Pampeago

Overview

Pampeago is a hors catégorie (HC) monster, and the numbers make the case on their own. Over 31 km you climb from a valley floor at 242 m to a summit at 1998 m — a net gain of 1756 m. The headline average of 5.67% sounds almost civil, but averages lie on climbs this long: buried inside is a pitch that touches 32.61%, and the total ascent of 2002 m tells you the road rolls rather than rises in a single clean line. This is an endurance climb with a sting.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 1756 m net gain and the 2002 m of total ascent is the key to understanding Pampeago's shape. That extra 246 m of climbing means the road gives some elevation back along the way — false flats, brief descents, or shallow recovery sections that break the rhythm. At 5.67% averaged across 31 km, most of the road sits in that steady tempo-grinding band, but the 32.61% maximum is a wall in a different league entirely. Ramps that steep don't blend in; they arrive suddenly and demand everything. Expect the effort to swing between long sustainable stretches and short, savage spikes where the front wheel feels like it wants to lift.

Pacing Notes

On a 31 km climb, discipline beats bravado. The steady 5.67% sections should be ridden a touch below your FTP — save the matches for the ramps toward 32.61%, where power spikes are unavoidable no matter how smoothly you ride. If you don't know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a pace, because misjudging your ceiling here means blowing up with double-digit kilometres still to climb. Break the 1756 m of gain into mental blocks and treat each recovery section as a chance to eat, drink, and reset your breathing before the next pitch.

Gearing

Gear for the 32.61% wall, not the 5.67% average — the steepest ramp dictates your smallest gear. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 gets many strong riders up the sustained sections, but on pitches this steep, and this deep into 31 km of climbing, a 34×34 buys precious cadence and spares your knees. If your frame and derailleur can clear it, go bigger still. There is no glory in grinding a gear too tall over 1756 m of vertical.

Summary

Pampeago earns its HC badge honestly: 31 km, 1756 m of net gain, a punishing 32.61% maximum, and just enough rolling terrain to add 246 m of extra climbing on top. Pace it patiently, gear it generously, and let the summit at 1998 m come to you.

Length: 31 km
Average gradient: 5.67%
Max gradient: 32.61%
Start: 242 m
Summit: 1998 m
Net gain: 1756 m
Total ascent: 2002 m
Category: HC