Col de Pelouse

Overview

Col de Pelouse is a hors catégorie (HC) climb in Italy, running 14.1 km from a start elevation of 1,068 m to a summit at 2,794 m. The net elevation gain is 1,726 m, and the average gradient across the ascent is 12.26%. That combination — double-digit average gradient sustained over 14 km — puts it firmly in the highest difficulty tier, and there is no version of this climb that rewards riders who go out too hard.

The numbers also tell you the road does not climb cleanly. Net elevation gain is 1,726 m, but total ascent is 2,015 m. That 289 m gap means roughly 289 m of descending or false-flat that you have to re-climb. Every metre you give back you pay for twice, and the undulation breaks the rhythm you would otherwise settle into on a steady grade. Expect the effort to feel harder than the average gradient alone predicts.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 12.26% average is punishing on its own, but averages smooth over the real shape of the road. The 289 m of extra ascent has to come from somewhere — dips and rollers that force repeated re-accelerations rather than one continuous drag.

• Flatter or descending sections that briefly drop the grade and tempt you to coast, then hand back the elevation you lost
• Repeated short climbs that stack on top of the base gradient, each demanding a fresh surge of power
• The steepest ramp, well above the 12.26% average, where you will be out of the saddle and grinding regardless of how you paced the approach

Read the profile before you ride so the steep pitches do not surprise you.

Pacing Notes

On a smooth, even climb you can chase even speed. On Col de Pelouse's undulating profile, even speed is a trap — holding constant velocity over the rollers spikes your power on every rise and drains you long before the summit. Pace to even effort instead: hold a steady, sustainable power output and let your speed rise and fall with the terrain.

Anchor that effort to a number you trust. Run the FTP estimator beforehand, set a ceiling you can hold for well over an hour, and refuse to blow past it on the steep ramp.

Gearing

The steepest pitches govern your gearing choice, and they demand generous range. Fit a compact (34-tooth inner) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — 34×32 or 34×34 gives you a climbing gear low enough to spin the steep ramp without stalling your cadence. Undergearing here means grinding at low RPM, which burns matches you cannot afford over 14.1 km. Check your setup before the ride, not at the base of the climb.

Summary

• Length: 14.1 km
• Average gradient: 12.26%
• Net elevation gain: 1,726 m
• Total ascent: 2,015 m
• Category: HC

Col de Pelouse is a genuine HC test: long, steep, and undulating enough that pacing discipline and low gearing matter as much as raw fitness. Prepare both and it becomes a climb you finish rather than survive.