Col de la Croix des Moinats

Overview

The Col de la Croix des Moinats is a Category 3 climb in France that runs 10.6 km from its base at 451 m to a summit at 906 m, accumulating 558 m of total ascent. The average gradient of 4.3% sits in the moderate range — the kind of number that can lull you into a false sense of security. That maximum gradient of 17.13% tells the real story.

How the Climb Rides

At 4.3% average across 10.6 km, the Col de la Croix des Moinats is not a sustained wall. The bulk of the climb sits at a rolling, manageable pitch that rewards steady tempo riding. Think consistent pedalling rather than grinding. The road gives you enough time to settle into a rhythm — but the gap between average and maximum gradient here is significant: nearly 13 percentage points. That spread is a reliable sign that the climb hides at least one sharp, punchy ramp that bears no resemblance to what the average suggests.

The 17.13% maximum gradient represents a genuine spike. Whether that ramp appears mid-climb or closer to the summit determines the pacing approach considerably. Regardless of its position, treat it as a discrete effort rather than part of your general tempo. Going into it already deep in the red will cost you far more than the ramp itself warrants.

Gradient Breakdown

• Start elevation: 451 m
• Summit elevation: 906 m
• Total ascent: 558 m
• Length: 10.6 km
• Average gradient: 4.3%
• Maximum gradient: 17.13%
• Category: 3

The 558 m of ascent over 10.6 km confirms the average, but pay attention to the variance. Sections below the average will be below 4.3% — some may even be false flats or brief descents. Sections above average can climb considerably steeper before that 17.13% ceiling.

Pacing Strategy

For a Category 3 climb of this length and average gradient, most riders will be on the climb for roughly 25–45 minutes depending on fitness. That duration puts it firmly in the FTP-paced effort zone — not a sprint, not an ultra-endurance slog.

Key pacing principles for the Col de la Croix des Moinats:

• Open conservatively. The mild average gradient makes it tempting to push early. Resist. Identify the steep ramp when you pre-ride or study the profile, and budget for it.
• Hold back 10–15% of your capacity for the maximum gradient section. A 17.13% ramp demands a short power surge regardless of how controlled you've been. Arriving at it already at threshold is a common mistake.
• Use the easier pitches actively. Where the road eases below 4%, recover partially without losing momentum. Keep cadence up rather than mashing a big gear at low rpm.
• Do not sprint the false flats. If the road kicks down briefly before ramping back up, treat those sections as recovery, not bonus speed opportunities.

Not sure where your FTP sits before attempting this climb? Use the FTP Estimator to set a realistic power target.

Gearing Notes

A compact chainset (50/34 or 46/30) paired with an 11-28 or 11-32 cassette is adequate for most of this climb given the 4.3% average. However, the 17.13% maximum gradient changes that calculus. Riders who tend to push lower cadences or who are carrying fatigue from earlier riding should lean toward an 11-32 or wider. Spinning through the sharp ramp at 75–85 rpm is always preferable to grinding at 55 rpm and blowing up your legs for whatever follows.

If this climb appears mid-route rather than as a standalone effort, treat your gearing choice accordingly. There is no prize for arriving at the top in a harder gear than necessary.