Gate of Trajan

Overview

The Gate of Trajan is a long, steady category 3 climb that rewards patience over power. Over 16 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 336 m to a summit at 836 m, a net elevation gain of 500 m. The average gradient sits at a gentle 3.12%, which makes this a climb defined by its length rather than its steepness. It is the kind of ascent you settle into rather than attack, holding a rhythm and letting the kilometres tick away beneath you.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 3.12% average across 16 km, the Gate of Trajan is far from uniform. Because the total ascent of 484 m is slightly less than the 500 m net gain, expect the road to include short flatter or gently rolling sections that dilute the overall figure. The headline number to respect is the max gradient of 7.39% — more than double the average. Those ramps are where the climb briefly bites, and they tend to punish riders who have spent themselves on the shallower stretches. Read the road ahead: save something for the pitches that touch 7.39% and coast the softer gradients to recover.

Pacing Notes

This is a threshold-management climb rather than a maximal effort. On a 3.12% average you can hold a strong tempo just below or around your FTP for much of the 16 km, only lifting into a harder gear when the gradient rises toward 7.39%. Avoid the temptation to surge on the flatter sections — steady wattage will get you to the 836 m summit fresher than a series of accelerations. If you are not sure what number to hold, run the maths first with the FTP estimator so your pacing targets reflect your current form. Aim to arrive at each 7.39% ramp with a small reserve, absorb it, then return to your tempo.

Gearing

For a climb of this profile, gearing is more about comfort than survival. The 3.12% average means most riders will spin comfortably in the middle of the cassette, but the 7.39% pitches justify a bit of insurance. A compact setup with a 34×32 is plenty for a strong rider who wants to keep the cadence high through the steep sections. If you prefer to protect your legs across the full 16 km, or you are riding tired, a 34×34 gives you an extra bail-out gear to soft-pedal the ramps without spiking your effort. Either way, favour the lighter option — spinning up a long climb costs far less than grinding it.

Summary

The Gate of Trajan is a 16 km category 3 climb built on rhythm: a 3.12% average that hides sharper 7.39% pitches, and a 500 m lift to an 836 m summit. Pace it steadily, gear it generously, and let the length do the work.

Length: 16 km
Average gradient: 3.12%
Max gradient: 7.39%
Start: 336 m
Summit: 836 m
Net gain: 500 m
Total ascent: 484 m
Category: 3