Bocca Serriola

Overview

Bocca Serriola is a long, gentle climb that rewards patience over power. Over 14.7 km the road lifts you from 289 m to 748 m, a net gain of 459 m at an average gradient of just 3.13%. That average tells you almost everything: this is not a wall to be muscled over but a sustained drag that asks for rhythm. Its category 3 rating places it among the milder graded climbs, yet the length means the elevation still adds up. Recorded total ascent comes in at 435 m, a touch under the net figure, hinting at brief flat or downhill sections woven into the ascent rather than a single unbroken ramp.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 3.13% average spread across 14.7 km, most of Bocca Serriola sits comfortably in single-digit percentages you can hold for a long time. The defining feature is the gap between that average and the 8.94% maximum. A pitch near 9% on an otherwise gentle climb feels far steeper than the number suggests, because your legs have settled into an easy cadence and are suddenly asked for nearly three times the effort. Expect the road to undulate: shallow stretches where you can spin freely, punctuated by one or more sharper kicks. The 459 m net gain against 435 m of measured ascent confirms the profile is not monotonic, so read the road ahead and keep something in reserve for the ramps.

Pacing Notes

Because the average is modest, the temptation is to push too hard early and pay for it on the steeper pitches. Anchor your effort to your sustainable power rather than the terrain. Riding at or just below your FTP will carry you up the 14.7 km without blowing up, letting you lift the effort only when the gradient bites toward 8.94%. If you are unsure what number to target, run yours through the FTP estimator before you go. On a climb this long and this steady, even pacing beats heroics every time — the clock rewards consistency across all 459 m of gain.

Gearing

You do not need extreme gearing for a 3.13% average, but the 8.94% maximum is what dictates your choice. A compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette gives you the flexibility to spin the flatter kilometres and still have a bailout gear for the steep pitch. A 34×32 will comfortably handle the bulk of the climb and cover the maximum for most riders. If you prefer to keep cadence high and legs fresh over the full 14.7 km, or you climb at a more relaxed pace, a 34×34 offers extra breathing room on that 8.94% section without penalty elsewhere.

Summary

Bocca Serriola is a long, forgiving climb defined by its length rather than its steepness — a steady 459 m of gain that only shows teeth on a single near-9% ramp. Pace it evenly, gear for the maximum, and enjoy the rhythm.

Length: 14.7 km
Average gradient: 3.13%
Max gradient: 8.94%
Start: 289 m
Summit: 748 m
Net gain: 459 m
Total ascent: 435 m
Category: 3