Passo di Sant'Antonio

Overview

Passo di Sant'Antonio is a Category 1 climb that packs a serious punch into a compact 8.6 km. From a start elevation of 740 m, the road works steadily upward to a summit of 1415 m, delivering 675 m of net elevation gain along the way. The average gradient of 7.89% is the headline number, and it is not softened by long flat sections — this is a climb that stays honest from bottom to top. With a maximum pitch of 14.85%, there are moments where the road rears up sharply enough to break any rhythm you have built. The total ascent of 642 m confirms that almost every metre of forward progress is also upward progress.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of this climb is its consistency. An average of 7.89% over 8.6 km means there is very little respite, and the gap between the average and the 14.85% maximum tells you the steepest ramps sit only a handful of percent above what you will be riding for most of the day. There is no long false-flat to hide the effort. Instead, expect sustained mid-single-digit and high-single-digit gradients punctuated by steeper kicks that push toward that 14.85% ceiling. Because the net gain of 675 m is spread across only 8.6 km, the climb never really lets you recover on the bike — the elevation profile trends relentlessly upward from 740 m to 1415 m.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this steady, pacing is everything. The temptation on the lower slopes is to attack the first steep ramp and settle into a debt you cannot repay over 8.6 km. Instead, anchor your effort to your FTP and hold a power that you can sustain for the full climb rather than one that impresses for the first kilometre. A useful target is to ride the sustained 7.89% sections at or just below threshold, saving a little headroom for the pitches that spike toward 14.85%. If you are not sure what your threshold looks like, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the effort. Getting the opening third right is what makes the top third survivable.

Gearing

With an average of 7.89% and ramps to 14.85%, gearing is your friend here. For most trained riders, a compact chainset paired with a 34×32 will cover the sustained sections while leaving something in reserve. If you carry any fatigue, ride at a lighter build, or simply prefer to spin, a 34×34 gives you extra margin on the steepest kicks and keeps your cadence up when the road bites. Given how little flat this climb offers, err toward the easier option — a spare gear you never use is far better than grinding out of the saddle at 14.85% with nothing left.

Summary

Passo di Sant'Antonio is a short but uncompromising Category 1 climb: 8.6 km of consistently steep road, minimal recovery, and a summit that rewards disciplined pacing over early heroics. Respect the average, prepare for the maximum, and gear low.

Length: 8.6 km
Average gradient: 7.89%
Max gradient: 14.85%
Start: 740 m
Summit: 1415 m
Net gain: 675 m
Total ascent: 642 m
Category: 1