How to pace the Quebrantahuesos
Watts for every climb, split times and fuelling. With your numbers, no account and no email.
Good time: steady pace, with the effort where it actually pays off.
Quebrantahuesos
How to ride it on these numbers
This route is all about managing the cumulative load of 193 km and 3655 m across all the climbs. Somport is long but regular, a controlled warm-up. The real sting comes from the steep ramps of Marie-Blanque and then the never-ending feel of Portalet, where fatigue from earlier efforts shows. Hoz de Jaca is short but vicious, hitting when glycogen and focus are already low.
For your power band and a fast overall time, think of Somport as discipline, not ambition. Sit on about 80% of 250 W, around 200 W or 2.78 W/kg, and let the group thin without chasing every move. On Marie-Blanque you can nudge closer to 74% but keep cadence smooth and avoid big accelerations. The goal is to start Portalet mentally fresh enough to hold a steady, uncomfortable but sustainable tempo.
The classic mistake in this band is riding Marie-Blanque like a short test piece and paying for it on Portalet and Hoz de Jaca. If you see power repeatedly jumping well above 74% or 185 W, back off and reset your breathing. The warning sign is reaching the base of Portalet already dreading its length instead of thinking about locking into your planned 74% and letting the minutes tick by.
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