Cook Saddle is a climb of 2.6 kilometers (category 1). The climb finishes at 432 m above sea level. It is located in Westland National Park, West Coast, New Zealand / Aotearoa. The average gradient is 8.4% with a maximum of 17.9%. The climb has 215 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This 2.6 km climb with 215 m of elevation gain averages 8.4%, which puts it in Category 1. The gradient is very consistent: every 500 m section sits between 8 and 10%, with the steepest stretch at 10% between km 0.5 and km 1.0. The easiest section, between km 2.0 and km 2.5, still averages 7% and gives you no real respite. It's a sustained effort with no change of pace and no recovery, and it slowly wears down your legs.
Tips for pacing the climb:
1. Don't go out too hard. On the km 0.0-0.5 section at 9%, a controlled tempo will keep you from paying for it on the next part, the steepest at 10%.
2. Settle into a steady cadence. Between km 1.0 and km 2.0, where the gradient ranges from 8 to 9%, choose a gear that lets you hold a smooth cadence and a calm breathing rhythm.
3. Save something for the finish. On km 2.0-2.5, the 7% gradient is still demanding after a long climb already, so meter your effort to finish strong without blowing up.
2.6 km • 215 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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