Sella di Monte Marino

Overview

Sella di Monte Marino is a category 1 climb that asks a serious, sustained effort from the moment the road tilts up. Over 10.4 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 236 m to a summit of 959 m — a net elevation gain of 723 m at an average gradient of 6.95%. The total ascent tallies 704 m, confirming this is a road that climbs almost the whole way with little in the way of respite or descent. With a maximum gradient of 12.91%, it pairs a demanding average with genuine steep punches, the kind of profile that rewards discipline and punishes riders who go out too hard.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The number that defines this climb is the gap between its average and its maximum. A 6.95% mean is already firmly in "settle in and suffer" territory, but the 12.91% peak is nearly double that — so the climb is not a metronomic drag but a series of harder ramps stacked on more moderate stretches. Because the total ascent of 704 m sits just below the net gain of 723 m, there is effectively no downhill breather built into the road; every kilometre is contributing to the 723 m you have to gain. Expect the steepest sections to arrive as distinct walls rather than a single relentless wall, with the gentler passages between them serving as the only chance to recover before the next kick.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, pacing is everything. The 10.4 km distance and 6.95% average mean the smart approach is to hold a steady power just below your threshold and save something for the 12.91% ramps, where power naturally spikes. Anchor your effort to your FTP: riding the moderate sections at a controlled sub-threshold pace lets you absorb the steep pitches without blowing up. If you do not know your current number, run it through the FTP estimator first, then set a target you can sustain for the full 723 m of climbing. The goal is to arrive at the steepest ramps with margin in the tank rather than clawing back a deficit you created in the first few kilometres.

Gearing

For a 723 m ascent averaging 6.95% with 12.91% maximums, gear low and keep your cadence up. A compact chainring is essential, and on the cassette a 34×32 is the sensible baseline for most riders tackling this category 1 effort. If you weigh more, ride at a lower cadence, or simply want insurance against the 12.91% pitches late in the 10.4 km, step up to a 34×34. The extra range costs you nothing on the moderate stretches and buys real breathing room where the road bites hardest — spinning a slightly easier gear at 959 m of altitude beats grinding to a halt.

Summary

Sella di Monte Marino is a sustained, honest category 1 climb: long enough to expose poor pacing, steep enough in places to demand low gearing, and consistent enough that steady riders thrive. Meter your effort, gear generously, and let the 723 m come to you.

Length: 10.4 km
Average gradient: 6.95%
Max gradient: 12.91%
Start: 236 m
Summit: 959 m
Net gain: 723 m
Total ascent: 704 m
Category: 1