Colle Scravaion

Overview

Colle Scravaion is a long, sustained category 1 climb that stretches 15.3 km from a near-sea-level start at 19 m to a summit at 812 m. That gives a net elevation gain of 793 m and a total ascent of 770 m across the effort. The average gradient of 5.2% sounds moderate on paper, but a climb this long asks for patience above all — 15.3 km is enough distance that even a friendly-looking percentage adds up to a serious block of climbing. With a max gradient of 11.23% lurking somewhere in the profile, this is a climb that rewards riders who hold something in reserve rather than emptying the tank early.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number, 5.2%, is an average — and the gap between that average and the 11.23% maximum tells the real story. A climb that averages 5.2% but peaks above 11% is not a metronomic drag; it flexes. Expect stretches that sit comfortably below the average, letting you settle into a rhythm, punctuated by steeper pitches that briefly more than double the effort. Because the total ascent of 770 m is slightly less than the net gain of 793 m, the road climbs almost relentlessly upward with little in the way of descending relief — nearly every metre you gain, you keep. Over 15.3 km that means very few chances to coast and recover, so the steep ramps hit a body that is already loaded.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this size, pacing is everything. Aim to hold a steady effort just below your threshold on the shallower sections so you have headroom when the gradient jumps toward 11.23%. Knowing your FTP is the single most useful data point here: it lets you translate the 15.3 km into a power target you can sustain rather than a pace you guess at. If you are not sure of your number, run the FTP estimator before you ride so you can set realistic wattage bands. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the steepest ramps still able to lift your output — if you are already gasping on the 5.2% sections, the double-digit pitches will unravel you.

Gearing

With 793 m of climbing packed into 15.3 km and ramps hitting 11.23%, gearing generously is smart. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear will get most fit riders over the steep pitches without grinding to a standstill. If you tend to spin, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance for the 11.23% sections after a long day, step up to 34×34 for a lower, more forgiving cadence. The extra range costs you nothing on the flatter parts of the average and can save your legs when the road bites late in the climb.

Summary

Colle Scravaion is a long, honest category 1 climb: 15.3 km of near-continuous ascent averaging 5.2% with a genuine sting at 11.23%. Pace it by power, gear it low, and respect the distance.

Length: 15.3 km
Average gradient: 5.2%
Max gradient: 11.23%
Start: 19 m
Summit: 812 m
Net gain: 793 m
Total ascent: 770 m
Category: 1