Passo della Crocola

Overview

Passo della Crocola is a category 2 climb that runs for 14.3 km from a valley floor at 228 m up to a summit at 967 m. That works out to 739 m of net elevation gain, with 740 m of total ascent — the near-identical figures telling you this is an honest, one-way ramp with almost no descending built into it. The average gradient of 5.18% sits in the comfortable-but-relentless range: nothing about it is savage on paper, but 14.3 km rarely lets you off easily. A maximum gradient of 14.57% warns that at least one section spikes well above the average, so the climb is not as uniform as the headline number suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Do the arithmetic and the shape becomes clear. To gain 739 m over 14.3 km at 5.18%, the climb has to spend long stretches near that average just to balance out its steepest pitch. With the max hitting 14.57% — nearly three times the average — you can expect the road to lull you into a rhythm and then rear up. Practically, that means the majority of the 14.3 km is rideable in a steady tempo, punctuated by a ramp (or ramps) where the gradient roughly triples. The gap between 5.18% and 14.57% is the whole story here: pace the flatter tempo sections conservatively so you have something left when the road tilts toward that double-digit sting.

Pacing Notes

At category 2 with a 5.18% average, Crocola is a threshold effort more than a survival grind. Aim to climb the tempo sections just below your FTP so the 14.57% ramp doesn't blow you into the red with kilometres still to go. If you don't know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your effort. A good rule of thumb: hold steady power on the 5.18% grade, then accept that your speed will drop sharply on the steepest pitch rather than trying to hold pace and spiking your effort. Over 739 m of gain, small pacing errors compound — bleed too much early and the final third of the 14.3 km becomes a slog.

Gearing

For a 14.3 km climb averaging 5.18% with a 14.57% maximum, give yourself margin. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear covers most riders comfortably on the tempo sections. But because the max gradient nearly triples the average, a 34×34 is the smarter choice if you want to keep your cadence up on that steepest pitch without grinding. When in doubt on a climb this long, size down: spinning a 34×34 costs you nothing on the 5.18% stretches and saves your legs where it counts.

Summary

Passo della Crocola is a long, steady category 2 climb with one genuine sting in its tail. Pace it at threshold, gear for the 14.57% ramp, and the 739 m of gain will reward a disciplined effort.

Length: 14.3 km
Average gradient: 5.18%
Max gradient: 14.57%
Start: 228 m
Summit: 967 m
Net gain: 739 m
Total ascent: 740 m
Category: 2