Coll de Laquell

Overview

The Coll de Laquell is the kind of climb that defines a season. Rated hors catégorie — the hardest classification, above categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 — it stretches for 23.8 km and lifts you from a valley floor at 698 m all the way to a summit of 2161 m. That is a net elevation gain of 1463 m, with 1436 m of that coming as pure ascent once you account for the handful of flatter breathers along the way. The average gradient of 6.15% sounds civilized on paper, but averages lie on a climb this long, and Laquell has a nasty ramp with a maximum pitch of 22.2% waiting to remind you who is in charge.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 23.8 km, this is an endurance effort first and a power effort second. The 6.15% average tells you the overall slope, but the gap between that number and the 22.2% maximum reveals the character: long, steady tempo interrupted by punishing spikes. Expect the road to settle into a rhythm that lets you find a cadence, then abruptly steepen where the gradient more than triples. Those steep sections are where riders blow up — not because of the average, but because they arrive already fatigued from the kilometres behind them. With 1436 m of total ascent packed in, there is almost nowhere to truly recover; every soft pedal is borrowed time.

Pacing Notes

On a climb of this length, pacing is everything. Ride the first two-thirds well below your threshold — think comfortably under your FTP — and save matches for the 22.2% ramps rather than burning them early on the shallower slopes. A good rule is to target a power that feels almost too easy for the opening kilometres, because 1463 m of climbing will find your weaknesses no matter how strong you feel at 698 m. If you are unsure what your sustainable number is, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a plan. Over 23.8 km, riding two percent too hard early can cost you far more than two percent later.

Gearing

Do not underestimate the gearing demands here. A 6.15% average across 23.8 km is manageable, but the 22.2% maximum makes a compact setup essential. A 34×32 is the minimum I would recommend for most riders, and even then you will be grinding on the steepest pitches. If you have any doubt about your climbing legs or your endurance over a 1463 m gain, fit a 34×34 and thank yourself later. The extra range keeps your cadence alive through the spikes and protects your knees across a summit-day effort of this magnitude.

Summary

Coll de Laquell is a true HC test: long enough to break your rhythm, steep enough to break your legs. Respect the distance, gear low, pace conservatively, and the 2161 m summit is yours.

Length: 23.8 km
Average gradient: 6.15%
Max gradient: 22.2%
Start: 698 m
Summit: 2161 m
Net gain: 1463 m
Total ascent: 1436 m
Category: HC