Crimea Pass

What to Expect on Crimea Pass

Crimea Pass is a category 4 climb in Great Britain, stretching 6.8 km from start to summit. It rises 244 m net from a start elevation of 145 m to a summit at 389 m, with total ascent across the full gradient profile reaching 303 m — meaning the road is not a straight ramp. There are enough undulations to make the total climbing slightly heavier than the net gain suggests.

At an average gradient of 3.61%, the climb sits firmly in the manageable-but-not-trivial bracket. This is not a climb that demands an emergency gear from the moment you leave the start. Most riders can hold a fairly sustained effort throughout, provided they don't misread the gentle early slopes as a signal to push hard.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The average figure of 3.61% is somewhat misleading on its own. The maximum gradient of 13.05% indicates there is at least one section that spikes well above the mean — roughly three and a half times the average. That kind of variation over 6.8 km tells you the climb is not a consistent grind. Expect flatter or even slightly downhill sections to account for the gap between total ascent (303 m) and net gain (244 m), with steeper ramps punching through periodically.

The practical consequence: you cannot simply lock into a single power output and hold it to the top. The 13% spike will demand either a short burst of higher effort or a gear reduction to protect your legs for whatever follows.

Gradient Breakdown at a Glance

• Length: 6.8 km
• Average gradient: 3.61%
• Maximum gradient: 13.05%
• Net elevation gain: 244 m
• Total ascent: 303 m
• Category: 4

Pacing Notes

For a category 4 climb of this length and average gradient, most trained riders should target an effort around 85–95% of FTP. The relatively modest average makes it tempting to chase a fast time from the gun, but the 13.05% maximum gradient punishes riders who arrive at it already deep in the red.

The smarter approach:

1. Start controlled. The early gradient is gentle enough that riding it too hard feels natural. Resist.
2. Identify the steep sections early. On a first ride, err on the side of backing off into the ramp rather than attacking it.
3. Recover on any flat or downhill sections. The gap between net and total ascent signals these exist — use them.
4. Finish with something left. A category 4 climb doesn't typically require a full depletion, and pacing it as if it does will cost you on whatever comes next in your ride.

If you're unsure of your current FTP, the FTP Estimator can give you a working baseline before you head out.

Gearing

For a 13% maximum gradient, riders with compact chainsets (50/34) should be comfortable in a 28 or 32 rear sprocket through the steepest section. Riders on standard gearing (53/39) will want at least a 28 or 30 available. If your legs are already loaded from a long ride, don't be precious about reaching for the easiest gear on the steep ramps — the climb is short enough that the goal is consistent power, not a particular cadence aesthetic.