Colle di Procchio

Overview

Colle di Procchio is a short, honest climb that rewards momentum more than patience. Over just 1.9 km it lifts you from 22 m to 146 m, a net gain of 124 m, at an average gradient of 6.41%. That places it firmly in category 4 — the gentlest of the classified tiers, but "gentle" here is relative. At under two kilometres with a mid-single-digit average, this is a climb you attack rather than survive. The total ascent of 101 m confirms it climbs almost continuously, with little in the way of false flats or recovery dips to break the rhythm.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining trait of Procchio is its consistency. With a 6.41% average and a 7.44% maximum, the spread between the typical and the steepest pitch is narrow — barely a percentage point separates them. That means there is no brutal wall waiting to ambush you, and no long shallow stretch where you can freewheel. Instead the road holds a near-uniform slope from base to summit. The steepest sections, topping out at 7.44%, are the moments to stay seated, keep the cadence up, and let the gradient come to you. Because the climb is so uniform, whatever pace you set in the opening ramps is very close to the pace you will hold all the way to 146 m.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short, pacing is about restraint at the bottom and commitment at the top. The whole effort will likely sit near or just above your threshold, so treat it as a sustained interval rather than a long grind. A good benchmark is your FTP: riding the 1.9 km at or slightly above that number keeps you strong to the summit without blowing up on the 7.44% pitches. If you do not know your threshold power, run your recent efforts through the FTP estimator to set a realistic target watts figure before you commit. Because the total ascent is only 101 m, the climb is over quickly — go a touch harder than feels comfortable and you will likely still crest before you fade.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 6.41% and peaking at 7.44%, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34×32 lowest gear gives you enough range to spin the steeper pitches without grinding, while keeping your cadence lively across the uniform slope. If you carry extra weight, prefer a higher cadence, or simply want insurance for the 7.44% sections, a 34×34 adds a little breathing room and lets you stay seated and smooth all the way to the top. Neither setup is overkill on a category 4 effort — pick the one that keeps your legs turning rather than straining.

Summary

Colle di Procchio is a compact, uniform climb: short enough to attack, steep enough to respect. Set a threshold-plus pace, choose a compact gear, and commit from the base.

Length: 1.9 km
Average gradient: 6.41%
Max gradient: 7.44%
Start: 22 m
Summit: 146 m
Net gain: 124 m
Total ascent: 101 m
Category: 4