Passo de Nuca is a climb of 6.1 kilometers (category 1). Passo de Nuca tops out at 2,601 m above sea level. It is located in Yolchonap, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The average gradient is 4.3% with a maximum of 21.8%. The climb has 262 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: The Passo de Nuca packs most of its difficulty into the first third. The first two kilometres, with gradients of 15% then 14%, are the hardest part of the climb. The rest of the route alternates between rolling sections and a clear descent between 2.0 and 3.0 km, which then means climbing back up. Over 6.1 km at an average gradient of 4.3%, the effort stays sustained but spread out, making it a first-category climb that is really decided at the start.
Tips for the effort:
1. Pace yourself from the bottom. Take the first 500 metres at 15% with a light enough gear and a steady cadence, without going full gas.
2. Don't ease off on the descent. Between 2.0 and 3.0 km, the downhill section can tempt you to back off, but you need to be ready for the ramp back up to 3%, then 5%, between 3.0 and 4.0 km.
3. Finish strong on the false flat. Between 4.5 and 6.0 km, the gradient doesn't go above 2%. This is the time to keep a strong rhythm and save something for the finish.
6.1 km • 262 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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