Forcella del Ciot

Overview

Forcella del Ciot is a category 1 ascent that asks a real question of your legs. Over 12.2 km it climbs at an average gradient of 7.07%, dragging you from a valley floor at 376 m up to a summit at 1236 m. That works out to 860 m of net elevation gain, with 835 m of total ascent once the small undulations along the way are tallied. It is long enough to demand patience and steep enough that the average never lets you truly rest — a classic sustained mountain climb rather than a short, sharp wall.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 7.07% average across 12.2 km is deceptively even on paper, but the road does not hold a single pitch. The headline number here is the 18.82% maximum — more than two and a half times the average — which tells you the climb hides at least one severe ramp. Expect the gradient to swing well above and below 7.07% as you go: stretches near the mean that let you settle into a rhythm, punctuated by steeper kickers that spike toward that 18.82% figure. Because net gain (860 m) sits above total ascent (835 m) only by a hair, there is very little downhill relief; almost every metre of this climb is spent going up. Read the road ahead so a sudden ramp does not catch you in the wrong gear.

Pacing Notes

On a climb of this length, discipline early pays dividends late. Ride the first kilometres slightly under what feels sustainable, because the 18.82% pitch will cost you far more if you arrive already redlined. A useful anchor is your FTP: on a 12.2 km effort you want to hold a steady percentage of it on the average slopes and accept short surges above threshold only where the gradient forces you there. If you are unsure of your current number, the FTP estimator will give you a working figure to plan around. Aim for even effort, not even speed — the steep sections will slow you dramatically, and that is fine so long as your power stays controlled.

Gearing

With a 7.07% average and an 18.82% maximum over 12.2 km, gear for the steep spikes, not the mean. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most trained riders over the average slopes comfortably, but it can feel tall when the road tips toward 18.82%. If you weigh more, ride at a lower cadence, or simply want to protect your knees on the ramps, a 34×34 gives you meaningful extra margin and a spinnier option for the worst pitches. When in doubt on a 860 m climb like this, choose the easier gear.

Summary

Forcella del Ciot rewards steady pacing and honest gearing: respect the 18.82% ramp, ride within your limits on the 7.07% average, and let the 860 m gain come to you over the full 12.2 km.

Length: 12.2 km
Average gradient: 7.07%
Max gradient: 18.82%
Start: 376 m
Summit: 1236 m
Net gain: 860 m
Total ascent: 835 m
Category: 1