Forcella Val di Brica

Overview

Forcella Val di Brica is a hors catégorie (HC) climb, the hardest rating on the road-cycling scale that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4. It stretches 22.8 km from a start elevation of 521 m to a summit of 1945 m, a net elevation gain of 1424 m. The averaged gradient sits at 6.25%, but that single figure hides a total ascent of 1397 m — meaning almost every metre you climb is metre you keep. This is a long, sustained effort where the length does as much damage as the steepness, and where the summit only arrives after well over an hour of climbing for most riders.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 6.25% average across 22.8 km sounds steady, and for long stretches it is. But the max gradient of 32.92% tells the real story: somewhere on this ascent the road pitches to a wall over five times steeper than the average. Because the net gain (1424 m) exceeds the total ascent figure typically associated with a clean climb, expect the profile to be relentlessly upward with few if any recovery descents. The pattern is punishing — moderate grinding interrupted by savage ramps. When a climb only gives back a small fraction of its height, you never get the coasting breaks that reset your legs, so those 32.92% spikes hit muscles already loaded from the sustained pull below.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold something in reserve for the steepest ramps — burning matches early on a 22.8 km ascent is how riders blow up with kilometres still to climb. Aim to ride the sustained sections a touch below threshold so you can absorb the surges toward 32.92% without going deep into the red. If you do not know your threshold number yet, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target power. With 1424 m of vertical to conquer, consistent output across the full length will always beat a fast start followed by a slow-motion crawl to 1945 m.

Gearing

For an HC climb of this length with pitches to 32.92%, gear low and gear generously. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get many fit riders up the sustained 6.25% sections, but on the steepest ramps you will be grinding at low cadence. For most riders — and especially anyone carrying fatigue or riding at altitude near 1945 m — the extra relief of a 34×34 is worth having. That single tooth of range can be the difference between spinning over the wall and stalling on it. If your bike accepts an even wider cassette, do not hesitate; on 32.92% ramps, no gear is ever too easy.

Summary

Forcella Val di Brica is a true HC test: long, high, and topped with brutal ramps. Ride within yourself, gear low, and respect the length as much as the gradient.

Length: 22.8 km
Average gradient: 6.25%
Max gradient: 32.92%
Start: 521 m
Summit: 1945 m
Net gain: 1424 m
Total ascent: 1397 m
Category: HC