Passo Fiorine

Overview

Passo Fiorine is a short, sharp Category 2 test that packs a lot of climbing into a compact 4.6 km. From a low start elevation of just 13 m, the road hauls you up to a 344 m summit, a net gain of 331 m. The average gradient of 7.15% is already demanding, but the real signature of this climb is its steepness relative to its length: there is nowhere to hide and very little flat road to recover on. At 4.6 km it is over quickly by mountain-pass standards, yet the sustained pitch means it will feel far longer than the distance suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining number here is the contrast between the 7.15% average and the 14.07% maximum. That maximum is almost exactly double the average, which tells you the climb is not evenly graded. Instead of a steady ramp, expect the road to swing between stretches close to the average and ramps that bite up toward that 14.07% peak. With only 4.6 km to work with and 331 m to gain, the effort stays concentrated. When you hit the steepest section, your speed will drop and your cadence will crumble unless you have gearing in reserve. The smart approach is to treat the whole climb as one continuous effort, knowing a hard pitch could arrive at any point.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short and steep, pacing discipline matters more than raw endurance. Aim to hold an effort just at or slightly below your FTP for the opening kilometres, keeping something in reserve for the 14.07% ramp. Going into the red early on a 7.15% average is easy to do and expensive to recover from over only 4.6 km. If you are unsure of your threshold, use the FTP estimator to set a realistic ceiling before you start. On the steepest pitch, accept that your power will spike above threshold briefly, then settle back as the gradient eases toward the average.

Gearing

Because the gradient nearly doubles from 7.15% to 14.07%, you want gearing that protects your cadence on the worst ramp. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most riders up the 7.15% sections comfortably, but on the 14.07% pitch a 34×34 gives you the extra range to keep spinning rather than grinding to a halt. If your legs are heavy or you are riding this late in a longer day, favour the 34×34 and save your knees.

Summary

Passo Fiorine is a concentrated 4.6 km Category 2 climb that rewards steady pacing and generous gearing. With a 7.15% average and a 14.07% maximum over just 331 m of net gain, it is short enough to attack but steep enough to punish anyone who starts too hard.

Length: 4.6 km
Average gradient: 7.15%
Max gradient: 14.07%
Start: 13 m
Summit: 344 m
Net gain: 331 m
Total ascent: 317 m
Category: 2