Raticosa pass

Overview

Raticosa pass is a long, patient effort rather than a wall of pain. Over 21.9 km the road lifts you from 133 m to a summit of 966 m, a net gain of 833 m at an average gradient of just 3.8%. That modest average hides the real character of the climb: with a max gradient of 9.7% and a total ascent of 860 m — 27 m more than the net figure, meaning there is some up-and-down along the way — this is a Category 2 test of steady rhythm and honest legs. It is the kind of climb where the clock, not the incline, is your main opponent.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 3.8% average across 21.9 km tells you most of the story: this is a gently tilted road you can hold in a rhythm for the better part of an hour. But the 9.7% max gradient and the gap between total ascent (860 m) and net gain (833 m) reveal that the profile is not a single smooth ramp. Expect flatter, almost recovery-paced stretches punctuated by steeper pitches that briefly triple the average. The extra 27 m of climbing spread across false flats and small dips means momentum matters — carry speed into the shallow sections so the sharper ramps don't catch you cold.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Because the average is only 3.8%, it is tempting to push too hard early, but the 21.9 km distance will punish that. Anchor your effort to your FTP: aim to sit just below threshold on the shallow sections and allow yourself to nudge above it only on the steepest ramps toward 9.7%. If you don't know your number, run it through the FTP estimator before you attempt a full-effort ascent. With 833 m of climbing to bank, a slightly conservative first two-thirds leaves you the headroom to press on the upper slopes rather than survive them.

Gearing

You don't need extreme gearing for a 3.8% average, but the 9.7% max and the sheer 21.9 km length argue for keeping something in reserve. A compact chainring with a 34×32 bottom gear is a sensible baseline for most riders, giving you a low enough ratio to spin the steeper ramps without grinding. If you're carrying fatigue, climbing on tired legs, or simply prefer a higher cadence over the full 833 m of ascent, step up to a 34×34. Either way, the goal is to protect your knees and keep your cadence smooth across a climb where consistency, not raw force, gets you to 966 m.

Summary

Raticosa pass rewards riders who respect its length. It is not steep on average, but 21.9 km of climbing to a 966 m summit demands pacing and patience. Set a sustainable rhythm, gear for the 9.7% pitches, and let the modest 3.8% average work in your favour.

Length: 21.9 km
Average gradient: 3.8%
Max gradient: 9.7%
Start: 133 m
Summit: 966 m
Net gain: 833 m
Total ascent: 860 m
Category: 2