Coll des Rossellons

Overview

Coll des Rossellons is a short, welcoming climb that rewards rhythm over raw power. Over 5.1 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 73 m to a summit of 247 m, a net gain of 174 m. The average gradient sits at a modest 3.39%, and the steepest pitch tops out at just 5.18%. Graded category 4 — the gentlest rung above flat on the scale that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4 — it is the kind of ascent that suits a warm-up, a recovery day, or a rider building toward longer efforts. Do not mistake gentle for trivial: 5.1 km of continuous uphill still asks for a plan.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The numbers tell a smooth story. With an average of 3.39% and a maximum of only 5.18%, the road never veers far from its mean. The gap between the two is narrow, which means there are no lurking ramps to shatter your cadence — the hardest section is barely steeper than the typical one. Note too the difference between the 174 m net gain and the 152 m total ascent: the climb is not perfectly monotonic. A short reprieve or shallow dip along the way lets the road give back a little before continuing up, so you can breathe and reset before the next steady drag toward the top.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this even, pacing is about discipline, not heroics. Because the gradient rarely strays from 3.39%, your power output should stay remarkably flat — pick a sustainable effort near or just below threshold and hold it the whole 5.1 km. If you know your FTP, aim to ride the climb at a comfortable percentage of it rather than surging on the 5.18% pinch; there is no long enough steep section to justify going into the red. Not sure of your number? Run the FTP estimator first, then translate it into a target you can hold from the 73 m base to the 247 m summit. Even effort here beats a fast start every time.

Gearing

For a category-4 climb averaging 3.39% with a max of 5.18%, most riders will spin comfortably in a standard compact setup. A 34×32 gives plenty of range to keep your cadence high across the whole 5.1 km without ever grinding. If you prefer to sit and spin, favour lighter legs, or plan to tack this climb onto a longer day, a 34×34 adds a touch more headroom for the steadier drags. Neither is essential on gradients this friendly, but the extra sprocket costs nothing on the flat and buys real comfort when fatigue sets in.

Summary

Coll des Rossellons is an approachable, rhythm-friendly ascent: 5.1 km of steady uphill, a gradient that stays close to its 3.39% average, and a summit at 247 m that never demands more than 5.18% of effort. Ride it smooth, spin a comfortable gear, and enjoy the climb for what it is — a clean, honest category-4 test.

Length: 5.1 km
Average gradient: 3.39%
Max gradient: 5.18%
Start: 73 m
Summit: 247 m
Net gain: 174 m
Total ascent: 152 m
Category: 4