Passo dell'Alpe di Neggia

Overview

Passo dell'Alpe di Neggia is one of those climbs where the numbers do the intimidating for you. Over 9.1 km it averages 13.11%, dragging you from a start elevation of 197 m all the way to a 1394 m summit. That is a net elevation gain of 1197 m, with a total ascent of 1170 m once you account for the odd flatter breath along the way. Add a max gradient of 18.69% and you have a fully paid-up HC (hors catégorie) monster — the hardest rating on the scale, sitting above categories 1 through 4. There is no easing into this one.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is relentlessness. A 13.11% average over 9.1 km means there is nowhere to genuinely recover — the road simply tilts up and stays there. With a net gain of 1197 m but a total ascent of only 1170 m, the profile is almost purely uphill; the tiny 27 m difference tells you there are barely any downhill or flat metres to reset your legs.

The 18.69% max gradient marks the crux. On a climb this steep on average, an 18.69% ramp is not a brief spike you spin over — it is a wall that arrives when you are already deep in oxygen debt. Expect the steepest pitches to punish any rider who spent too much early. The gap between the 13.11% average and the 18.69% max is where this climb is won or lost.

Pacing Notes

Discipline is everything. Set your effort by your FTP and refuse to exceed it in the opening kilometres — a climb averaging 13.11% will happily let you blow up inside the first 3 km. On gradients this steep, small surges cost enormous energy, so aim for a steady, sustainable output rather than chasing a number on the ramps.

If you do not know your threshold, run it through the FTP estimator before you commit to Alpe di Neggia. Knowing your ceiling lets you meter the full 9.1 km and hold something in reserve for the 18.69% max pitch near the crux. Ride at threshold, not above it, and let the 1197 m of climbing come to you.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this climb. With a 13.11% average and an 18.69% max, most riders will want the easiest cassette they can bolt on. A compact 34-tooth chainring is the sensible front end; pair it with at least a 34×32 for the sustained slopes. Honestly, for the 18.69% ramp, a 34×34 is the smarter call — it gives you a low enough gear to keep the cadence turning when the road stands up. If your bike can take a 34×34, use it. Grinding a too-big gear up 1197 m of climbing is how legs get shredded.

Summary

Passo dell'Alpe di Neggia is a pure HC test: 9.1 km, a brutal 13.11% average, and an 18.69% wall, hauling you 1197 m into the sky. Gear low, pace to your FTP, and respect the relentlessness.

Length: 9.1 km
Average gradient: 13.11%
Max gradient: 18.69%
Start: 197 m
Summit: 1394 m
Net gain: 1197 m
Total ascent: 1170 m
Category: HC