Passo del Penice

Overview

Passo del Penice sits in the category 1 bracket for good reason. The climb covers 12.2 km from bottom to top, rises 889 m net, and averages 7.32% — a gradient that demands honest, sustained effort from the first kilometre. Starting at just 262 m above sea level, the road climbs to a summit of 1,151 m, accumulating 1,158 m of total ascent across the full profile.

That total ascent figure being slightly higher than the net elevation gain tells you the road isn't a clean, unbroken ramp. There are brief rollbacks in the gradient — small reprieves that riders sometimes misuse by surging, only to pay later when the slope bites back.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 7.32% average masks the real character of this climb. A maximum gradient of 16.89% confirms there are sections steep enough to stall underpowered gearing and crack poorly paced riders mid-climb.

• Lower slopes: Starting at 262 m, the early kilometres set the rhythm. Treat any section sitting below the 7% average as a recovery opportunity, not an invitation to push pace.
• Middle section: Expect the gradient to fluctuate. The road gains its character here — where the average is made and broken. Riders who blow their effort budget in the first third will feel the 1,158 m of total ascent in their legs well before the summit.
• Upper slopes: The approach to 1,151 m is where the maximum gradient figure becomes relevant. At close to 17%, these ramps require either well-chosen gearing or a significant jump in power output. Neither is sustainable for long, but being caught undergeard here is costly.

Pacing Notes

With 12.2 km to cover at a 7.32% average, this is not a climb you can sprint and recover on. Target a power output you can hold for the full duration — roughly in the range of your threshold or slightly below, depending on fitness. If you're unsure where that sits, use the FTP estimator before committing to a pacing strategy.

The key discipline is resisting the temptation to match any early accelerations. Riders who go out at threshold on a climb like this and hit a 16.89% ramp mid-way are already in deficit. The gradient will impose its own pace — your job is to stay ahead of it aerobically, not fight it mechanically.

Gearing

For most riders, a compact chainset (50/34) paired with an 11-32 or 11-34 cassette is appropriate. The 16.89% maximum sections aren't long enough to define the whole climb, but they are steep enough that grinding a big gear through them costs disproportionate energy. Spin through the steep pitches; save the watts for where the road levels slightly and speed is more achievable per unit of effort.

See the glossary entry on FTP if you want to understand why gradient spikes affect power-to-speed relationships so sharply on climbs in this category.

Key Stats Summary

Passo del Penice is a legitimate Cat 1 effort. Respect the average gradient, prepare for the maximum, and pace accordingly.