Colla di San Giacomo

Overview

The Colla di San Giacomo is a category 1 climb that packs a serious punch into 11 km. From a valley-floor start at just 32 m, the road rises to a summit of 806 m, a net gain of 774 m over its length. The average gradient sits at 7.05%, which puts it firmly in the range where you can never quite settle into an easy rhythm. This is a proper sustained effort, long enough to demand pacing discipline and steep enough to punish anyone who goes out too hard.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An average of 7.05% across 11 km is deceptively hard, because averages hide the sharp edges. The maximum gradient here touches 15.24%, more than double the average, so there are ramps that will more than halve your speed and force you out of the saddle. The gap between the 774 m net elevation gain and the 752 m of total ascent is small, telling you this is a climb with very little respite. There are no meaningful descents to recover on, which means the road tips consistently upward from bottom to top. Expect the steepest pitches to arrive without much warning, and to string together stretches well above the average before the gradient eases back toward it.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this length, pacing is everything. Aim to hold a steady effort just at or below your FTP for the bulk of the 11 km, saving a little headroom for the 15.24% ramps where power spikes are unavoidable. If you attack the lower slopes hard, the sustained 7.05% average will grind you down long before the summit at 806 m. If you don't know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your climb, then translate that figure into a target you can actually sustain for the roughly 45 to 60 minutes this ascent will take most riders. Ride the steep sections at a controlled overshoot, then settle straight back to threshold rather than burning matches trying to hold the effort flat.

Gearing

With an average of 7.05% and pitches to 15.24%, gearing matters. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring is the sensible starting point. Paired with a 34×32, most fit riders will spin the sustained sections comfortably and survive the ramps. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance for the 15.24% pitches after 11 km in the legs, step up to a 34×34. The wider ratio keeps your cadence high on the steepest ground and protects your knees over a climb with 752 m of total ascent and almost no flat.

Summary

The Colla di San Giacomo is a relentless category 1 test: 11 km at 7.05% with no real recovery, spikes to 15.24%, and a summit that rewards patient, threshold-disciplined riding. Gear low, pace it honestly, and let the 774 m of climbing come to you.

Length: 11 km
Average gradient: 7.05%
Max gradient: 15.24%
Start: 32 m
Summit: 806 m
Net gain: 774 m
Total ascent: 752 m
Category: 1