Colla Tre Faggi

Overview

Colla Tre Faggi is a long, patient category 1 climb that trades sudden violence for sustained work. Over 16.9 km it lifts you from a 150 m start to a 985 m summit — a net gain of 835 m at an average gradient of 4.93%. That average sounds friendly, and for long stretches it is, but the climb hides a maximum ramp of 19.19% that will empty your legs if you arrive at it already in the red. The recorded total ascent is 818 m, marginally under the net figure, meaning the road climbs almost relentlessly with little in the way of descending relief once it tips upward.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The story of this climb is the gap between its 4.93% average and its 19.19% maximum. A near-5% average across nearly 17 km means the road is rarely flat, but it is also rarely steep enough to force you out of the saddle for long — until it is. Expect a rhythm of moderate grades interrupted by sharper kicks. The single most important feature is that 19.19% wall: at almost four times the average pitch, it is where the climb is won or lost. Ride the shallower sections within yourself and you keep something in reserve for the moment the gradient nearly quadruples.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. The 4.93% average makes it tempting to push a big gear early, but 16.9 km is enough distance to punish anyone who overcommits in the first third. Anchor your effort to your sustainable threshold: hold a wattage you know you can carry for the full ascent rather than chasing surges. If you're unsure what that number is, read up on FTP and get a working estimate from the FTP estimator. Aim to climb the bulk of the 835 m of gain at a steady, repeatable effort, then leave a small buffer specifically for the 19.19% ramp — treat that as its own short, standing-effort event rather than something to absorb at tempo.

Gearing

With an 835 m gain, a 4.93% average, and a 19.19% spike, gearing choice is the difference between spinning and grinding. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with at least a 34×32 low gear will get most riders up the sustained sections comfortably. But given that maximum ramp, do not stop there — a 34×34 gives you the extra range to keep your cadence up when the road tilts toward 19.19% and your legs are already deep into the 16.9 km. If your terrain or fitness leaves any doubt, err toward the easier 34×34; you will never regret having one more sprocket in reserve on a wall that steep.

Summary

Colla Tre Faggi rewards patience: a long 16.9 km haul at a manageable 4.93% average, defined by a brutal 19.19% pitch and 835 m of net vertical from base to summit. Pace it honestly, gear it generously, and save something for the steep stuff.

Length: 16.9 km
Average gradient: 4.93%
Max gradient: 19.19%
Start: 150 m
Summit: 985 m
Net gain: 835 m
Total ascent: 818 m
Category: 1