Forcellino di Bianzano

Overview

Forcellino di Bianzano is a 7.6 km category 3 ascent that trades brute difficulty for rhythm. From a start elevation of 302 m it works its way up to a 667 m summit, a net gain of 365 m at an average gradient of 4.81%. On paper that average reads as friendly, and for much of the climb it is. But the profile hides teeth: the steepest pitch spikes to 13.85%, nearly three times the mean, so the challenge here is less about surviving and more about metering your effort so the hard ramps do not blow the day apart.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The relationship between the 4.81% average and the 13.85% maximum tells you almost everything about this climb's shape. A gap that wide means the road is uneven — long stretches noticeably shallower than the average are balanced by short kicks that punch well above it. Note too that the total ascent of 345 m sits below the 365 m net elevation gain, a 20 m difference that points to a road climbing almost continuously rather than rolling up and down. In practice you should expect a steady middle that lets you settle, bracketed by pitches where the gradient jumps toward that 13.85% ceiling and forces a hard, brief response before the road relents again.

Pacing Notes

Pace this one off your sustainable power, not your legs' first impressions. Because the average is a moderate 4.81%, it is tempting to ride the whole 7.6 km at threshold — but the double-digit ramps toward 13.85% will punish anyone already redlined. Aim to hold the shallow sections a touch below your FTP so you have headroom to absorb the steep kicks without going deep into the red. If you do not know your threshold number, run the FTP estimator before you go, then treat the climb as one continuous effort broken by short surges rather than a single flat-out drive to 667 m.

Gearing

At 7.6 km and 4.81% average, most fit riders can turn a compact comfortably — but plan for the 13.85% maximum, not the mean. A 34-tooth inner ring paired with a 34×32 cassette gives a low gear that keeps your cadence civilised on the steep pitches while staying efficient on the shallower run. Lighter riders or anyone chasing a spinning cadence should size up to a 34×34, which buys a little extra insurance on that 13.85% ramp and lets you sit and turn rather than grind out of the saddle. Either way, keep something in reserve — spinning the steep sections protects the legs for the length of the climb.

Summary

Forcellino di Bianzano rewards discipline. Take the 4.81% average as your baseline, respect the 13.85% spikes, and the 365 m to the summit passes cleanly. Gear conservatively, pace to your threshold, and let the climb's uneven shape work for you instead of against you.

Length: 7.6 km
Average gradient: 4.81%
Max gradient: 13.85%
Start: 302 m
Summit: 667 m
Net gain: 365 m
Total ascent: 345 m
Category: 3