Portella dello Zoppo

Overview

Portella dello Zoppo is a long, patient Category 1 climb that measures 28.9 km from base to summit. It begins almost at sea level, with the road starting at just 24 m of elevation, and finishes high at 1267 m. That works out to a net elevation gain of 1243 m, while the total ascent registers 1334 m — the extra 91 m accounts for the small descents and false flats folded into a climb of this length.

At 28.9 km this is an endurance effort more than a wall. The 4.3% average gradient sounds gentle on paper, but sustaining any positive grade for nearly 29 km is what earns the Category 1 rating and puts this climb firmly in the domain of the well-prepared.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining tension of Portella dello Zoppo is the gap between its 4.3% average and its 11.03% maximum. A climb that averaged its peak the whole way would be a different beast entirely; here, the steepest 11.03% ramps are interruptions rather than the rule. Expect the grade to breathe — stretches close to or below the average, punctuated by pitches that bite toward double digits.

Because the total ascent of 1334 m exceeds the net gain of 1243 m, you can infer the profile isn't a single unbroken ramp. Those 91 m of "extra" climbing mean there are dips and recoveries built in, so you'll be repeatedly resetting your rhythm rather than settling into one fixed cadence for half an hour.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats ambition. Anchor your effort to your FTP and hold the early kilometres well within yourself — the 4.3% average is deceptively rideable, and it's easy to over-commit before the 11.03% sections arrive. Treat the steep ramps as short over-threshold surges, then let the flatter sections pull your average power back down.

If you're not sure what wattage to target across 28.9 km, run your numbers through the FTP estimator first and set a ceiling you can defend to the summit at 1267 m. The riders who blow up here are the ones who ride the average and forget the spikes.

Gearing

Length is the enemy of stiff gearing. For 28.9 km at 4.3% with 11.03% ramps, prioritise a low bailout gear so you can keep spinning when the grade jumps. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline: a 34×32 will cover most riders comfortably on the sustained sections, but on the 11.03% pitches — especially late, after 1243 m of accumulated climbing — a 34×34 buys you the extra margin to protect your cadence and your legs. Err toward the easier ratio; you'll rarely regret spinning.

Summary

Portella dello Zoppo rewards patience: nearly 29 km of climbing from near sea level to a high summit, with a moderate average masking sharp ramps. Pace to your threshold, gear low, and respect the distance.

Length: 28.9 km
Average gradient: 4.3%
Max gradient: 11.03%
Start: 24 m
Summit: 1267 m
Net gain: 1243 m
Total ascent: 1334 m
Category: 1