Pico del Teide is a climb of 36.3 kilometers (hors catégorie). Pico del Teide tops out at 2,055 m above sea level. It is located in Santiago del Teide, n/a, España. The average gradient is 5.7% with a maximum of 10.1%. The climb has 2059 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: A long climb (36.3 km) but a steady one, with a constant average gradient of 5.7%. The main challenge is its length. The harsh sections (7-8%) are concentrated in the first 10 km, followed by a notable respite at KM 10.0-12.0 (gradients of 3% and 1%). The rest of the climb alternates between 5% and 6% sections, demanding disciplined effort management.
Pacing tips:
1. Start controlled: Resist the urge to go too hard in the first 10 km, which are steeper. Settle into a sustainable rhythm you can hold for the long haul.
2. Make the most of the respite: The flat section between km 10 and 12 is crucial for recovering and refueling without losing speed.
3. Steady rhythm: After km 12, find a stable cadence for the remaining 24 km (mostly 5-6% gradients), managing your heart rate and power output.
Riders who have climbed the Teide agree on one thing: it's a climb you have to earn. The gradient is constant, often between 7 and 8%, over a very long distance. You need to pace yourself, especially in the first kilometres, which are described as the hardest, before settling into a steady rhythm for this long endurance test.
What stays with people, beyond the effort, is how dramatically the scenery changes. Riders describe a road that winds through a pine forest before opening onto lunar volcanic landscapes. The contrast is striking, and the view over the volcanic rock and lava flows is a unique reward with every turn of the pedals.
The experience is somewhat spoiled by heavy traffic, though. Many riders mention the busy road, with cars and especially motorbikes coming up fast. The engine noise and sometimes close overtakes are cited as downsides that can take away from the enjoyment of the climb.
Still, the atmosphere among riders is often described as supportive. Riders encourage each other, creating a temporary community along the road. Reaching the final viewpoint, even without being able to ride all the way to the summit, is felt as a huge accomplishment, with the sense of having conquered a giant.
36.3 km • 2059 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
Join thousands of cycling fans! Plan your rides, record your performance, track your progress and discover the finest climbs.
Live climb profile to pace your effort all the way to the top.
Within 20 km