Colle Orientale Di Barasson

Overview

Colle Orientale Di Barasson is a hors catégorie (HC) climb, the hardest classification on the scale that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4. It stretches 29.4 km from a start elevation of 903 m to a summit at 2485 m, a net gain of 1582 m. The average gradient of 5.38% sounds moderate, but average is a poor guide to a climb this long: the total ascent of 1737 m exceeds the net gain, which tells you the road dips and rolls along the way rather than climbing cleanly. Add a maximum gradient of 13.79% and you have a route that demands both endurance and the ability to absorb sharp accelerations.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Do the arithmetic and the shape becomes clear. A pure climb would gain only the net 1582 m, but you actually ascend 1737 m in total. The difference, 155 m, is elevation you earn twice: short descents or false flats hand back a little height before the road tilts up again. That matters for rhythm. On a steady climb you settle into one effort; here you must repeatedly reaccelerate. The 5.38% average is diluted by those flatter and downhill stretches, meaning the genuine climbing pitches sit well above 5.38%, spiking toward the 13.79% maximum. Nearly 1600 m of vertical over almost 30 km is relentless work, and the finish at 2485 m sits high enough that thinner air compounds the fatigue in the final kilometres.

Pacing Notes

Discipline wins here. Over 29.4 km, going too hard early is the classic error, because the steepest ramps toward 13.79% can arrive after you are already deep into fatigue. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold the sustained sections comfortably below threshold, saving matches for the pitches that demand them. If you are unsure of your number, run the FTP estimator before you plan a target. Treat the rolling 155 m of extra ascent as free recovery: soft-pedal the descents and false flats, drink and eat there, then re-engage cleanly when the gradient bites. With the summit at 2485 m, keep a small reserve for the final stretch where altitude quietly saps power.

Gearing

For an HC climb of this length and pitch, gear low and gear generously. On the sustained sections you want a cadence you can hold for well over an hour, and on the 13.79% ramps you want a bailout that keeps you spinning rather than grinding. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline: 34×32 will cover most riders on the steady gradients, but for the steepest ramps and the tired, thin-air final kilometres, 34×34 gives valuable extra margin. If your legs are in doubt over 1582 m of climbing, choose the easier option.

Summary

Colle Orientale Di Barasson is a genuine HC test: long, high, and lumpy enough that its 5.38% average understates the work. Pace to your FTP, gear low, and respect the 2485 m summit.

Length: 29.4 km
Average gradient: 5.38%
Max gradient: 13.79%
Start: 903 m
Summit: 2485 m
Net gain: 1582 m
Total ascent: 1737 m
Category: HC