Waldegg

Overview

Waldegg is a category 2 climb in Switzerland that trades sharpness for length. Over 14.9 km it lifts you from a valley floor at 427 m to a summit at 1012 m — a net gain of 585 m at an average gradient of 3.93%. That average tells you almost everything about its character: this is a rhythm climb, not a wall. With a maximum pitch of 10.25%, the ramps never turn brutal, but the sheer distance means Waldegg still demands patience and a plan.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 3.93% average across nearly 15 km hides a lot of variety. Total ascent comes in at 581 m against a net gain of 585 m, which tells you the road climbs almost monotonically — there is virtually no descending or false flat giving back elevation along the way. Effectively every metre you gain, you keep.

The single steepest section touches 10.25%, more than double the average, so expect the gradient to breathe: long stretches sitting comfortably below the 3.93% mean, punctuated by pitches that sting when you least expect them. Because the climb is so long and so consistently upward, those steeper ramps arrive with tired legs rather than fresh ones — that is where Waldegg does its real damage.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. The winning move is to hold a steady effort just under threshold for the full 14.9 km rather than surging on every rise. A good target is to ride the bulk of the climb at or slightly below your FTP, leaving a little headroom for the 10.25% pitches so they don't spike you into the red.

If you're not sure what wattage that translates to, run your numbers through the FTP estimator before you start. Knowing your threshold turns a vague "ride hard" into a concrete power ceiling you can defend for the full 585 m of climbing. Settle in early, resist the temptation to chase the steep bits, and let the shallow sections be genuine recovery.

Gearing

The modest 3.93% average makes Waldegg friendlier than its length suggests, but the 10.25% maximum and 14.9 km of continuous work argue for a little insurance. A compact chainring paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will carry most riders comfortably through the steeper pitches while still spinning cleanly on the long shallow stretches.

If you tire on sustained efforts, prefer a higher cadence, or want to save your legs for what comes after the summit, drop to a 34×34. That extra sprocket costs you nothing on the flatter sections and buys real relief on the ramps near 10.25%.

Summary

Waldegg is a long, honest category 2 climb: steady enough to find a rhythm, long enough to reward pacing, and just steep enough in places to punish a poor plan. Ride it at a controlled threshold effort, gear generously, and let the 14.9 km come to you.

Length: 14.9 km
Average gradient: 3.93%
Max gradient: 10.25%
Start: 427 m
Summit: 1012 m
Net gain: 585 m
Total ascent: 581 m
Category: 2