Bocchetta di Palanzo

Overview

Bocchetta di Palanzo is a genuine hors catégorie (HC) test — the hardest rung on the climbing ladder, above categories 1 through 4. Over 10.4 km it drags you from a start elevation of 203 m to a summit at 1200 m, a net gain of 997 m. The average gradient is a savage 9.59%, and it spikes as high as 24.25%. There is no easing into this one: nearly ten percent, sustained, for the better part of an hour. Recorded total ascent comes to 961 m, a touch under the net figure, which tells you the road climbs relentlessly with almost nothing given back.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is consistency of pain. With a 9.59% average across the full 10.4 km, there are no recovery flats to hide the effort — the mean itself is close to what many riders consider a wall. The 24.25% maximum means at least one pitch more than doubles that average, so expect ramps where cadence collapses and you are simply surviving to the next bend. Because total ascent (961 m) sits just below net gain (997 m), the profile is almost purely upward: the climb takes back only about 36 m across its length, so there is no false-flat respite to reset your legs. Treat every steep section as arriving on top of an already-hard baseline rather than as an isolated spike.

Pacing Notes

An HC climb of this length rewards discipline over ego. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold a sustainable percentage of it from the base, rather than attacking early and blowing before the summit. With the average already near 9.59%, the road sets your minimum intensity — your job is to avoid pushing far over threshold on the 24.25% ramps, where surges cost far more than they gain. If you are unsure of your number, run it through the FTP estimator before you start and pace to a target you can defend across all 10.4 km. Meter the climb in thirds and keep something in reserve for the steepest pitches.

Gearing

Gear for the ramps, not the average. On a climb that averages 9.59% and touches 24.25%, most riders will want the lowest ratio they can fit. A 34×32 is the sensible floor and will get many riders up, but on the steepest pitches it leaves little margin, forcing you over threshold to keep the pedals turning. If your legs or your target power suggest any doubt, go to a 34×34 — the extra range keeps cadence alive on the 24.25% sections and protects your effort for the full 10.4 km. Bigger is better here; you will not regret spinning.

Summary

Bocchetta di Palanzo earns its HC rating honestly: long, unrelenting, and steep from bottom to top with essentially no recovery. Pace to your threshold, gear low, and respect the ramps.

Length: 10.4 km
Average gradient: 9.59%
Max gradient: 24.25%
Start: 203 m
Summit: 1200 m
Net gain: 997 m
Total ascent: 961 m
Category: HC