Colle di Sora I

Overview

Colle di Sora I is a short, honest climb that rewards rhythm over drama. It measures just 3 km and lifts you 131 m from a start elevation of 147 m to a summit at 278 m. The average gradient sits at 4.42%, and the steepest pitch tops out at 6.63% — numbers that place it firmly in category 4, the gentlest of the graded climbs. The recorded total ascent is 117 m, a touch under the net gain of 131 m, which tells you the road climbs almost without pause: there is very little false descent to give back what you have gained.

This is the kind of ascent a strong rider can absorb inside a longer day, and a newer climber can use to build confidence. Nothing here is intimidating, but the consistency demands attention if you want to ride it well rather than simply survive it.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 4.42% average and a 6.63% maximum, the spread between typical and hardest is only about 2.21%. That narrow band is the defining feature of Colle di Sora I: the road never spikes into leg-snapping territory, but it also never truly relents. Expect long stretches close to the average, punctuated by a firmer ramp or two toward that 6.63% ceiling.

Because the total ascent of 117 m tracks so closely to the 131 m net gain, you can ride this climb as one continuous effort. There are no flats or dips to reset your legs, so the pacing challenge is holding a smooth, sustainable output across all 3 km.

Pacing Notes

Treat Colle di Sora I as a controlled tempo effort rather than an all-out sprint. At 3 km it is long enough to punish an overcooked start but short enough that a well-judged pace pays off quickly. Anchor your effort to your FTP: riding just below to around threshold will carry you over the 6.63% ramps without blowing up.

If you are unsure of your threshold number, run your recent data through the FTP estimator before you plan the effort. Knowing where 4.42% sits relative to your sustainable power turns this climb from guesswork into a repeatable, measurable ride.

Gearing

For a climb topping out at 6.63% over only 3 km, you do not need extreme gearing — but a little spare range keeps your cadence high and your legs fresh. A compact setup paired with a 34×32 low gear is plenty for most riders to spin the average 4.42% comfortably and still have something in reserve for the 6.63% pitches.

If you prefer to sit and spin, or you are tackling Colle di Sora I late in a hard day, a 34×34 gives extra insurance on those firmer ramps. Either choice lets you protect your knees and hold rhythm rather than grinding.

Summary

Colle di Sora I is a tidy, consistent category 4 climb: short at 3 km, steady at 4.42%, and never harsher than 6.63%. Ride it at tempo, gear it sensibly, and it becomes a satisfying rhythm test rather than an obstacle.

Length: 3 km
Average gradient: 4.42%
Max gradient: 6.63%
Start: 147 m
Summit: 278 m
Net gain: 131 m
Total ascent: 117 m
Category: 4