Coll de l'Avellà

Overview

The Coll de l'Avellà is a category 3 climb that stretches 8.1 km from a base at 591 m to a summit of 946 m. Over that distance it gains 355 m of net elevation while averaging a moderate 4.36%. That average sits firmly in tempo territory: it is a climb you settle into rather than one that forces you into the red from the first pedal stroke. The gap between the total ascent of 329 m and the net gain of 355 m tells you the road climbs almost continuously, with little in the way of descending or false-flat relief along its length.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 4.36% average, the Coll de l'Avellà is best read as a long, rhythmic effort rather than a series of walls. But the 8.65% maximum gradient reveals that the road is not perfectly even. Somewhere along the 8.1 km the slope roughly doubles its average, meaning there are stretches where you will need to shift down and hold form while the incline bites. Because the total ascent (329 m) is a touch shy of the net gain (355 m), the profile leans toward a consistent upward drag punctuated by those steeper ramps, rather than a step-laddered climb full of flat recovery sections. Expect the effort to feel steady, with a few moments that demand a firmer push.

Pacing Notes

The smartest approach here is to anchor your effort to your sustainable power. On a climb averaging 4.36% over 8.1 km, riding just under your FTP threshold lets you absorb the 8.65% pinches without cracking, then ease back to your rhythm once the road relents. If you don't know your threshold number, run the FTP estimator first and set a target you can hold for the full climb. Start a notch more conservatively than feels necessary; the 355 m of gain accumulates gradually, and the riders who blow up are usually the ones who attack the lower slopes before the steeper sections arrive. Meter the effort, breathe into the ramps, and save something for the run to 946 m.

Gearing

For a climb of this length and pitch, prioritise a cadence-friendly setup over big-gear grinding. A compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is ideal. A 34×32 will cover most riders comfortably across the 4.36% average and give you enough range to spin through the 8.65% sections. If you favour a higher cadence, run less-trained legs, or simply want insurance on the steeper ramps, step up to a 34×34. The extra sprocket keeps your legs turning smoothly when the gradient spikes, which matters more on a sustained climb than raw gear-mashing strength.

Summary

The Coll de l'Avellà rewards patience and rhythm: a steady 8.1 km at 4.36% with just enough steepness at 8.65% to keep you honest. Pace it to your threshold, gear for spin, and the 355 m to the summit will come to you.

Length: 8.1 km
Average gradient: 4.36%
Max gradient: 8.65%
Start: 591 m
Summit: 946 m
Net gain: 355 m
Total ascent: 329 m
Category: 3