Gaicht Pass

Overview

Gaicht Pass is a short, honest climb that rewards a strong tempo effort over a long grind. It measures just 2.2 km, but it packs a consistent 6.91% average gradient into that distance, lifting you from a start elevation of 897 m to a summit at 1048 m. That works out to a net elevation gain of 151 m over the full climb, with a recorded total ascent of 121 m along the way. Rated category 3, it sits comfortably in the middle of the difficulty scale — well below an HC or category 1 monster, but steep enough that you will feel every pedal stroke if you go out too hard early.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Gaicht Pass is how little the gradient varies. With an average of 6.91% and a maximum of 6.84%, the steepest recorded pitch is essentially identical to the mean — a remarkably even profile with no brutal spikes or false flats to break your rhythm. Practically, that means what you see is what you get: a near-constant wall of roughly 7% from bottom to top. There is no savage ramp to survive and no long recovery section to soft-pedal. Over 2.2 km, the road simply keeps tilting up at the same rate, so your power output can stay smooth and predictable the whole way. Climbs like this are unusual, and they suit riders who can settle into a single sustainable gear and hold it.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so uniform, Gaicht Pass is an ideal climb for holding a steady effort right around your threshold. Target a percentage of your FTP that you can sustain for the full 2.2 km — for most riders that means riding the climb as a single, controlled tempo-to-threshold block rather than attacking in surges. If you do not know your current threshold, the FTP estimator will give you a working number to anchor your pacing. With 151 m of net gain to clear, a rider who paces evenly from the 897 m base will crest at 1048 m feeling like they left nothing on the road but never blew up. Resist the urge to sprint the opening ramp; the consistent grade punishes early over-exertion.

Gearing

For a climb averaging 6.91% over 2.2 km, a compact setup gives you the range to spin comfortably at a steady cadence. A 34×32 will handle the grade well for most fit riders, letting you sit and turn the pedals without grinding. If you prefer a lower floor — or you are carrying fatigue, weight, or simply want to protect your legs for the day ahead — a 34×34 buys you extra margin to keep your cadence up when the constant 6.84%-max pitch starts to bite. Either choice works; the deciding factor is your preferred climbing cadence and how fresh your legs are when you reach the 897 m start.

Summary

Gaicht Pass is a compact, consistent category-3 climb: short enough to attack, steep enough to respect. Its uniform gradient makes it a superb test of steady pacing and a satisfying stepping stone toward harder climbs.

Length: 2.2 km
Average gradient: 6.91%
Max gradient: 6.84%
Start: 897 m
Summit: 1048 m
Net gain: 151 m
Total ascent: 121 m
Category: 3