Forca Nuviernulis / Forcje Nuviernulis

Overview

Forca Nuviernulis is a hors catégorie climb, the hardest rating on the scale that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4. It stretches 19.2 km from a start elevation of 292 m to a summit of 1695 m, a net gain of 1403 m at an average gradient of 7.3%. The total ascent registers 1365 m, slightly under the net figure — a sign that once the road tips up it rarely relents, with almost no descending or false-flat recovery along the way. Add a max gradient of 25.01% and you have a climb that demands respect from the first pedal stroke.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An average of 7.3% across 19.2 km is already a long, sustained effort, but averages hide the story. The gap between the 7.3% mean and the 25.01% peak tells you the road is not evenly pitched: there are ramps far steeper than the average that you will have to survive without cracking. Because the total ascent (1365 m) sits close to the net gain (1403 m), the climb is essentially all up, so the steep sections are not offset by flatter breathers. Expect long stretches at or above the average punctuated by short, brutal kicks toward that 25.01% wall. The final approach to 1695 m is where accumulated fatigue meets the thin air of altitude.

Pacing Notes

The single biggest mistake on a 19.2 km, 7.3% climb is starting too hard. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to ride the sustained sections just below threshold, saving headroom for the ramps that spike toward 25.01%. If you do not know your threshold number, run it through the FTP estimator before you plan the day. With 1403 m of climbing to absorb, the difference between a controlled tempo and an early red-line is the difference between reaching 1695 m strong and blowing up halfway. Meter your effort, let the steep pitches cost you a few extra watts, and settle back to threshold on the more consistent grades.

Gearing

On a climb averaging 7.3% for 19.2 km with pitches near 25.01%, gearing is not a luxury — it is survival. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear is the minimum most riders should consider here, and many will be far happier with 34×34 to keep cadence up on the steepest ramps. The extra sprocket buys you crucial rotations per minute when the road hits its cruelest angle, protecting your knees and your legs across the full 1403 m of ascent. If your bike will accept it, err toward the easier 34×34; on a hors catégorie effort of this length, spinning beats grinding.

Summary

Forca Nuviernulis is a genuine hors catégorie test: long, relentless, and topped by pitches that touch 25.01%. Pace to your threshold, gear low, and respect the full 1403 m from base to summit.

Length: 19.2 km
Average gradient: 7.3%
Max gradient: 25.01%
Start: 292 m
Summit: 1695 m
Net gain: 1403 m
Total ascent: 1365 m
Category: HC