Forcella Ronce

Overview

Forcella Ronce is a compact but serious category-2 climb that packs a lot of vertical into a short distance. Over just 5.5 km the road lifts you from 785 m to 1199 m, a net gain of 414 m at an average gradient of 7.57%. There is no easing-in here: a climb this steep over this little ground demands respect from the first pedal stroke, and the 389 m of total ascent tells you the road climbs almost the entire way with barely a moment of relief.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is 7.57%, but averages hide the story. With a maximum gradient of 15.08% — roughly double the average — this climb clearly has ramps that bite hard. Expect the profile to lurch between sustained mid-single-digit sections and short pitches that touch that 15.08% ceiling. Because the total ascent of 389 m sits just under the 414 m net gain, there is essentially no downhill respite: whatever you climb, you keep. That makes Forcella Ronce feel steeper than its average suggests, since you never get to recover speed on a false flat or descent between the steep kicks.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short and steep, pacing is about not blowing up on the ramps. The steep pitches toward 15.08% will tempt you to surge; resist it. Riders with a well-known FTP should aim to hold a steady effort just below threshold on the shallower sections, then accept a controlled spike over the steepest ramps rather than trying to hold constant power everywhere. At 5.5 km, the whole effort is short enough to ride slightly above your comfortable tempo — but only if you meter the hard sections. If you are unsure of your threshold, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so you can set realistic targets for the 414 m of climbing ahead.

Gearing

A 7.57% average with kicks to 15.08% is exactly the terrain where compact gearing earns its keep. For most riders, a compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sweet spot. A 34×32 will get many strong climbers up cleanly, giving enough range to keep cadence spinning through the mid sections. But if you are carrying fatigue, riding a heavier setup, or simply want to protect your knees on the 15.08% ramps, step up to a 34×34. That extra sprocket makes the difference between grinding and spinning where the road pitches hardest, and over 414 m of gain it keeps your legs fresher to the summit.

Summary

Forcella Ronce is a short, honest, steep climb: 5.5 km, no hiding places, and a summit at 1199 m earned through 414 m of net climbing. Pace the ramps, choose forgiving gearing, and it rewards a smart ride more than raw power.

Length: 5.5 km
Average gradient: 7.57%
Max gradient: 15.08%
Start: 785 m
Summit: 1199 m
Net gain: 414 m
Total ascent: 389 m
Category: 2