Koblberg

Overview

Koblberg is a Category 3 climb in Austria, running 5.8 km from a base at 760 m to a summit of 1,035 m. Over that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 275 m, giving it a moderate average gradient of 4.74%. On paper this is a manageable ascent — long enough to matter, short enough to hold a rhythm, and rated as a lower-difficulty categorized climb.

The number worth watching is the total ascent. While the net gain is 275 m, the road actually climbs 312 m in total, meaning roughly 37 m comes back down again as short descents or dips along the way. That undulation matters: every time the road drops, you lose momentum and pay for it on the next kick. The effective effort is higher than the clean 4.74% average suggests, because you are repeatedly re-accelerating rather than settling into one steady grind.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 4.74% average is a blend, not a constant. With 37 m of give-back built into the profile, the real gradient swings above and below that figure, and the steepest ramp bites at 9.43% — nearly double the average. That means stretches of easy pedaling are paid back with pitches steep enough to force you out of the saddle.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or briefly drops, letting you spin
• Repeated short climbs that stack up to the 312 m total ascent
• The steepest ramp at 9.43%, where the effort concentrates

Pacing Notes

On a rolling climb like Koblberg, chasing an even speed is a trap — you will overcook the steep pitches trying to hold a number that the flatter sections gave you for free. Pace by effort instead. Hold a steady sustainable power output through the climb and let your speed rise and fall with the terrain. On the 9.43% ramp your speed will drop; resist the urge to surge, and keep the power controlled. Let the descents and flatter sections be genuine recovery rather than places to hammer. If you do not know your ceiling, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you set targets.

Gearing

The 9.43% maximum is the gradient that dictates your setup, not the 4.74% average. On pitches near double digits you want low gears in reserve. A compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — think 34×32 or 34×34 — gives you the room to keep cadence up on the steep ramp without grinding. Check your setup before the ride; confirm the cassette and chainrings you are actually running rather than assuming.

Summary

• Length: 5.8 km
• Average gradient: 4.74%
• Maximum gradient: 9.43%
• Net elevation gain: 275 m
• Total ascent: 312 m
• Category: 3

Koblberg is an honest Category 3 with a rolling character: modest averages, a genuine steep ramp, and enough undulation to reward effort-based pacing and low gearing. Come prepared for the pitches, and the 5.8 km rides smoothly.