Annaberg Pass

Overview

Annaberg Pass is a Category 2 climb in Austria, running 8.4 km from a start elevation of 559 m to a summit at 975 m. On paper it is a mid-length effort with a net elevation gain of 416 m and an average gradient of 4.98%, numbers that suggest a steady, moderate haul rather than a wall.

The average, though, tells only part of the story. While the net gain is 416 m, the total ascent over the climb is 650 m. That 234 m difference means the road does not rise cleanly to the top: there are descents and flat stretches you have to re-climb. Every metre you give back on a downhill is a metre you pay for again, so the effort is spikier than the tidy 4.98% average implies.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 4.98% average hides a road that ramps and eases rather than holding one pitch. With a maximum gradient close to 16%, the steep sections demand far more than the average, and the undulation means you rarely settle into a rhythm for long. Expect the gradient to swing, forcing repeated changes of pace and gear.

• Flatter or recovery sections where the road eases and even tips downhill briefly
• Repeated short climbs that follow each dip, each one asking you to rebuild speed
• The steepest ramp near 16%, where you shift down and grind rather than push

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort, not even speed. Holding a constant pace over the steep ramps would spike you well above your sustainable power output, leaving nothing for the pitches that follow. Instead, let your speed rise on the flatter and downhill sections and accept that it will drop on the steep ramps, keeping your effort steady throughout.

Ease slightly before each steep pitch rather than hitting it hard, and use the recovery sections to spin, not to attack. If you are unsure where your ceiling sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you ride so you know the wattage you can hold across the full 8.4 km.

Gearing

The near-16% maximum gradient governs your gearing choice here, not the 4.98% average. A compact (50/34) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette gives you the low gears you need for the steepest ramp without over-grinding. A 34×32 is a sensible floor; a 34×34 gives more margin if you want to keep your cadence up on the steep pitch. Check your chainset and cassette before the ride so you are not caught spinning out of gears on the 16% section.

Summary

• Length: 8.4 km
• Average gradient: 4.98%
• Maximum gradient: 15.81%
• Net elevation gain: 416 m
• Total ascent: 650 m
• Category: 2

Annaberg Pass rewards riders who read the profile rather than the average. Pace by effort, gear for the 16% ramp, and treat the 234 m of extra ascent as the real challenge behind this Category 2 climb.