Passo Prato Leone

Overview

Passo Prato Leone is a category 1 ascent that packs a serious punch into a compact stretch of road. Over 10.4 km it climbs from a start elevation of 77 m to a summit at 788 m, a net gain of 711 m with a total ascent of 699 m once the small rolling sections are accounted for. The average gradient of 6.8% tells you this is relentless rather than brutal, but a maximum pitch of 17.09% guarantees at least one moment where your legs will protest. It sits just below the hors catégorie tier, and it earns that ranking honestly.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The headline number is the 6.8% average, but averages hide the story. With a peak of 17.09%, the climb clearly has ramps that run roughly ten points above the mean, and the difference between the 711 m net gain and the 699 m total ascent shows a short reprieve — a brief flatter or descending kick somewhere along the 10.4 km that lets the elevation profile dip before climbing again. Expect a rhythm of sustained mid-single-digit grades interrupted by sharp double-digit ramps. The lower slopes near 77 m ease you in, but the gradient tightens as you push toward the 788 m summit, where the steepest pitches tend to bite hardest.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this length, discipline beats bravado. The 6.8% average should sit comfortably within a threshold effort, so anchor your pacing to a percentage of your FTP rather than chasing the steep ramps. Aim to ride the sustained sections at or just below threshold, then accept a brief surge above it when the gradient spikes toward 17.09% — but claw the effort back the moment the road relents. Going too hard on the lower slopes leaves nothing for the final kilometres to 788 m. If you are unsure of your current threshold, run the numbers first with the FTP estimator so your target wattage matches the 10.4 km ahead.

Gearing

With a maximum of 17.09% and a 6.8% average sustained over 10.4 km, this is a climb where a wide-range cassette pays for itself. A compact 34-tooth inner ring paired with a 34×32 low gear will get most trained riders over the steepest ramps while keeping cadence tolerable. If you carry any fatigue, ride at a heavier body weight, or simply want insurance against the 17.09% pitches, step up to a 34×34 — the extra tooth turns a grind into a spin and protects your knees across the full 711 m of climbing. There is no prize for over-gearing here.

Summary

Passo Prato Leone is a category 1 climb that rewards even pacing and sensible gearing. Its 10.4 km, 6.8% average, and 17.09% maximum make it a demanding but achievable objective, and the 711 m gained from base to summit is a satisfying day's work for any climber building toward harder hors catégorie tests.

Length: 10.4 km
Average gradient: 6.8%
Max gradient: 17.09%
Start: 77 m
Summit: 788 m
Net gain: 711 m
Total ascent: 699 m
Category: 1