Sella la Colla

Overview

Sella la Colla is a long, sustained category 1 climb that rewards patience over punch. Over 17.2 km it averages 6.57%, lifting you from a start elevation of 267 m to a summit at 1398 m. That is 1131 m of net gain, while the total ascent of 1225 m tells you the road is not perfectly monotonic — there are brief respites where the terrain rolls or flattens before tilting up again. On paper the 6.57% average looks steady, but a max gradient of 15.12% means the smooth number hides some genuinely steep interruptions. Treat it as an endurance climb first and a strength test second.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between net gain (1131 m) and total ascent (1225 m) is the story here: roughly 94 m of extra climbing is stacked onto the profile by dips and false flats. In practice that means the 6.57% average is diluted by easier sections, so the working ramps are steeper than the headline figure suggests. Expect the road to pulse between comfortable grades and stiffer pitches, with the max of 15.12% marking the hardest wall. Over 17.2 km, that variability is your friend if you read it well and your enemy if you chase every steep ramp out of the saddle. Anchor your effort to the average, and let the flatter breaks be recovery rather than an invitation to surge.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Ride the first third comfortably below your FTP, because 17.2 km punishes anyone who opens too hard. Aim to hold a steady percentage of threshold and only push above it on the steepest ramps toward the 15.12% max, then settle straight back down. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan your effort — knowing that ceiling turns 1131 m of climbing from a guessing game into a paced target. On the flatter breaks where the grade eases, keep the power on rather than freewheeling; those sections are where you bank time without extra cost.

Gearing

With an average of 6.57% stretched across 17.2 km and spikes to 15.12%, gearing generosity pays off. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a wide cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most fit riders up the sustained grades, but on the steepest ramps toward the max you will be grinding. If you climb at a lower cadence, tire late, or simply want to protect your legs across 1225 m of total ascent, size up to 34×34 for a meaningful bailout gear. The extra range costs almost nothing and preserves your ability to spin rather than mash on the walls.

Summary

Sella la Colla is a classic long category 1 effort: patient pacing, steady power, and gearing that leaves you an escape hatch on the steep pitches. Respect the 17.2 km distance, ride within yourself early, and the 1398 m summit comes to you.

Length: 17.2 km
Average gradient: 6.57%
Max gradient: 15.12%
Start: 267 m
Summit: 1398 m
Net gain: 1131 m
Total ascent: 1225 m
Category: 1