Forcje dai Claps

Overview

Forcje dai Claps is a hors catégorie climb, the hardest rung on the classification ladder, and it earns that label without any statistical charity. Over 12.6 km the road lifts you from 601 m to 1801 m, a net gain of 1200 m, at a punishing average gradient of 9.56%. That figure alone tells the story: this is not a climb with a gentle valley approach to soften the numbers. The slope is relentless from the moment the gradient sets in, and the 22.94% maximum pitch means there are moments where sitting and spinning simply stops being an option.

With a total ascent of 1202 m against a net gain of 1200 m, the climb barely surrenders a single metre of downhill relief across its length. Almost every pedal stroke is spent going up.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 9.56% average sustained over 12.6 km is brutal in its consistency, but averages hide the sharp edges. The gap between the 9.56% mean and the 22.94% maximum is the number to respect: roughly thirteen percentage points of variance means the climb spikes far above its already steep baseline. Expect stretches where the road sits comfortably in the mid-single digits by this climb's standards, punctuated by walls that more than double the effort.

Because total ascent (1202 m) sits essentially on top of net gain (1200 m), you can plan without worrying about false flats or recovery descents. What goes up stays up. Ration your matches for the pitches climbing toward that 22.94% ceiling rather than burning them on the merely steep sections.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long and this steep, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold something in reserve for the ramps toward 22.94%, where power spikes are unavoidable and momentum is your only friend. If you don't know your threshold, run your recent numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target for the full 12.6 km.

A sensible approach is to settle into a sustainable tempo across the shallower sections and accept that the steep walls will push you briefly above threshold. Trying to hold a flat power number here is a mistake — let the gradient dictate the surges, but keep the baseline honest so you still have legs at 1801 m.

Gearing

This is a climb that punishes under-gearing. With a 9.56% average and pitches to 22.94%, most riders will want the widest range they can fit. A 34×32 is the practical minimum for a fit climber, and even then the steepest ramps will have you grinding. For most riders — and for anyone tackling all 1200 m of gain on tired legs — a 34×34 is the smarter, more forgiving choice, giving you a cadence you can actually turn on the walls rather than a survival mudge. When in doubt on an HC climb, gear easier than your ego suggests.

Summary

Forcje dai Claps is an honest hors catégorie effort: long, steep, and unforgiving from 601 m to 1801 m. Pace to your threshold, gear generously, and treat the ramps toward 22.94% with the respect they demand.

Length: 12.6 km
Average gradient: 9.56%
Max gradient: 22.94%
Start: 601 m
Summit: 1801 m
Net gain: 1200 m
Total ascent: 1202 m
Category: HC