Croix de Bruson

Overview

Croix de Bruson is a long, sustained category 1 ascent that rewards patience over aggression. Over 15.2 km it lifts you from 588 m to a summit of 1480 m, a net gain of 892 m with 894 m of total ascent — meaning the road climbs almost the entire way with only the faintest breathers. The average gradient of 5.87% sounds moderate, but averages flatter the truth on a climb this length. What defines Croix de Bruson is duration: nearly an hour of continuous effort for most riders, with a maximum pitch of 11.29% waiting to test whatever you have left.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The near-perfect match between net gain (892 m) and total ascent (894 m) tells the story clearly — this climb barely descends, so there are almost no free metres to recover on. Expect a rhythm-based ascent where the road holds close to the 5.87% average for long stretches, punctuated by steeper ramps that drag the max up to 11.29%. Because the difference between the average and the max is wide, the hardest sections will feel disproportionately punishing after so many kilometres already in the legs. Treat any pitch approaching double digits as a signal to shift early rather than muscle through and blow up.

Pacing Notes

On a 15.2 km climb, pacing is everything. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to sit just below threshold for the shallower kilometres, holding a little back for the 11.29% ramps that arrive later. A climb that gains 892 m at 5.87% is long enough that a few percent too hard early costs you minutes at the top. If you are unsure of your threshold power, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your pacing. The goal is an even effort: the sustained nature of Croix de Bruson punishes surges far more than it rewards them.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 5.87% over 15.2 km with pitches to 11.29%, give yourself room to spin. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most fit riders up the steadier gradients while keeping cadence honest, but on the steepest 11.29% ramps — especially deep into the climb — a 34×34 is the more forgiving choice, letting you protect your knees and hold a climbing rhythm rather than grinding. If you tend to fade on long ascents or carry touring weight, default to the larger sprocket.

Summary

Croix de Bruson is a test of endurance and pacing discipline: 15.2 km of near-continuous climbing at 5.87%, with a sting of 11.29% before the 1480 m summit. Ride it evenly, gear it generously, and let the length do the work of humbling you.

Length: 15.2 km
Average gradient: 5.87%
Max gradient: 11.29%
Start: 588 m
Summit: 1480 m
Net gain: 892 m
Total ascent: 894 m
Category: 1