Colle di Cerignano

Overview

Colle di Cerignano is a short, honest Italian climb that rewards a steady head more than raw power. Over 4.1 km it averages 4.73%, lifting you from a valley floor at 194 m to a summit of 388 m — a net gain of 194 m. Filed as a category 4 ascent, it sits at the gentler end of the classification scale, where HC climbs are the monsters and 4s are the approachable ramps. That does not make it trivial. With a maximum pitch of 6.96%, Cerignano never bites hard, but it stays busy enough to keep you honest from the first pedal stroke to the last.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is consistency. An average of 4.73% against a maximum of only 6.96% tells you this is a climb with a narrow spread — there are no walls, no cruel switchback ramps, and no long false-flat reprieves either. The gradient lives almost entirely in a tight band, so the effort is more of a sustained hum than a series of surges.

The total ascent of 165 m is slightly less than the 194 m net gain, which points to a road that climbs almost monotonically upward with very little downhill mixed in. In practice that means you can settle into a rhythm early and hold it. The steepest 6.96% sections are the moments to watch, but even those are manageable seated for most riders.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so even, Cerignano is an ideal climb for practicing disciplined pacing. Anchor your effort to your FTP: on a 4.1 km climb of this pitch, most riders can comfortably ride at or just below threshold the whole way without blowing up. Aim to arrive at the base already warmed and settle into a cadence you can sustain to the 388 m summit.

If you are not sure what number to target, run your figures through the FTP estimator before you plan the effort. With no severe ramps, the smart approach is to hold a constant power rather than chase the road — let the even 4.73% average do the metering for you, and save a small kick for the 6.96% pinches.

Gearing

Cerignano's modest pitch means you do not need extreme gearing, but comfort still pays off on a sustained grind. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear is plenty for most riders to spin the 6.96% maximum without grinding. If you tend to climb at a higher cadence, prefer to stay seated, or are carrying fatigue from a longer day, a 34×34 gives you that extra bailout ring to keep the legs turning smoothly. Either setup lets you protect your knees and hold cadence across the whole 4.1 km.

Summary

Colle di Cerignano is a clean, evenly graded category 4 climb — short enough to attack, steady enough to pace perfectly, and forgiving enough to enjoy. Ride it as a rhythm test, hold your line, and let the numbers guide the effort.

Length: 4.1 km
Average gradient: 4.73%
Max gradient: 6.96%
Start: 194 m
Summit: 388 m
Net gain: 194 m
Total ascent: 165 m
Category: 4