Degollada de Cherfe

Overview

The Degollada de Cherfe is a hors catégorie climb that earns its rating the hard way: relentless length paired with a brutal peak gradient. Over 14.7 km the road drags you up from just 6 m near sea level to a summit of 1110 m, a net gain of 1104 m. The average of 7.51% never sounds terrifying on paper, but averages lie on climbs like this — the 34.21% maximum pitch is the number that will live in your legs long after the descent.

With a total ascent of 1087 m recorded over the effort, this is an HC beast that punishes both poor pacing and optimistic gearing. Treat it with respect.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Starting essentially at sea level (6 m), the climb has the full 1104 m of vertical to give back, and it does so unevenly. A 7.51% average across 14.7 km means long sustained ramps rather than gentle drags — you are almost never coasting. The defining feature is the spike to 34.21%, a wall so steep it belongs in a different category of riding entirely. Where that pitch sits, momentum evaporates and the climb becomes a raw strength contest.

Between the steepest sections, the gradient settles back toward and above the 7.51% average, which offers rhythm but little true rest. The shape rewards riders who can read the road ahead and shift before the wall, not on it.

Pacing Notes

Anchor your effort to your FTP. On a 14.7 km climb, going out above threshold in the first kilometres is the classic mistake — you will pay it back with interest on the 34.21% pitch, where any excess fatigue turns a hard moment into a walk. Aim to sit just under threshold on the sustained sections and accept that the steepest ramp will spike you well over, briefly and unavoidably.

If you are not sure what your threshold actually is, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target. Knowing your true FTP lets you meter the 1104 m of climbing so you still have something left when the gradient turns vertical.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this climb. The 7.51% average is manageable on a compact setup, but the 34.21% maximum demands the lowest ratio you can bolt on. A 34×32 is the sensible minimum for most riders here, and even that will have you grinding on the steepest wall. If your frame and derailleur allow it, fit a 34×34 — the extra sprocket buys precious cadence exactly where you need it most, and over 14.7 km of climbing your knees will thank you. There is no shame in spinning; there is only the summit at 1110 m.

Summary

The Degollada de Cherfe is a genuine HC test: 14.7 km of climbing from near sea level to 1110 m, averaging 7.51% but capped by a ferocious 34.21% pitch. Pace to your threshold, gear low, and respect the 1104 m of vertical between you and the top.

Length: 14.7 km
Average gradient: 7.51%
Max gradient: 34.21%
Start: 6 m
Summit: 1110 m
Net gain: 1104 m
Total ascent: 1087 m
Category: HC