Colle della Mologna Grande

Overview

Colle della Mologna Grande is a long, serious ascent that demands patience and respect. Over 20.2 km it climbs at an average of 6.06%, lifting you from a start elevation of 316 m to a summit at 1538 m. That is a net elevation gain of 1222 m, with 1196 m of total ascent packed into the ride. Add in a savage 28.26% maximum gradient and you have a climb that earns its category-1 rating. This is not a wall you sprint over; it is an endurance test that rewards riders who meter their effort across the full distance.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number, 6.06%, is deceptively civil. A 20.2 km climb at that average would be steady and rhythmic if the road held a constant pitch, but the 28.26% max tells a very different story. The gap between the mean and the peak — more than 22 percentage points — means the gradient swings hard. Expect long stretches near the average punctuated by sharp, leg-breaking ramps that spike well into the twenties. Because the net gain of 1222 m slightly exceeds the total ascent of 1196 m, the profile is almost relentlessly uphill, with little to no descending to recover on. What flat there is offers only brief respite before the road tilts up again.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your sustainable power and hold something in reserve for the steep ramps rather than burning matches early. A useful benchmark is your FTP: aim to ride the sustained sections at or just below it, then accept short surges above threshold when the gradient spikes toward 28.26% — there is no way around those pitches, only through them. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so your pacing targets are real rather than guessed. With 20.2 km ahead, going out too hard in the first few kilometres is the single most common way to blow up before the 1538 m summit.

Gearing

Gear for the steep ramps, not the average. With a 28.26% maximum and 1222 m to grind through, you want a compact setup and a wide-range cassette. A 34×32 is a sensible floor for strong climbers, but on pitches this steep most riders will be grateful for a 34×34 — that extra sprocket lets you spin the near-30% sections instead of grinding to a standstill. If your frame and derailleur allow even more range, take it; there is no prize for muscling an oversized gear up a 28.26% wall. Protect your knees and your cadence, and the length of the climb becomes manageable.

Summary

Colle della Mologna Grande is a category-1 climb defined by its length and its viciously uneven pitch. Ride within yourself, gear low, and respect the ramps, and the 1538 m summit is well within reach.

Length: 20.2 km
Average gradient: 6.06%
Max gradient: 28.26%
Start: 316 m
Summit: 1538 m
Net gain: 1222 m
Total ascent: 1196 m
Category: 1