Passo Pian di Lerca

Overview

Passo Pian di Lerca is a category 1 climb that stretches 18.4 km from near sea level to a high summit. Starting at just 6 m, the road works its way up to 1092 m, delivering a net elevation gain of 1086 m. Because the profile rolls and dips along the way, the total ascent comes in slightly higher at 1129 m. The average gradient of 5.92% suggests a steady effort, but that figure flattens the reality: a max gradient of 15.13% waits to catch out anyone who has misjudged their pace on the lower slopes.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A climb this long rarely holds a single pitch, and Pian di Lerca is no exception. With 18.4 km of road and only 5.92% to average, the ascent is a mixture of gentler drags and sharper ramps. The gap between the average and the 15.13% maximum tells the story: for every kilometre that sits below the mean, there is a steeper section elsewhere that pulls it back up. The extra 43 m of climbing above the net 1086 m gain confirms there are downhill or false-flat interludes where the road gives a little back before demanding it again. Treat the average as a budget, not a promise, and expect the gradient to swing well above 6% in the hardest stretches.

Pacing Notes

Over 18.4 km, discipline beats bravado. The steady 5.92% average makes this a climb best ridden at a sustainable tempo anchored to your FTP rather than to how you feel in the first few kilometres. Hold something in reserve for the pitches approaching 15.13%, where cadence collapses and the effort spikes if you are already at your limit. If you are unsure what power you can hold for the roughly hour-long effort this climb represents, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first and build your target around it. Aim to crest the 1092 m summit having spread the load evenly across all 1129 m of ascent.

Gearing

The combination of length and steep ramps makes gearing a genuine decision here. For most riders a compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible choice. A 34×32 gives enough range to spin the 5.92% average comfortably, but the 15.13% maximum is where a 34×34 earns its place, letting you keep the pedals turning instead of grinding to a stall. If you tend to fade late on long climbs, favour the easier 34×34 setup so the final metres to 1092 m stay manageable.

Summary

Passo Pian di Lerca rewards patience: a long, category 1 effort from 6 m to 1092 m that never lets you settle for long. Pace it to the average, gear for the maximum, and respect the full 1129 m of climbing packed into 18.4 km.

Length: 18.4 km
Average gradient: 5.92%
Max gradient: 15.13%
Start: 6 m
Summit: 1092 m
Net gain: 1086 m
Total ascent: 1129 m
Category: 1