Colle dei Giovetti

Overview

The Colle dei Giovetti is a category 1 climb that asks a real, sustained effort without ever tipping into the brutal, unrelenting territory of an HC ascent. Over 13.9 km it averages 5.61%, lifting you from a low start elevation of just 34 m to a summit at 811 m. That works out to 777 m of net elevation gain, with 757 m of total ascent logged along the way — the small gap between those two figures hints at brief flatter or gently descending stretches that break up the effort. It is long enough to reward patience and steep enough in places to punish anyone who goes out too hard.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Do not be lulled by the 5.61% average. On a climb of 13.9 km, an average is a blend of the easy and the savage, and the Giovetti hides a maximum gradient of 15.58% — nearly three times the mean. Those ramps are where the climb is won or lost. Because total ascent (757 m) sits slightly below net gain (777 m), the profile is not a perfectly smooth wall; expect kicks that force you out of the saddle, then sections that ease enough to let your heart rate settle before the next pitch. Think of it as a series of steps rather than a single ramp, and ride the gradient in front of you rather than the average on paper.

Pacing Notes

The smartest way to tackle 13.9 km at 5.61% is to anchor your effort to your FTP. Aim to hold a steady percentage of that number on the shallower sections and allow yourself to drift above it only briefly on the 15.58% ramps — surging early on a climb this long is the classic mistake. If you do not know your threshold yet, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first, then set a target power band you can defend from bottom to top. With 777 m to gain, discipline in the opening kilometres pays back handsomely near the summit.

Gearing

For a climb topping out at 15.58%, gearing is not about ego — it is about keeping your cadence high enough to protect your legs across the full 13.9 km. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible foundation. A 34×32 will get most fit riders over the steepest pitches, but if you value spin over strain, or you are carrying fatigue into the climb, a 34×34 gives you that extra bail-out gear for the 15.58% sections. There is no prize for grinding; choose the setup that lets you sit and pedal circles rather than lever the bike up in squares.

Summary

The Colle dei Giovetti is a properly rewarding category 1 climb: long, varied, and steep enough in its worst moments to demand respect. Pace it off your threshold, gear it generously, and let the shape of the road — not the average — dictate your effort.

Length: 13.9 km
Average gradient: 5.61%
Max gradient: 15.58%
Start: 34 m
Summit: 811 m
Net gain: 777 m
Total ascent: 757 m
Category: 1