Chiunzi

Overview

Chiunzi is a category-1 climb that packs a genuine punch into 8.7 km. From a low start at just 44 m, the road claws its way up to a 658 m summit, delivering 614 m of net elevation gain along the way. That works out to an average gradient of 7.07% — a figure that never really lets up — with the steepest ramp pitching to 9.78%. This is a climb that rewards discipline over ego: sustained enough to hurt, long enough to punish anyone who starts too hot.

At category 1, Chiunzi sits one notch below the fearsome hors catégorie tier, but make no mistake — 8.7 km at better than 7% is a serious effort for any rider. The consistent grade means there are few places to truly recover, so your legs are on the clock from the first pedal stroke to the last.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story of Chiunzi is one of consistency. With an average of 7.07% and a maximum of 9.78%, the spread between typical and hardest is relatively narrow — this is not a climb of dramatic false flats and savage walls, but a steady, grinding ascent. Expect the road to hover around that 7% mark for long stretches, with the gradient nudging toward the high-9s on its meanest ramps.

Because the net gain of 614 m is spread across 8.7 km, the climb maintains its bite throughout. There is no soft opening to ease into and no generous plateau to catch your breath. The pitch that touches 9.78% is where the climb shows its teeth, and it's worth knowing it's coming so you don't burn matches you'll need later.

Pacing Notes

The key to Chiunzi is riding it like the sustained effort it is. With almost no recovery built into the profile, your best tool is a pace anchored to your threshold. Aim to settle in just below your FTP for the bulk of the climb, holding a little in reserve for the steeper 9.78% sections where the effort spikes hardest.

If you don't know your threshold number, use the FTP estimator to get a working figure before you tackle a climb like this. Riders who go out above threshold in the opening kilometres almost always pay for it on the back half, where the relentless 7%-plus grade compounds every early mistake. Start conservative, hold steady, and let the summit come to you.

Gearing

For a 8.7 km climb averaging 7.07% with ramps to 9.78%, gearing generously is smart. A compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette keeps your cadence spinning rather than grinding. A 34×32 is a sensible baseline for strong climbers, letting you turn the pedals over on the steady stretches. If you're carrying fatigue, riding at altitude, or simply prefer to protect your knees, a 34×34 gives you that extra bail-out gear for the 9.78% pitches. Either way, favouring a lower gear here is rarely a mistake on a climb this sustained.

Summary

Chiunzi is a proper test — 8.7 km of near-constant 7%-plus climbing that hauls you 614 m skyward to a 658 m summit. Pace it against your threshold, gear low, and respect the steady grind.

Length: 8.7 km
Average gradient: 7.07%
Max gradient: 9.78%
Start: 44 m
Summit: 658 m
Net gain: 614 m
Total ascent: 576 m
Category: 1