Bocchino della Brignola

Overview

Bocchino della Brignola is an hors catégorie (HC) climb, the hardest rung on the cycling classification ladder above categories 1 through 4. The numbers explain the rating instantly: 24.8 km of ascent at an average gradient of 6.57%, starting at 495 m and topping out at 2125 m. That is 1630 m of net elevation gain, and with the rolls and dips along the way the total ascent reaches 1713 m — meaning you climb an extra 83 m beyond the simple summit-minus-start figure. A max gradient of 26.46% sits somewhere on the profile, a wall steep enough to force even strong riders out of the saddle. This is a long, high-altitude effort that rewards patience far more than aggression.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An average of 6.57% across nearly 25 km sounds steady, but averages hide the story. The gap between the 6.57% mean and the 26.46% maximum tells you the road is not uniform: there are stretches noticeably shallower than average to balance out the brutal ramps. Expect the climb to breathe — sections where you can find rhythm, punctuated by pitches that spike well into the twenties. The extra 83 m of total ascent over net gain confirms there are false flats or short descents where you briefly give elevation back before clawing it out again. Over 1630 m of vertical, the altitude itself becomes a factor near the 2125 m summit, where thinner air quietly taxes your output on top of the gradient.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, the single biggest mistake is starting too hard. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold something sustainable — most riders will want to sit just below threshold for the bulk of the 24.8 km, saving reserves for the 26.46% ramps where power spikes are unavoidable. If you do not know your threshold number, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan your climb. With 1630 m to gain, even a modest overcook in the first few kilometres compounds badly by the time you reach 2125 m. Treat the steep pitches as short, deliberate over-efforts, then settle back to your target the moment the road eases.

Gearing

For an HC climb of 24.8 km averaging 6.57% with ramps to 26.46%, gear low and gear generously. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette is a sensible baseline for fit riders, but on pitches touching 26.46% many will be grateful for a 34×34. Given the sheer duration and the 2125 m summit, err toward the easier 34×34 setup — spinning a lower gear preserves your legs across 1630 m of climbing far better than grinding a ratio that is marginally too tall.

Summary

Bocchino della Brignola is a genuine HC test: long, high, and punctuated by savage ramps. Pace it off your threshold, gear low, and respect the altitude.

Length: 24.8 km
Average gradient: 6.57%
Max gradient: 26.46%
Start: 495 m
Summit: 2125 m
Net gain: 1630 m
Total ascent: 1713 m
Category: HC