Col de la Bernatoire

Overview

Col de la Bernatoire is a hors catégorie (HC) climb — the top of the difficulty ladder, above categories 1 through 4. The numbers explain why. You cover 22.2 km of continuous ascent, gaining a net 1352 m from a start elevation of 909 m to a summit at 2261 m. The average gradient sits at 6.09%, but averages hide the story on a climb this long: with a total ascent of 1332 m logged across the effort, the road never lets you settle into a rhythm for long, and it reaches up to 11.9% where the slope bites hardest.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An average of 6.09% over 22.2 km is deceptively civilised. What defines Bernatoire is duration, not brutality — at nearly two-thirds of an hour of climbing for most riders, the challenge is holding a steady effort while the summit crawls from 909 m toward 2261 m. The gap between the 6.09% average and the 11.9% maximum tells you the ramps come in surges rather than one sustained wall. Expect the gradient to swing above and below that mid-6% mean repeatedly, with the steepest kicks demanding a deliberate change of gear rather than a change of pace. Because the net gain (1352 m) sits just above the total ascent figure (1332 m), the road climbs almost relentlessly upward with very little relief to coast through.

Pacing Notes

On a 22.2 km HC climb, pacing is everything. Ride the first third well within yourself — the summit at 2261 m is a long way from the 909 m start, and thin air near the top makes early over-exertion expensive. Anchor your effort to your FTP: for a climb of this length, holding a touch below threshold keeps something in reserve for the 11.9% ramps without blowing up. If you don't know your threshold number, run your recent data through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target. Treat the steep pitches as brief investments above your steady effort, then return to your baseline once the slope eases back toward the 6.09% average.

Gearing

For 22.2 km averaging 6.09% with 11.9% maximum ramps, gear low and gear generous. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 bottom gear is the sensible baseline for most riders on an HC climb of this length. If you climb at lower cadence, carry extra weight, or simply want insurance for the steepest sections near the 2261 m summit, step up to 34×34 — the extra cushion lets you spin rather than grind when the gradient jumps past its 6.09% average toward 11.9%.

Summary

Col de la Bernatoire is a true HC endurance climb: 22.2 km of near-continuous ascent, gaining 1352 m to finish at 2261 m. It rewards patience, disciplined pacing off your FTP, and gearing low enough to answer the 11.9% ramps.

Length: 22.2 km
Average gradient: 6.09%
Max gradient: 11.9%
Start: 909 m
Summit: 2261 m
Net gain: 1352 m
Total ascent: 1332 m
Category: HC