Bocchetta di Forcola

Overview

Bocchetta di Forcola is a genuine hors catégorie (HC) ascent, the hardest rung on the climbing ladder above categories 1 through 4. Over 25.4 km it lifts you from 956 m at the base to 2753 m at the summit, a net gain of 1797 m. The average gradient reads 7.07%, and the total ascent along the way tallies 1765 m — slightly under the net figure because the road relents just enough in a few places to give something back before clawing it away again. This is a long, sustained, high-altitude effort where the thin air at the top matters as much as the ramps below it.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 7.07% average across 25.4 km is not a number to take lightly: there is almost nowhere to hide. The pitch that defines the day is the 18.02% maximum, a wall steep enough to force even strong climbers out of the saddle and onto raw torque. Because the total ascent of 1765 m sits just below the 1797 m net gain, you can expect the profile to climb relentlessly with only marginal recovery — the road trends upward from the first pedal stroke to the last. Treat the 18.02% spike as a discrete event to survive rather than to attack, and let the long stretches near the 7.07% average set the rhythm of your day.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats bravado. Anchor your effort to your FTP: for most riders, a sustainable pace on a 25.4 km HC climb sits comfortably below threshold, leaving headroom for the 18.02% ramp without blowing apart. If you do not know your number, run it through the FTP estimator before you go — pacing 1797 m of vertical off a guess is how good legs turn into a walk. Meter your power on the shallower-than-average sections, and accept a brief surge above threshold on the steepest wall rather than grinding to a standstill. The summit at 2753 m means the final kilometres come with reduced oxygen, so bank a little reserve for the top rather than spending it early.

Gearing

For a 25.4 km climb averaging 7.07% with an 18.02% maximum, gear low and gear early. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 low is the sensible baseline for confident climbers, but on this profile most riders will thank themselves for 34×34, which shaves just enough strain off the 18.02% wall and the high-altitude finish to protect their knees and their pacing. Given the 1797 m of climbing ahead, err toward the easier ratio — spinning a 34×34 at cadence beats mashing a 34×32 into the red.

Summary

Bocchetta di Forcola rewards patience, low gears and a well-known FTP. Respect the 25.4 km, ride to the 7.07% average, and save something for the 2753 m summit.

Length: 25.4 km
Average gradient: 7.07%
Max gradient: 18.02%
Start: 956 m
Summit: 2753 m
Net gain: 1797 m
Total ascent: 1765 m
Category: HC