Pushkin pass is a climb of 3.1 kilometers (category 1). The climb finishes at 2,032 m above sea level. The average gradient is 6.8% with a maximum of 15.1%. The climb has 209 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: The Pushkin Pass, climbed from Aznvadzor, covers 3.1 km at an average gradient of 6.8%, which rates it as a Category 1 climb. The start is the steepest section, with 7% over the first 500 metres, then 5% between km 0.5 and km 1.0. Between km 1.0 and km 2.0 the gradient drops to 3%, which gives you a real breather, before the 6% from km 2.0 to km 3.0 brings the effort back up all the way to the finish. The climb is demanding, especially in the final part, where the accumulated fatigue really makes itself felt.
Tips for pacing:
1. Control the start. In the first 500 metres at 7%, don't go out too hard. Settle into a steady rhythm and stay seated.
2. Make the most of the 3% section. Between km 1.0 and km 2.0, spin a higher cadence and recover so you can refill the tank.
3. Save something for the finale. The km 2.0 to 3.0 section at 6% comes after a long effort, so meter out your energy and finish strong.
The climb can be tackled by two roads. The main one goes through a tunnel. The old switchback road, a narrow mountain lane, leads straight to the summit. Cars do use it, but slowly, so take your time.
Once at the top, there's a weather station and a few wind turbines. One rider recommends going for a short walk on the neighbouring hills, which he found really beautiful. Another rider couldn't find the Pushkin monument and thinks he rode right past it without seeing it.
The views and the scenery come up in several reports. Those who've ridden it describe it as superb, with nothing more to add.
On the downside, one rider mentions a traffic jam on the road, without saying where or why. It's also worth knowing that one of the most recent riders over the unpaved section of the climb says the road was still under construction at the time.
3.1 km • 209 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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