Coll de Manrella

Overview

Coll de Manrella is a long, rhythmic category 2 ascent that rewards patience over power. Across 11.9 km the road lifts you from a start elevation of 91 m to a summit at 720 m, a net elevation gain of 629 m. That works out to an average gradient of 5.3%, the kind of number that never truly bites but never lets go either. With a max gradient of 8.55%, there is no single wall to fear here — the difficulty is cumulative, built from consistency rather than shock. Total ascent over the climb registers at 615 m, slightly under the net figure because the profile is almost entirely uphill, with little in the way of descending relief to break the effort.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Manrella is its evenness. An average of 5.3% and a maximum of 8.55% tell a clear story: the steepest ramp is only about 3.25 percentage points above the mean, so the climb rarely deviates far from its baseline. Over 11.9 km, that translates into long, sustainable stretches punctuated by mild pitches rather than lung-searing kickers. The bulk of the 629 m of vertical arrives gradually and predictably. Expect the early kilometres to settle you into a steady cadence, the middle third to hold that same tempo, and the pitches nearer the 8.55% max to appear briefly before easing again. It is a climb you can read, which makes it ideal for practising even-paced effort.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so consistent, Manrella is best ridden by the numbers. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold a percentage you can sustain for the full 11.9 km — this is a threshold-style effort, not a series of surges. Starting too hard on the gentle lower slopes is the classic error; the 5.3% average feels forgiving until the accumulated 629 m of climbing catches up in the final kilometres. If you are unsure of your threshold, run the FTP estimator first and use that figure to set a target you can defend to the summit at 720 m. Aim to arrive at the top having spent evenly, with your hardest sustained minutes over the pitches approaching the 8.55% max rather than on the opening ramps.

Gearing

For a sustained 5.3% climb of this length, comfort comes from a low enough ratio to spin rather than grind. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette is a sensible baseline for most riders, giving you room to sit and turn the pedals over the steadier sections. If you prefer to protect your legs on the pitches near the 8.55% max, or you ride at a lighter power output, a 34×34 buys extra breathing room and keeps your cadence high across the full 11.9 km. Either choice suits a climb where staying seated and spinning beats standing and forcing the pace.

Summary

Coll de Manrella is a textbook even-tempo climb: 11.9 km of steady, honest gradient with no cruel surprises. Ride it to your threshold, gear for comfort, and let the consistency work in your favour all the way to 720 m.

Length: 11.9 km
Average gradient: 5.3%
Max gradient: 8.55%
Start: 91 m
Summit: 720 m
Net gain: 629 m
Total ascent: 615 m
Category: 2