Passo del Gallo

Overview

Passo del Gallo is a short, uncompromising climb: 5.7 km at an average of 7.99%, earning it a category 2 rating. It starts low, at just 25 m of elevation, and tops out at 479 m — a net gain of 454 m packed into well under six kilometres. There is very little runway here. From the moment the road tilts up, the gradient stays honest and rarely lets you settle, which is exactly what makes a climb of this length punch above its category.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is the 7.99% average, but averages hide the sting. The maximum pitch reaches 18.55%, more than double the mean, so the difficulty is not evenly spread. Expect stretches that sit comfortably above the average traded against brief moments of relief, then a wall that spikes toward that 18.55% figure. With a net gain of 454 m but a measured total ascent of 437 m, the profile is almost entirely uphill — there is no meaningful descent or false flat to recover on. Treat every easing of the road as a chance to breathe, not to rest, because the steepest section can arrive without much warning and will punish anyone who has already emptied the tank.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short and steep, pacing is about restraint at the bottom. The temptation is to attack the opening ramps off the 25 m base, but with 454 m still to gain, going out hard leaves nothing for the 18.55% pitches higher up. Anchor your effort to your FTP: on a category 2 climb of 5.7 km, most riders can hold slightly above threshold, but the steepest ramps will push you well over it, so bank some margin early. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target. Aim to arrive at the steepest section with something in reserve rather than clawing your way over it in the red. The last portion up to 479 m is where a well-judged pace pays off.

Gearing

With an average of 7.99% and ramps to 18.55%, this is a climb that rewards low gearing. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most fit riders up the average slopes, but on the 18.55% pitches, that ratio can force you into a grind that spikes your effort. If you have the range, a 34×34 gives you a meaningful cushion for the steepest metres and lets you keep a spinning cadence instead of muscling the pedals over. Given the short length, carrying slightly easier gearing costs you nothing and buys real insurance against the wall near the top.

Summary

Passo del Gallo is a compact, steep test — short enough to attack, steep enough to respect. Pace off your threshold, gear low for the 18.55% ramps, and let the 454 m of gain come to you.

Length: 5.7 km
Average gradient: 7.99%
Max gradient: 18.55%
Start: 25 m
Summit: 479 m
Net gain: 454 m
Total ascent: 437 m
Category: 2