Passo Fosso del Lupo

Overview

Passo Fosso del Lupo is a long haul: 21 km of continuous climbing that carries you from a start elevation of just 21 m to a summit at 956 m. That works out to 935 m of net elevation gain, though the road actually asks for 962 m of total ascent once you account for the brief levelling and dips along the way. The average gradient is a moderate-sounding 4.44%, but that number hides the climb's real character. At this length, a category 1 rating is earned through sustained effort rather than relentless steepness, and the 17.4% maximum tells you there are moments that bite hard.

How the Gradient Unfolds

Read the numbers together and the shape becomes clear. A 4.44% average across 21 km is the sort of grade you can settle into, but a max of 17.4% is nearly four times that. The gap between the two means the climb is uneven: long stretches of comfortable gradient are punctuated by steep ramps that spike well into double digits. The 27 m difference between the 962 m of total ascent and the 935 m net gain confirms the road is not a single unbroken wall. Expect false flats and short recoveries that let the average sit low, followed by pitches that force you out of the saddle. Managing those transitions, rather than the average, is what defines a good ascent here.

Pacing Notes

Over 21 km your total time is dominated by the long moderate sections, so discipline early pays off. Aim to ride the shallow stretches just below your FTP so you keep reserves for the ramps toward 17.4%, where power inevitably surges. Treat the steep pitches as short, contained efforts: accept a brief spike, then ease back to your target once the grade relaxes. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a pacing plan. On a climb this long, going too deep in the first few kilometres is the classic error, and the summit at 956 m is a long way off when you blow up early.

Gearing

With 21 km to grind through and ramps hitting 17.4%, gearing is your friend. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette gives you the range to spin the steep sections without grinding to a halt. A 34×32 is a sensible baseline for strong climbers who can hold cadence on the ramps. If you would rather protect your legs across the full 21 km, or you are carrying any fatigue, step up to a 34×34 for that extra bailout gear. The lighter ratio lets you keep the pedals turning through the max-gradient pitches, which matters far more on a climb whose length wears you down than on a short, sharp effort.

Summary

Passo Fosso del Lupo rewards riders who respect its length. Pace the moderate 4.44% sections conservatively, gear low for the 17.4% ramps, and let the 956 m summit come to you across all 21 km.

Length: 21 km
Average gradient: 4.44%
Max gradient: 17.4%
Start: 21 m
Summit: 956 m
Net gain: 935 m
Total ascent: 962 m
Category: 1