Forcella di Bura

Overview

Forcella di Bura is a category 2 climb that stretches 12.9 km from a valley floor at 321 m up to a summit of 888 m. That works out to 567 m of net elevation gain across the ride, with 545 m of total ascent once you account for the road's small dips and false flats. The average gradient sits at a manageable 4.39%, but the number that matters most is the max: at its steepest, the road tilts to 8.59%. This is a long, rhythmic climb rather than a wall — one where consistency beats bravado.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At almost 13 km with a 4.39% average, Forcella di Bura is defined by its length more than its steepness. If the entire climb held that average, you'd never leave the saddle. But the gap between the 4.39% mean and the 8.59% max tells the real story: the gradient is uneven. Expect long stretches that sit below average — genuine recovery terrain where you can spin and breathe — punctuated by ramps that nearly double the pitch. The 22 m difference between total ascent (545 m) and net gain (567 m) also hints at the terrain: because net gain slightly exceeds total ascent here, the profile trends upward with only minor undulation, meaning most of your climbing is sustained rather than lumpy.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, the winning strategy is even effort. Anchor your pace to your FTP and hold it steady across the full 12.9 km rather than surging on the flatter sections. Because the average is only 4.39%, it's tempting to push too hard early — but the 8.59% ramps will punish anyone who arrives at them already in the red. Ride the shallow parts conservatively and save headroom for the pitches. If you're not sure what wattage to target, run your numbers through the FTP estimator first, then sit just below threshold for the bulk of the ascent, lifting only where the road steepens.

Gearing

For a 12.9 km climb averaging 4.39% with ramps to 8.59%, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34×32 gives you enough range to spin the steeper sections without grinding, and it's plenty for the long shallow middle. If you carry extra weight, ride tired, or simply prefer a higher cadence on the 8.59% pitches, step up to a 34×34 — the extra rear cog keeps your legs turning over on the hardest ramps and makes the sustained 567 m of gain far more sustainable. Neither choice is overkill on a climb of this duration.

Summary

Forcella di Bura rewards patience: 12.9 km of steady climbing, a friendly 4.39% average, and just enough bite at 8.59% to keep you honest. Pace it evenly, gear it sensibly, and the 567 m of gain will come to you.

Length: 12.9 km
Average gradient: 4.39%
Max gradient: 8.59%
Start: 321 m
Summit: 888 m
Net gain: 567 m
Total ascent: 545 m
Category: 2