a moderate 4.17% over 10 km, it is best treated as a sustained tempo effort rather than a series of accelerations. Anchor your pacing to your FTP: hold a comfortably firm output on the shallower sections and allow your power to rise only over the 8.7% pinches, then ease back to your baseline once the road relaxes. Riders who surge early on the flatter opening kilometres often pay for it when the gradient bites. If you are unsure of your current threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your target for the day. The goal on a category 3 like this is to arrive at the 417 m summit having spent evenly, not to blow apart on the first steep ramp.

Gearing

For a climb of this length and shape, a compact setup is more than enough. A 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide-range cassette covers the 4.17% average comfortably and leaves headroom for the 8.7% maximum. A 34×32 will suit strong riders who want to keep the cadence high through the steeper pinches. If you prefer to spin, or you are carrying fatigue or extra load, a 34×34 gives that extra margin so you can stay seated and relaxed even where the gradient doubles. Either choice lets you protect your legs over the full 10 km.

Summary

Puerto de Campolayal is an approachable, well-rounded 10 km category 3 climb: a low start, a moderate average, and just enough steep punctuation to keep it interesting. Pace it to your threshold, gear low enough to spin the pinches, and the 417 m summit comes as a satisfying reward rather than a battle.

Length: 10 km
Average gradient: 4.17%
Max gradient: 8.7%
Start: 1 m
Summit: 417 m
Net gain: 416 m
Total ascent: 408 m
Category: 3