Coll de Son Gallard

Overview

Coll de Son Gallard is a short, savage effort that packs an enormous punch into a small distance. Over just 4.7 km the road climbs from 194 m to a 767 m summit, a net gain of 573 m at an average gradient of 12.07%. That average alone tells you almost everything: this is not a rhythm climb where you settle into a diesel tempo and grind for an hour. It is a sustained, relentlessly steep haul that rarely gives your legs a moment to recover. The Category 1 rating undersells the intensity here — an average above 12% for nearly five kilometres is closer in feel to the hardest ramps you will ever attempt, even if the total ascent of 525 m keeps the overall duration mercifully finite.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining number is that 12.07% average, and the 27.4% max shows the road is far from uniform. With a summit elevation of 767 m and a start at 194 m, the climb delivers its 573 m of net gain in a hurry. Expect the gradient to pitch well into the high teens and twenties on the steepest ramps, then briefly ease back toward the average before kicking again. There is no true flat recovery to speak of — even the "easier" stretches sit near double digits. The gap between the 573 m net gain and the 525 m total ascent is small, confirming the road climbs almost continuously with little in the way of descending or false-flat relief.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steep, pacing is really about power management. Because the average is 12.07% and the peak touches 27.4%, your effort will surge every time the road ramps. Anchor your steady sections just below your FTP so you keep matches in reserve for the 27.4% pitches, where you will unavoidably spike well over threshold. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you go — knowing your ceiling turns a survival ride into a paced one. The 4.7 km length is short enough that going slightly too hard early can be recovered from, but on gradients this severe, blowing up means walking.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this climb. With a 12.07% average and ramps to 27.4%, you want the lowest bailout ratio your bike will take. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette combination is the practical minimum for most riders, and a 34×34 gives welcome extra margin on the steepest pitches. If your frame and derailleur allow anything easier still, use it — spinning a low gear here preserves your legs far better than muscling a bigger ratio up a wall that touches 27.4%.

Summary

Coll de Son Gallard is a compact monster: 4.7 km, a 12.07% average, and a 27.4% max that punishes anyone who arrives under-geared or over-eager. Respect the gradient, gear low, and pace off your threshold.

Length: 4.7 km
Average gradient: 12.07%
Max gradient: 27.4%
Start: 194 m
Summit: 767 m
Net gain: 573 m
Total ascent: 525 m
Category: 1