Zellerrain Pass

Overview

Zellerrain Pass is a 10.2 km category 3 climb that trades in patience rather than pain. From the 701 m start it works its way up to a 1129 m summit, a net gain of 428 m, at an average gradient of 4.21%. That number places it firmly in the "long tempo" bracket: never truly savage, but long enough that sloppy pacing early will cost you dearly near the top. The steepest recorded pitch tips to 9.86%, so while the average is gentle, the road does bite in places. With a total ascent of 404 m logged against 428 m of net elevation, the profile is close to a clean, one-way drag upward, with only minor undulations breaking the rhythm.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 4.21% average and the 9.86% maximum tells the whole story of this climb's shape. Most of the 10.2 km sits comfortably below the average, meaning the harder ramps are localized rather than sustained. Expect long stretches of steady, seated climbing punctuated by short kickers where the gradient roughly doubles the average. The near-match between the 404 m total ascent and the 428 m net gain confirms there is very little descending or false-flat relief to reset your legs, so once you settle into a cadence, you hold it. Treat every steep section as a brief guest, not a permanent tenant, and you will crest the pass with something left.

Pacing Notes

Because the climb runs 10.2 km at 4.21%, it rewards riders who can hold a metered effort just under threshold. Anchor your pacing to your FTP: aim to sit slightly below it on the shallow sections and allow brief surges over it where the road spikes toward 9.86%, then settle back. Do not chase the steep pitches out of the saddle for longer than they last. If you are unsure of your current number, run the FTP estimator before your attempt so your target watts match your fitness rather than your ego. A climb of this length punishes a hot start; the last few kilometres are where a disciplined pace pays back.

Gearing

At 4.21% average the gearing question is really about the 9.86% ramps and how fresh your legs are when you meet them. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring is the sensible starting point. Pair it with a 34×32 for most riders wanting to spin the shallow gradients while still having a bailout for the kickers. If you climb at a lower cadence, carry extra weight, or expect to arrive tired after a long approach, step up to a 34×34, which turns even the 9.86% pitches into a manageable grind. Neither is overkill on a climb this long; comfort at the top is worth the extra sprocket.

Summary

Zellerrain Pass is an honest, rhythmic 10.2 km climb: a steady 4.21% average carrying you 428 m upward, with occasional 9.86% ramps to keep you honest. Pace it just under threshold, gear low enough to spin, and it becomes one of the more satisfying category 3 efforts you can bank in a day.

Length: 10.2 km
Average gradient: 4.21%
Max gradient: 9.86%
Start: 701 m
Summit: 1129 m
Net gain: 428 m
Total ascent: 404 m
Category: 3