Forca di Presta

Overview

Forca di Presta is a Category 1 climb in Italy, running 12 km from a start elevation of 605 m to a summit at 1,544 m. Across that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 939 m at an average gradient of 7.81%. That combination — sustained double-digit distance with a mid-eight average — puts it firmly in serious mountain territory rather than a short punchy effort.

The headline number to watch is the mismatch between net gain and total ascent. The climb gains 939 m net, but the total ascent is 1,214 m. That 275 m difference means you climb, give some elevation back, and climb again. Every metre lost has to be re-earned, so your legs and your fuelling plan should be built around 1,214 m of climbing, not the 939 m the start-to-summit figure suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 7.81% average is an honest number, but averages flatten the story. Because the profile undulates — 275 m of extra ascent buried in it — the road repeatedly eases off and then rears back up. The steepest ramp bites at 22.71%, far above the average, so there are sections where you will be well into the red even though the overall figure looks steady.

• Flatter and false-flat recovery sections where the road gives back elevation — use them, don't coast mentally.
• Repeated short climbs stacking up to the 275 m of "extra" ascent beyond the net gain.
• A maximum ramp of 22.71% that will spike your effort well past anything the average prepares you for.

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort, not even speed. Trying to hold a constant pace forces you to surge on every steep ramp and drift on the recovery pitches — expensive on a climb that already asks for 1,214 m of total ascent. Instead, hold a steady sustainable power output through the ramps, let your speed rise naturally on the flatter sections, and accept that the 22.71% pitch will cost watts no matter what. If you don't know your ceiling yet, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target for the day.

Gearing

Gearing here is governed by the 22.71% maximum, not the 7.81% average. A ramp that steep will stall a road-standard setup, so bring a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — think 34×32 or 34×34 — so you keep a rideable cadence when the gradient bites. Check your chainset and cassette before the ride; discovering you're over-geared at the base of a 22.71% wall is not the place to find out.

Summary

• Length: 12 km
• Average gradient: 7.81%
• Maximum gradient: 22.71%
• Net elevation gain: 939 m
• Total ascent: 1,214 m
• Category: 1

Forca di Presta rewards riders who respect the undulation. Pace by effort, gear for the steepest ramp, and plan for the full 1,214 m of climbing — do that, and the 939 m net gain to the 1,544 m summit will feel earned rather than survived.