Gscheidlhöhe

Overview

Gscheidlhöhe is a Category 2 climb in Austria (AT), running 7.5 km from a start elevation of 571 m to a summit at 1042 m. Over that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 471 m at an average gradient of 6.26%. On paper that reads as a steady tempo climb — long enough to matter, but with an average that suggests a rhythm you can settle into.

The profile tells a more demanding story. While the net gain is 471 m, the total ascent is 632 m — 161 m of extra climbing hidden in dips and rollers along the way. That undulation means you are not always going up: some of your elevation is regained after short descents, which breaks any steady rhythm and forces repeated re-accelerations. Expect the effort to feel harder than a smooth 6.26% grade would imply, because every recovery section is paid back with a fresh push.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 6.26% average is a blend, not a constant. On an undulating profile like this one, the mean hides both easier stretches and sharp ramps well above the average. The 161 m gap between net gain and total ascent confirms the road repeatedly gives back and takes away, so you should plan around the pitches, not the average.

• Flatter or briefly descending sections that offer recovery — but also cost you the rhythm you build.
• Repeated short climbs that re-accelerate the effort after each dip.
• Steeper ramps that sit well above 6.26%, where the real cost of the climb accumulates.

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb, chasing even speed will bury you: to hold a constant pace over the steep ramps you would spike far above your sustainable power output, then coast the flatter bits and waste that effort. Pace by even effort instead. Hold a steady output through the ramps, let your speed rise on the easier gradients, and avoid surging over every roller. Know your number before you ride — the FTP estimator gives you a target ceiling to sit just under on the steep pitches so you have something left for the next one.

Gearing

Gear for the steep ramps, not the average. A compact (50/34) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette such as 34×32 or 34×34 gives you the low end to keep a smooth cadence when the gradient bites, rather than grinding out of the saddle. On a 7.5 km climb with 632 m of total ascent, staying seated and spinning preserves your legs for the repeated efforts. Check your setup before the ride — confirm your cassette and chainring actually deliver that low gear, because there is no bailout mid-climb.

Summary

• Length: 7.5 km
• Average gradient: 6.26%
• Net elevation gain: 471 m
• Total ascent: 632 m
• Category: 2

Gscheidlhöhe rewards riders who pace by effort and gear conservatively. The gap between its 471 m net gain and 632 m total ascent is the whole story: respect the rollers, protect your legs on the recovery sections, and you will reach 1042 m with something in reserve.