Pian dell'Orso

Overview

Pian dell'Orso is a genuine hors catégorie monster. It runs for 25.8 km, starting at sea level and topping out at 1852 m, which means every metre of that summit elevation is also net gain — a full 1852 m of vertical from the very first pedal stroke. The average gradient of 7.18% sounds civilised on paper, but averages lie on a climb this long: with total ascent measured at 1607 m across the recorded profile, the road never truly flattens, and the 22.8% max gradient tells you the punches waiting further up. This is a climb you have to respect from the bottom, because the mountain simply does not give the length back.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature here is duration. At 25.8 km, Pian dell'Orso is long enough that pacing errors compound rather than forgive. The gap between the 7.18% average and the 22.8% maximum is enormous — more than 15 points — which signals a climb of sharp variation rather than a metronomic drag. Expect stretches close to or below the average that let you find rhythm, broken by walls that briefly triple the effort. Because you begin at 0 m and climb to 1852 m without interruption, there is no descent to recover on and no false valley to reset your legs. The higher you go, the thinner the air, so those late 22.8% ramps bite harder than identical gradients would down at the start.

Pacing Notes

On a climb of 25.8 km, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold something in reserve for the steep sections rather than burning matches early. A useful target is to sit comfortably under threshold on the sustained 7.18%-ish grades, then accept a short surge over threshold on the 22.8% ramps before settling back down. If you do not know your threshold number, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you attempt this — starting at 0 m and grinding to 1852 m is exactly the scenario where a blown pacing plan ends your day early. Fuel steadily from the base; 1607 m of total ascent is a long time in the saddle.

Gearing

Gear for the walls, not the average. The 7.18% mean is manageable, but the 22.8% max is where undergeared riders get shelled off the back. For most riders a compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the smart call: a 34×32 is the sensible minimum for holding cadence on the steep pitches, and a 34×34 gives you extra insurance for those maximum ramps after 20-plus kilometres of climbing have drained your legs. Over a climb this long, spinning a lower gear preserves far more than it costs.

Summary

Pian dell'Orso is one of the hardest climbs you can point a bike at: sea-level start, HC length, and ramps steep enough to walk. Come with low gears, a paced plan, and full bottles.

Length: 25.8 km
Average gradient: 7.18%
Max gradient: 22.8%
Start: 0 m
Summit: 1852 m
Net gain: 1852 m
Total ascent: 1607 m
Category: HC