Passo di Badignana

Overview

Passo di Badignana is an hors catégorie ascent that measures 15.9 km from base to top, rising from 130 m at the start to a summit of 1680 m. That is a net elevation gain of 1550 m, with 1531 m of total ascent recorded along the way — the small difference between the two figures tells you the road climbs almost relentlessly, giving back barely any height once it starts going up. The average gradient of 9.74% is the number that defines this climb. On paper it looks like a wall, and on the road it feels like one. Very few HC climbs sustain a double-digit-flirting average across nearly 16 kilometres, and Badignana is squarely in that punishing minority.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 9.74% average holding across 15.9 km, there is no meaningful respite built into this climb's shape. A gradient this high, sustained this long, means the road is effectively a single continuous effort rather than a series of distinct ramps and recovery flats. Because total ascent (1531 m) sits just under net gain (1550 m), you can assume there are no descents to break your rhythm — every metre of forward progress is also a metre upward. Expect the pitch to hover in and around that 9.74% figure for long, unbroken stretches. The opening kilometres from 130 m set the tone early, and the climb only tightens its grip as you push toward the 1680 m summit.

Pacing Notes

On a climb averaging 9.74% for 15.9 km, pacing is everything. Going out hard is the fastest way to blow up before the halfway mark. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to sit just below threshold for the full duration — this is a sustained tempo-to-threshold grind, not an interval session. If you do not know your current threshold power, use the FTP estimator to get a working number before you plan your ride. With 1550 m to gain and almost no flat to recover on, hold something in reserve for the final third, where fatigue compounds against the unyielding gradient.

Gearing

Do not under-gear this one. A 9.74% average sustained over 15.9 km will expose any drivetrain that is too tall. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. Many strong riders will want a 34×32 as an absolute minimum, and most will be happier with a 34×34 to keep cadence up and protect the knees on the steepest sustained pitches. If your setup allows an even easier ratio, this is exactly the climb to use it on — spinning a low gear beats grinding a high one across 1550 m of continuous ascent.

Summary

Passo di Badignana is a true HC test: long, steep, and unforgiving from bottom to top. Respect the 9.74% average, gear low, pace to your threshold, and let the numbers do the intimidating.

Length: 15.9 km
Average gradient: 9.74%
Max gradient: n/a
Start: 130 m
Summit: 1680 m
Net gain: 1550 m
Total ascent: 1531 m
Category: HC