Esquipulas Palo Gordo is a climb of 5.7 kilometers (category 1). Esquipulas Palo Gordo tops out at 2,554 m above sea level. It is located in Esquipulas Palo Gordo, San Marcos, Guatemala. The average gradient is 5.8% with a maximum of 20.9%. The climb has 333 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: At 5.7 km, with 333 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 5.8%, this Category 1 climb is hard, mainly because of its uneven profile. The first kilometre is the toughest section, with 12% gradient over km 0 to 1, meaning nearly 120 m of climbing to swallow right from the gun. The stretch from km 1 to km 2.5, at 2-3%, then offers a welcome breather, before the gradient ramps back up to 6-7% between km 2.5 and km 4. The finale, from km 5 to km 5.7, also kicks back up to 6-7% after a more rolling section at 3% between km 4 and km 5.
Tips for pacing:
1. Don't go out too hard. On the opening 12% from km 0 to 1, settle into a smooth cadence and a gear you can hold, and don't chase a gap straight away.
2. Recover on the flatter part. Use the km 1 to km 2.5 section, at 2-3%, to get your breathing back under control, drink and take on some food.
3. Save something for the finale. Tackle the 6-7% from km 5 to km 5.7 with a steady effort and keep your last reserves for that final section.
5.7 km • 333 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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