Tufandag

Overview

Tufandag is a short, approachable ascent that rewards steady effort over raw power. Over just 2.8 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 685 m to a summit of 788 m, a net gain of 103 m. The average gradient sits at a gentle 3.62%, and even the steepest ramp tops out at only 4.12% — meaning there is nowhere on this climb that truly bites. At category 4, it is the mildest rung on the classification ladder, a climb you can ride briskly without ever dipping into the red. Think of it as a rhythm climb: consistent, honest, and over before it can hurt.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Tufandag is its remarkable evenness. With an average of 3.62% and a maximum of only 4.12%, the gap between the typical slope and the hardest pitch is a mere 0.5%. That tells you almost everything: there are no walls, no lurching switchbacks that spike your heart rate, and no false flats disguising a sting. The road simply tilts up and holds that tilt. The recorded total ascent of 99 m against a net gain of 103 m confirms the profile is essentially monotonic — you climb, and you keep climbing, without meaningful descents to reset your legs. This is a climb where the numbers on your head unit will barely flicker.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so uniform, pacing here is refreshingly simple: pick a sustainable power and hold it wall-to-wall. On a slope averaging 3.62%, most riders can hover right around their threshold without fear of a late-climb ramp forcing a costly surge. If you know your FTP, target something you can comfortably sustain for the full 2.8 km — this is short enough to push, but not so short that you should empty the tank in the first 500 m. If you are unsure of your number, run the FTP estimator first, then set a target and lock into it. The steady 4.12% ceiling means you can carry momentum and even accelerate over the top rather than clawing to the line.

Gearing

With gradients this modest, gearing is not about survival — it is about spinning efficiently. A standard compact setup will feel almost luxurious here. A 34×32 gives you ample range to keep a smooth cadence across the whole 3.62% average without ever grinding, and it is more than enough for the 4.12% maximum. If your legs are fresh and you are chasing a time, you may not even need your easiest sprocket. That said, a 34×34 is a smart safety net if Tufandag comes late in a long day or you simply prefer to twiddle a high cadence and save your legs for what follows. Either way, you will have gearing to spare.

Summary

Tufandag is a fast, friendly category 4 climb: short at 2.8 km, gentle at 3.62% average, and never harsh with a 4.12% ceiling. It is ideal as a warmup, a tempo effort, or a confidence-builder. Ride it steady, spin an easy gear, and enjoy the even rhythm to the top.

Length: 2.8 km
Average gradient: 3.62%
Max gradient: 4.12%
Start: 685 m
Summit: 788 m
Net gain: 103 m
Total ascent: 99 m
Category: 4