Coll de les Forques

Overview

Coll de les Forques is a category 3 climb that stretches 12.2 km from a starting elevation of 174 m to a summit at 578 m. That gives a net elevation gain of 404 m and a modest average gradient of 3.32%. Numbers like these describe a long, patient climb rather than a wall — the kind of ascent where rhythm matters more than raw power. With a maximum gradient of 7.48%, there is enough sting in the steepest sections to break a smooth cadence, but nothing that forces you out of the saddle for minutes at a time. This is a climb you settle into and manage across its full length.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 3.32% average over 12.2 km, Coll de les Forques trends gently uphill for most of its distance. The gap between the 3.32% average and the 7.48% maximum tells the real story: the climb is not evenly pitched. Long stretches sit well below the average, offering false flats and recovery, while a handful of ramps rear up toward that 7.48% figure and demand a firmer push. The total ascent of 397 m is slightly less than the 404 m net gain, which signals a road that climbs almost continuously with little or no descending along the way — you rarely give back the height you earn. Expect to spend most of the climb in a comfortable gear, punctuated by short efforts where the gradient briefly doubles.

Pacing Notes

Because the average is only 3.32%, Coll de les Forques rewards a steady, aerobic effort rather than repeated surges. Aim to hold a consistent power just below your threshold across the shallow sections, then absorb the ramps toward 7.48% without spiking too far over your limit. Knowing your FTP is the single most useful reference here: it lets you set a ceiling for the steep pitches and a target for the long, gradual stretches so you arrive at 578 m with something left. If you have not tested recently, use the FTP estimator to get a working number before you plan your effort. On a climb this long and this gradual, going out too hard in the first kilometres is the classic mistake — the 12.2 km distance punishes early enthusiasm.

Gearing

For a 12.2 km climb averaging 3.32% with ramps to 7.48%, most riders will be comfortable on standard climbing gearing. A compact chainring paired with a 34×32 lowest gear is ample for the bulk of the ascent and gives a relaxed cadence on the steeper pitches. If you prefer to spin, run tired legs, or simply want insurance for the sharpest ramps near that 7.48% maximum, a 34×34 gives you extra margin without any downside on a climb this moderate. Either setup lets you keep the pedals turning smoothly from 174 m all the way to the summit at 578 m.

Summary

Coll de les Forques is a long, honest category 3 climb — gentle on average, with just enough gradient to keep you working. Pace it steadily, gear it comfortably, and the 404 m of net gain comes without drama.

Length: 12.2 km
Average gradient: 3.32%
Max gradient: 7.48%
Start: 174 m
Summit: 578 m
Net gain: 404 m
Total ascent: 397 m
Category: 3