Ibergeregg Pass

Overview

The Ibergeregg Pass is a proper HC-category test in central Switzerland. At 9.9 km long with an average gradient of 9.26% and 917 m of net elevation gain, it asks for sustained power output from the first pedal stroke. The maximum gradient hits 18.52% — a number that ends poorly for anyone who arrives at that ramp already deep in the red.

Understand your functional threshold power before attempting this climb. If you haven't tested recently, use the FTP estimator to set realistic targets.

Gradient Profile

The climb begins at 488 m elevation. Over 9.9 km it rises to 1,405 m, accumulating 970 m of total ascent — slightly more than the 917 m net gain, meaning there are brief undulations that eat into any momentum you build.

A 9.26% average over nearly 10 km is relentless. That average is not pulled up by one extreme outlier; with a max of 18.52% the climb contains sections roughly double the mean, which means other sections provide only modest relief rather than genuine recovery.

Key Gradient Zones

• Lower slopes: Expect gradients in the 7–10% range as the road establishes the climb's tone early. There is no gentle introduction.
• Mid-section: The average holds — this is where riders burning too many matches early begin to crack. Treat this section as the true test of pacing discipline.
• Upper ramps: The 18.52% maximum appears in the upper portion. By this point, accumulated fatigue amplifies any gradient. A pitch that might feel manageable fresh becomes a full threshold effort when legs are already loaded.

Pacing Notes

With a 9.26% average and almost 10 km to cover, negative splitting is extremely difficult on a climb this steep. The goal is even power, not even speed — your speed will drop on the steeper ramps regardless.

Target 90–95% of FTP for the bulk of the climb if you want to finish without blowing up on the upper ramps. Riders who attack the lower slopes at threshold or above routinely pay for it at the 18.52% section where recovery is not an option.

Heart rate will lag on the steeper ramps. Trust power data over heart rate when the gradient spikes suddenly.

Gearing

This is not a climb to show up on with a 28-tooth cassette and hope for the best.

• Minimum recommendation: 32t rear sprocket paired with a compact chainset (50/34 or 46/30).
• Preferred setup: A 34t or 36t rear sprocket. The 18.52% maximum will demand it, particularly if you are riding with any fatigue in your legs from prior climbing.
• Cadence: Aim to keep cadence above 75 rpm even on the steepest sections. Grinding low cadences on a prolonged steep climb accelerates muscular fatigue without the cardiovascular system providing a meaningful break.

Summary

The Ibergeregg Pass is a pure HC climb that earns its category rating honestly: 9.9 km, 9.26% average, 18.52% maximum, and 917 m of net elevation gain from a starting elevation of 488 m. There is no flat approach, no forgiving false flat to regroup mid-climb. Arrive with appropriate gearing, a realistic power target relative to your FTP, and the discipline to resist going too deep before the steepest ramps arrive.