Kızıldağ Pass

Overview

Kızıldağ Pass is a category-1 climb that measures 14.3 km from base to top. It begins at 1411 m and finishes at 2308 m, a net elevation gain of 897 m spread across an average gradient of 6.28%. The total ascent logs 882 m, confirming that this is a climb with very little relief once the road tilts upward. Starting above 1411 m and topping out at 2308 m, the whole effort takes place at genuine altitude, where thinner air quietly adds a tax to every pedal stroke. With a maximum pitch of 19.02%, it packs enough punch to demand respect from the first kilometre.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 6.28% average is a useful anchor, but averages hide the story. Across 14.3 km, the 897 m of net gain is not delivered evenly. The gap between the 6.28% mean and the 19.02% maximum tells you the climb hoards its severity into sharp ramps rather than dealing it out steadily. Expect stretches that sit comfortably around or below the average, punctuated by pitches that spike toward the high teens and briefly touch 19.02%. Because total ascent (882 m) sits just under the net gain (897 m), there is essentially no descending inside the climb — the road goes up, holds, then goes up harder. Treat every eased section as recovery, because a steeper wall is rarely far ahead.

Pacing Notes

At 14.3 km, this is a sustained effort where discipline beats bravado. Anchor your pacing to your FTP: on a climb averaging 6.28% over nearly 900 m of gain, riding just below threshold on the shallower sections leaves headroom for the ramps toward 19.02%. If you don't know your threshold number, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you go, then hold a steady wattage rather than chasing the gradient. The altitude — from 1411 m up to 2308 m — will nudge your sustainable output down, so start a notch more conservatively than the 6.28% average suggests. Burning matches on the first steep pitch is the classic way to detonate before the 2308 m summit.

Gearing

With a 19.02% maximum and 14.3 km of climbing at altitude, gearing generosity is your friend. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear is the sensible baseline for most riders tackling a category-1 ascent of this length. If you weigh more, ride at a lower cadence, or simply want insurance against those 19.02% ramps late in the 897 m of gain, step up to a 34×34. The extra sprocket keeps your cadence spinning when the road bites, protecting your legs for the full 14.3 km rather than grinding them out on a gear that's too tall.

Summary

Kızıldağ Pass is a serious, high-altitude category-1 climb: long enough at 14.3 km to reward patience, steep enough at 19.02% to punish over-eagerness, and lofty enough at 2308 m to sap your reserves. Pace it to your threshold, gear low, and let the 6.28% average lull you into rhythm — not complacency.

Length: 14.3 km
Average gradient: 6.28%
Max gradient: 19.02%
Start: 1411 m
Summit: 2308 m
Net gain: 897 m
Total ascent: 882 m
Category: 1