Portezuelo Sajalla is a climb of 5.7 kilometers (category 3). Portezuelo Sajalla tops out at 4,253 m above sea level. It is located in Colchane, Región de Tarapacá, Chile. The average gradient is 3.7% with a maximum of 9.6%. The climb has 211 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This 5.7 km climb with 211 m of elevation gain averages 3.7%, which puts it in category 3. The start is the toughest section, with 8% from km 0.0-0.5, then 7% from km 0.5-1.0. Between km 1.0 and 3.0, the road gives you a breather with gradients between -3% and 1%, before ramping back up to 4% from km 3.0-3.5. The final stretch, from km 4.5 to 5.7, stays punchy at 5-6%.
Tips for pacing yourself:
1. Control the start: don't blow your matches on the 8% from km 0.0-0.5. Settle into a steady rhythm from the first pedal stroke.
2. Recover on the rolling section: use km 1.0-3.0, where the gradient is flat or downhill, to spin your legs, drink and refuel.
3. Save something for the finish: tackle km 4.5-5.7 at 5-6% with an easy gear and a smooth cadence, and keep some energy in reserve for the last few hundred metres.
5.7 km • 211 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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