Techt from Ali Gherraf: what you need to know

Difficulty analysis: At 17.8 km, with 782 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 4.4%, this climb from Techt starting in Khemis el Khechna is well deserving of its hors catégorie rating. The effort starts right from km 0.0 with sustained gradients of 6% to 9%, the steepest section sitting at km 2.0-3.0 at 9%. After the flat section at km 5.0-6.0, the route alternates between false flats and descending stretches until km 12.0, before the km 13.0-15.0 sections (9% then 8%) become the toughest part. The final stretch, with 6% over km 17.0-17.8, really finishes off the legs.

Tips for pacing the climb:

1. Pace yourself from the start. The 6 to 9% gradients between km 0.0 and km 5.0 are hard, but there are still more than 12 km to go, so don't go out too hard.

2. Make the most of the easier sections. Use the flat section at km 5.0-6.0 (0%) and the stretch between km 10.0 and 12.0 (between -1% and 0%) to recover, drink and fuel up.

3. Tackle the key section between km 13.0 and 15.0. Pick a gear that suits you, keep a steady cadence and stay seated to avoid surging on the 9% and 8% pitches.