Bocchetta di Sant'Anna

Overview

Bocchetta di Sant'Anna is an HC climb — hors catégorie, the hardest rating on the scale that runs down through categories 1, 2, 3, and 4. Over just 10.7 km it drags you from a start elevation of 212 m to a summit at 1207 m, a net gain of 995 m. The average gradient is a brutal 9.29%, and it never really lets you settle: pitches spike as steep as 22.6%. This is not a climb of long, mellow drags punctuated by a hard ramp — it is hard almost everywhere, and the numbers tell you as much before you turn a pedal.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An average of 9.29% across 10.7 km is the headline, but averages hide the story. With a maximum of 22.6%, this road holds ramps more than twice as steep as its own mean. The recorded total ascent of 973 m sits just below the 995 m net gain, which tells you the profile is almost monotonically upward — there is little to no descending, no free rolling, no recovery corners where you coast. Expect long stretches sitting near or above the 9.29% average, with the steepest sections punching toward that 22.6% peak. Because you climb 995 m in only 10.7 km, gravity is your constant companion from the 212 m base to the 1207 m top. Treat every ramp that eases toward single digits as a gift, not a norm.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this sustained, pacing is everything. The average of 9.29% over 10.7 km means you will be at or near threshold for the full effort, so anchor your ride to your FTP rather than to feel — feel lies when you are staring at 22.6% ramps. Aim to hold a steady power target on the 9.29% stretches and accept short surges above it on the steepest pitches, then recover the instant the road relents. If you do not know your threshold number, run it through the FTP estimator before you commit, then set a ceiling you can defend across all 995 m of vertical. Going too deep in the first few kilometres is the classic error here; with no recovery terrain, a blown match early cannot be re-lit.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this one. With a 9.29% average and 22.6% maximum, most riders will want the widest range they can fit. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette is a sensible floor for strong climbers, but many will be far happier with 34×34 to keep cadence alive on the steepest ramps. The 34×34 buys you the spin to protect your knees and your matches across the full 10.7 km. If your bike and derailleur accept it, err toward the easier ratio — you can always push a bigger gear, but you cannot conjure one you did not bring.

Summary

Bocchetta di Sant'Anna is a genuine HC test: short in distance, savage in gradient, and unforgiving from base to summit. Pace to your threshold, gear low, and respect the 22.6% ramps.

Length: 10.7 km
Average gradient: 9.29%
Max gradient: 22.6%
Start: 212 m
Summit: 1207 m
Net gain: 995 m
Total ascent: 973 m
Category: HC