Oberricken

Overview

Oberricken is a category 2 climb that runs 7.7 km from a base at 498 m up to a summit at 906 m. That works out to 408 m of net elevation gain, with 391 m of total ascent packed into the ride — a sign that the road climbs almost relentlessly, giving back very little on the way up. The average gradient sits at 5.32%, which puts Oberricken firmly in the sustained-tempo bracket: hard enough to demand respect, steady enough to reward a rider who paces it intelligently rather than one who attacks blindly from the bottom.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline average of 5.32% tells only part of the story. With a maximum pitch of 9.6%, Oberricken hides steeper ramps behind its moderate mean. Expect the road to fluctuate around the average for long stretches, then rear up toward that 9.6% figure on its harder ramps. Because net gain (408 m) slightly exceeds total ascent (391 m), the climb barely lets up — there are no meaningful descents to break the rhythm, so every metre of the 7.7 km is spent going upward. Treat the gentler sections as recovery and the steep ramps as the moments that will define your time.

Pacing Notes

The key to Oberricken is holding a controlled effort just under threshold. Over 7.7 km at 5.32%, most riders will be climbing for a sustained block, so anchoring your pace to your FTP pays off — ride the shallower gradients at a comfortable tempo and let your power drift up only on the 9.6% pitches. Going too deep early leaves nothing for the ramps near the 906 m summit. If you are unsure of your threshold number, run the FTP estimator first and set a target wattage before you start. A climb like this punishes surges and rewards a metronomic effort held from base to top.

Gearing

For a 5.32% average that spikes to 9.6%, most riders want a compact setup with a generous cassette. A 34×32 is a sensible baseline and will keep your cadence spinning through the majority of the 7.7 km. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance for the steep ramps near the summit, step up to a 34×34 — that extra sprocket takes the sting out of the 9.6% sections and lets you stay seated and efficient rather than grinding out of the saddle. Fresh legs might manage a tighter cassette, but on a climb this sustained, the easier gear almost always pays for itself.

Summary

Oberricken is a genuine test of sustained climbing: 7.7 km of near-constant ascent at 5.32%, with ramps to 9.6% and a summit that tops out at 906 m. Pace it to your threshold, gear low enough to spin, and it becomes a satisfying category 2 effort rather than a slog.

Length: 7.7 km
Average gradient: 5.32%
Max gradient: 9.6%
Start: 498 m
Summit: 906 m
Net gain: 408 m
Total ascent: 391 m
Category: 2