Colle di Nava

Overview

Colle di Nava is a short, sharp category 1 climb that packs a serious punch into just 6.9 km. From a start elevation of 353 m it rises to a summit of 932 m, a net gain of 579 m over that short distance. The headline number tells the story: an average gradient of 8.39%. That is not a figure padded by a token ramp at the bottom — it is a genuine, sustained wall that asks for respect from the first pedal stroke. Add in a maximum gradient of 19.89% and you have a climb that rewards discipline and punishes bravado.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 8.39% average across 6.9 km, there is nowhere to truly recover. Think of Nava as a climb that holds you at a steep, steady effort and then occasionally kicks harder. The gap between the 8.39% average and the 19.89% maximum is more than eleven percentage points, which means the steepest ramp roughly doubles the effort of an already demanding average. Those pitches are where riders blow up if they have spent too much too early. Between the harder ramps the road settles back toward that average, but "easier" here is relative — you are still grinding uphill. Note too that the total ascent of 550 m sits just below the net gain of 579 m, confirming this is an almost uninterrupted upward drag with no meaningful descent to break it.

Pacing Notes

The smartest way to ride Nava is to anchor your effort to your FTP. Because the climb is short but severe, you can afford to ride slightly above threshold in places, but the 19.89% ramp will spike your power well beyond that if you are not careful. Hold a controlled tempo on the 8.39% sections, then accept a brief surge on the steepest pitch rather than fighting to hold speed. If you do not know your threshold, use the FTP estimator to get a working number before you plan your climb. On a 579 m gain over 6.9 km, going out too hard in the first third is the classic mistake — this is a climb where a patient rider passes the reckless one.

Gearing

Do not underestimate this one on gearing. A 6.9 km climb averaging 8.39% with a 19.89% spike will find any hole in your cassette. A compact 34×32 is the sensible minimum for most riders, giving you a fighting chance to keep cadence on the steady sections. But if you are not a lightweight or you want to protect your legs on the 19.89% ramp, go to 34×34. That extra sprocket is the difference between spinning over the hardest pitch and grinding to a near-standstill. For a climb this steep, err toward easier gearing — you will never regret having it.

Summary

Colle di Nava is proof that a climb does not need to be long to be brutal. At 6.9 km and 8.39% average, with a 19.89% maximum and 579 m of net gain, it demands smart pacing and honest gearing. Ride it within yourself and it is one of the most satisfying category 1 efforts you can bag.

Length: 6.9 km
Average gradient: 8.39%
Max gradient: 19.89%
Start: 353 m
Summit: 932 m
Net gain: 579 m
Total ascent: 550 m
Category: 1