L'altu San Tiso

Overview

L'altu San Tiso is a short, honest category-4 climb that rewards rhythm over heroics. Over 4.1 km the road lifts you from a start elevation of 189 m to a summit at 374 m, a net gain of 185 m. The average gradient sits at a friendly 4.52%, and the steepest pitch never exceeds 6.91%, so nothing here is designed to shatter your legs — but at just over four kilometres, it is long enough to expose anyone who starts too hard. Think of it as a tempo effort with a defined finish line rather than a summit-finish sufferfest.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of San Tiso is its evenness. With a 4.52% average and a 6.91% maximum, the gap between the typical pitch and the hardest pitch is only about 2.39%, which tells you the road climbs in a narrow band rather than lurching between flat drags and brutal ramps. Because the net gain is 185 m while the total ascent measured along the road is 166 m, the profile is almost entirely uphill with very little false-flat or downhill respite — you climb nearly every metre of the 4.1 km. Expect a consistent grind where the steepest section, at 6.91%, feels like a mild acceleration rather than a wall.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this even, pacing is simple: pick a sustainable power just under threshold and hold it. Because the gradient rarely swings, there is little reason to surge — spikes only bank fatigue you cannot spend later. Aim to ride the whole 4.1 km at a percentage of your FTP that you could sustain for a 15–20 minute effort. If you do not know your current number, run the FTP estimator first and set your climbing target from there. Treat the 6.91% pitch as your only cue to add a touch of pressure, then settle straight back into rhythm.

Gearing

For a 4.52% average topping out at 6.91%, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup with a mid-range cassette. A 34×32 lowest gear gives plenty of room to spin the steeper sections while staying seated, which is exactly what an even climb like this favours. If you carry extra fatigue, ride heavier equipment, or simply prefer a higher cadence, step up to a 34×34 — the extra sprocket keeps your legs turning over on the 6.91% ramp without forcing you out of the saddle. Neither the 34×32 nor the 34×34 will leave you over-geared here; both let you protect your effort across the full 4.1 km.

Summary

L'altu San Tiso is a clean, repeatable tempo climb: 4.1 km of steady gradient, no dramatic ramps, and a clear summit to aim for. Ride it evenly, gear for comfort, and use the single 6.91% pitch as your only real cue to press.

Length: 4.1 km
Average gradient: 4.52%
Max gradient: 6.91%
Start: 189 m
Summit: 374 m
Net gain: 185 m
Total ascent: 166 m
Category: 4