Passo Larnaia

Overview

Passo Larnaia is a long, sustained Category 1 climb that rewards patience over aggression. Over 17.8 km the road lifts you from a valley floor at 55 m to a summit of 1109 m — a net gain of 1054 m. The average gradient of 5.92% sounds civilised, and for long stretches it is, but the 13.93% maximum tells you the mountain has teeth. This is a climb where the numbers, not the scenery, dictate your race: get the effort wrong early and the final kilometres will unravel you.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline figure is 5.92%, but averages hide the story. With a maximum of 13.93%, the pitch swings well above the mean, meaning the ramps that hurt are more than double the average slope. Note too the gap between net elevation gain (1054 m) and total ascent (1017 m). That difference is the fingerprint of a climb that isn't a smooth ramp — it dips and recovers, giving you short false-flats and brief descents that break rhythm. Expect the road to stack its steepest concentrations into pinch points rather than spreading the difficulty evenly. Treat every gradient spike as a discrete effort: ease into it, ride through it, and settle back before the next one arrives.

Pacing Notes

For a climb of this length, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP and aim to sit just below threshold on the sustained 5.92% sections, holding a reserve for the 13.93% ramps where power spikes are unavoidable. Because the climb runs the better part of an hour for most riders, going even slightly too hard in the first third compounds badly by the summit at 1109 m. If you don't know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target. Ride the steep pitches seated where you can to protect your legs, and save any standing efforts for the final kick.

Gearing

With 1054 m of climbing and pitches touching 13.93%, gearing is your friend. A compact 34-tooth inner ring paired with a wide cassette keeps your cadence up on the steep ramps instead of grinding you into the tarmac. A 34×32 is the sensible baseline for strong riders who want to stay on top of the gear across the 5.92% average. If you'd rather spin than muscle through the 13.93% sections — or you're pacing a 17.8 km effort conservatively — step up to 34×34 for that extra bailout gear. On a climb this long, the lighter gear you don't need is far better than the one you wish you had.

Summary

Passo Larnaia is a genuine Category 1 test: long enough to expose poor pacing, steep enough in places to punish it. Respect the 5.92% average, brace for the 13.93% ramps, gear low, and let the 1054 m come to you.

Length: 17.8 km
Average gradient: 5.92%
Max gradient: 13.93%
Start: 55 m
Summit: 1109 m
Net gain: 1054 m
Total ascent: 1017 m
Category: 1