La Tourne

What to Expect on La Tourne

La Tourne is a Category 1 climb in Switzerland that demands respect from the first pedal stroke. Over 8.5 km it delivers 681 m of net elevation gain — with total ascent reaching 839 m, indicating there are brief undulations that reset the legs before the road kicks back up. The average gradient of 7.98% is already firmly in lung-burning territory, but the headline stat is the maximum gradient of 22.54%, which belongs to a different category of pain entirely.

This is not a climb you can muscle through on big gears and ego. Riders starting from 449 m and finishing at 1,130 m will spend a sustained period in the kind of effort that makes poor pacing choices hurt for days.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 60 m gap between net elevation gain (681 m) and total ascent (839 m) tells a useful story: the road is not a clean, straight ramp. Expect at least one section where the gradient backs off — possibly briefly flattening or even dipping — before reasserting itself. These moments are tempting to treat as recovery, but on a climb with a 22.54% maximum gradient somewhere in the upper half, they're best used to normalize breathing and reset cadence rather than to accelerate.

The average of 7.98% across 8.5 km means that whatever the road gives back on the easier sections, it takes back — with interest — on the steeper ones. When the pitch touches that 22.54% ceiling, forward momentum will feel almost theoretical. Staying seated, keeping cadence above 60 rpm, and resisting the urge to surge are the priorities.

Pacing Strategy

For a climb of this category and profile, pacing to a sustainable fraction of your FTP is non-negotiable. The broad framework:

• Bottom third: The start elevation of 449 m means legs should be fresh. Resist the temptation to use that freshness. Lock into a power or perceived effort that feels almost too easy — you will need it.
• Middle third: This is where average gradient numbers start to feel earned. Maintain cadence, avoid surging through any false flats, and monitor effort carefully.
• Upper third: The steepest ramps will appear here. Shift down early — waiting until you're already grinding is too late. A compact chainset or wide-range cassette is not optional on a 22.54% pitch; it's the correct equipment choice.

If you're unsure what power target to work from, use the FTP estimator to anchor your numbers before the attempt.

Gearing Notes

On a climb where maximum gradient exceeds 22%, gearing is a practical constraint, not a preference. Riders on a standard 50/34 compact chainring with an 11-28 cassette will find themselves at or near mechanical limits on the steepest pitches. A 32 or 34-tooth cassette is the more sensible choice. Road bikes equipped with a 1x drivetrain should confirm their lowest gear ratio handles sustained steep gradients before committing to the upper slopes.

Category Context

At Category 1, La Tourne sits near the top of the conventional climb classification system. With 8.5 km, nearly 7 km worth of gradient above the 8% mark on average, and that 22.54% maximum lurking somewhere on the road, it earns that rating honestly. Treat it accordingly — full warm-up, conservative early pacing, and the right gears on the bike.