Passo Cappelletta

Overview

Passo Cappelletta is a category 1 climb that starts at 314 m and finishes at 1052 m, giving you a net elevation gain of 738 m across 10.5 km of road. The average gradient of 7.03% tells you almost everything you need to know: this is a sustained, honest climb with no meaningful flat to hide in. The total ascent of 725 m confirms the story — the road rises steadily from bottom to top rather than throwing in false descents. At category 1, it sits just below hors catégorie difficulty, which places it firmly among the serious efforts. Budget for a long, continuous effort rather than a short punchy hit.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is a long grind topped with a genuine sting. Across the full 10.5 km, the road averages 7.03%, but the max gradient of 14.09% means at least one ramp is roughly double the average. Because the net gain (738 m) is greater than the measured total ascent (725 m), the climb is essentially monotonic — you climb almost the entire way, with no rolling relief to reset your legs. Expect the gradient to hover around that 7% mark for long stretches, then bite hard on the steepest pitches. The difference between the average and the 14.09% max is where the climb is won or lost: if you burn matches early, those steep ramps will find you out.

Pacing Notes

Treat Passo Cappelletta as a threshold effort. With 10.5 km at 7.03%, most riders will be climbing for a long, uninterrupted block, so your target power should sit at or just below your FTP rather than above it. Going out too hard on the lower slopes leaves nothing for the 14.09% pitches near the summit at 1052 m. If you don't know your threshold, run your numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a pacing plan. A good rule: settle into a rhythm you could hold for the entire 738 m of climbing, then spend whatever's left on the steepest ramps.

Gearing

For a 10.5 km climb averaging 7.03% with spikes to 14.09%, gearing is your friend. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette gives you the range to spin rather than grind. A 34×32 is a sensible baseline for strong climbers who can hold cadence on the steeper sections. If you'd rather protect your legs across the full 738 m of ascent — or you're carrying fatigue — step up to a 34×34, which drops your minimum gear enough to keep your cadence alive when the road tips toward 14.09%. When in doubt, choose the easier ratio; spinning up a category 1 climb is always faster than grinding to a stop.

Summary

Passo Cappelletta is a sustained category 1 climb that rewards patience and honest pacing. Climb it at threshold, gear low, and respect the steep pitches near the top.

Length: 10.5 km
Average gradient: 7.03%
Max gradient: 14.09%
Start: 314 m
Summit: 1052 m
Net gain: 738 m
Total ascent: 725 m
Category: 1