Coll de Garró

Overview

Coll de Garró is a 7.3 km category 2 climb that starts almost at sea level, from just 10 m, and tops out at 411 m. That gives a net elevation gain of 401 m across the ascent. The average gradient of 5.49% puts it squarely in the sustained-but-honest bracket: never so steep that it forces you off the saddle for long, but relentless enough that there is nowhere to properly rest. With a max gradient of 9.92%, the hardest ramp roughly doubles the average, so the effort is far from uniform. Expect a climb that rewards steady legs and a clear head over raw punch.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 5.49% average and the 9.92% maximum is the whole story here. Over 7.3 km, an average of 5.49% would deliver a total ascent of roughly 401 m if every metre were identical — but the recorded total ascent is 385 m, which tells you the road is not a clean staircase. That small shortfall against the net gain hints at brief flatter shelves or the occasional pitch that eases before the next kick. Practically, that means you climb in waves: stretches near or just above the average, punctuated by steeper ramps that flirt with double digits. Read the road ahead and you can meter your effort so the 9.92% sections do not blow your pacing apart.

Pacing Notes

Because the average sits at 5.49% with spikes toward 9.92%, the smart approach is to ride the flatter sections a touch harder and soft-pedal into the steep ramps rather than attacking them. Aim to hold an even power output close to your threshold rather than chasing the gradient. A good target is a steady percentage of your FTP — settle into a rhythm you could sustain for the full 7.3 km without cracking on the steepest pitch. If you are not sure what number to hold, run the figures through the FTP estimator before you go, then translate that into a wattage you can defend from bottom to top.

Gearing

For a climb of this shape — 7.3 km at 5.49% average with ramps up to 9.92% — most riders will want a compact setup with a generous rear cassette. A 34×32 lowest gear is enough for strong climbers to spin the steep sections without grinding, keeping cadence up where the road bites toward double digits. If you prefer to protect your knees, ride at a lighter weight-to-power ratio, or simply want insurance on the 9.92% pitches, step up to 34×34. That extra range costs you nothing on the flatter 5.49% stretches and buys you a comfortable cadence when the gradient peaks. Either way, prioritise spinning over stomping across the full 401 m of gain.

Summary

Coll de Garró is an approachable yet honest category 2 test: a 7.3 km climb from 10 m to 411 m with a steady 5.49% average and enough bite at 9.92% to keep you engaged. Pace it evenly, gear it kindly, and the 401 m of net gain will pass beneath you without drama.

Length: 7.3 km
Average gradient: 5.49%
Max gradient: 9.92%
Start: 10 m
Summit: 411 m
Net gain: 401 m
Total ascent: 385 m
Category: 2