Passo della Camonda

Overview

Passo della Camonda is a short, sharp Italian climb that packs a real punch into a modest distance. Over just 6.1 km you gain 477 m net, rising from a start elevation of 236 m to a summit at 713 m. The average gradient of 7.83% already tells you this is no gentle warm-up, and the 19.33% maximum confirms it: there are ramps here steep enough to bring even strong riders to a crawl. Rated category 2, it sits in the meaty middle of the difficulty scale — harder than the rolling 3s and 4s, but a step below the legendary hors catégorie monsters. That combination of brevity and steepness makes it a punishing test of pure climbing power.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape of the Camonda is defined by a simple truth: with a 7.83% average and a 19.33% peak, the steep sections dominate. Note that the net elevation gain of 477 m slightly exceeds the total ascent of 453 m, which points to a climb that trends relentlessly upward with little in the way of false flat or recovery. In practice, you should expect long stretches sitting well above the average, punctuated by the harshest pitches nudging toward 19.33%. There is no easing into this one — the gradient bites early and holds its teeth in. Because the distance is so compact, every kilometre carries a heavy elevation load, so the effort feels concentrated rather than drawn out.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steep and this short, pacing is about not detonating on the ramps. The whole ascent will likely sit near or above your FTP, so treat it as a sustained threshold-to-VO2 effort rather than a tempo grind. The danger is the 19.33% pitches: surging over them at full gas can blow your legs long before the 713 m summit. Instead, back off slightly before the steepest sections, let your cadence drop, and grind through seated where you can. If you are unsure what number to anchor to, run the FTP estimator first, then aim to hold just under that figure across the bulk of the 6.1 km, saving a little for the final ramps.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this one. With pitches reaching 19.33%, a compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette is essential for most riders. A 34×32 is the sensible minimum — it will let you spin the average 7.83% grade without cracking. But given how often the road kicks toward that 19.33% maximum, a 34×34 is the smarter choice, buying you a lower bail-out gear for the worst ramps and protecting your knees over the 477 m of climbing. Lighter or less powerful riders should not hesitate to go even easier if their drivetrain allows.

Summary

Passo della Camonda is a concentrated, unforgiving climb: short in distance but savage in gradient, demanding respect from the base at 236 m to the summit at 713 m. Come with low gears, a disciplined pace, and legs ready for the steep stuff.

Length: 6.1 km
Average gradient: 7.83%
Max gradient: 19.33%
Start: 236 m
Summit: 713 m
Net gain: 477 m
Total ascent: 453 m
Category: 2