Pastewnik from Wierzchosławice: what you need to know

Difficulty breakdown: This 6.6 km climb averages a moderate 3.1% gradient for 208 m of elevation gain, which puts it in the 3rd category. The first part, from 0.0 to 4.5 km, is relatively rolling, with gradients between 2% and 4%, broken up by a short -1% dip between 2.5 and 3.0 km. The real difficulty is concentrated between 4.5 and 6.0 km, where the gradient ramps up to 5%, then 7% and 6%, before a still sustained 3% section between 6.0 and 6.5 km.

Tips for the effort:

1. Pace the start Don't go out too hard over the first 4.5 km, where the 2 to 4% gradients let you find a steady rhythm and save something for later.

2. Prepare for the key section Get ready to drop into your easiest gears between 4.5 and 6.0 km, where the 5%, 7% and 6% sections demand a steady cadence and short, controlled out-of-the-saddle efforts.

3. Recover on the flat Use the -1% dip between 2.5 and 3.0 km to spin out your legs, breathe and get some food and drink in before tackling the second half of the climb.