Forcella Col de Pin

Overview

Forcella Col de Pin is short on paper and savage in the legs. It measures just 2.5 km, but it averages a punishing 11.47% and never really lets you settle. Over that brief distance the road lifts you from a start elevation of 449 m to a summit of 737 m, a net gain of 288 m. The steepest ramp bites at 14.55%. This is a Category 2 climb, but its relentless double-digit average makes it feel far above its billing — there is no false flat to hide on, no long runway to build rhythm before the gradient arrives.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is consistency of pain. With a 2.5 km length and an 11.47% average, nearly every metre asks the same hard question. The gap between the average of 11.47% and the max of 14.55% is only a few percent, which tells you the climb rarely dips into anything you would call recovery. Expect to hit the summit at 737 m still grinding. The 288 m of net gain is delivered without the theatrics of switchback-and-flat rhythm — it is a steady, wall-like ascent from the very first pedal stroke near 449 m to the top.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steep and this short, pacing is about restraint at the bottom. Because the whole 2.5 km sits above 11%, going into the red early will cost you dearly before the summit at 737 m. Aim to ride the lower slopes just under your threshold and hold it. Your sustainable effort is best anchored to your FTP — if you know it, you can pace the 288 m of climbing as a single controlled push rather than a series of surges. Not sure of your number? Use the FTP estimator to get a working figure, then target an effort a touch below it for the opening ramps, knowing there is no flatter section ahead to grant relief. On a climb averaging 11.47%, even a small overcook near the start compounds fast.

Gearing

Gear for the gradient, not the length. A 2.5 km climb is short, but at 11.47% average with pitches to 14.55% you will want plenty of range. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 is the minimum most riders should bring here — it keeps your cadence viable on the steady 11% grind. If your legs or your loaded weight make the max of 14.55% feel brutal, step up to a 34×34 for a little extra spin on the worst ramps. Erring toward the easier ratio costs you nothing and protects your legs across the full 288 m of ascent.

Summary

Forcella Col de Pin is a compact, uncompromising wall: 2.5 km that never relents from its 11.47% average, topping out at 737 m. Respect it, gear low, and pace off your threshold.

Length: 2.5 km
Average gradient: 11.47%
Max gradient: 14.55%
Start: 449 m
Summit: 737 m
Net gain: 288 m
Total ascent: 243 m
Category: 2