Losen Pass

Overview

Losen Pass is a Category 1 climb in Austria, running 9.6 km from a start elevation of 416 m to a summit at 1,147 m. Over that distance it delivers 731 m of net elevation gain at an average gradient of 7.65%, which places it firmly in serious-climb territory rather than a warm-up. The category tells you what the numbers confirm: this is a sustained effort that demands respect from the bottom.

The gap between the 731 m of net gain and the 846 m of total ascent matters. That 115 m difference means the road undulates — you climb, give a little back, and climb again. Every metre you descend has to be re-earned, so the true climbing workload is heavier than the net figure suggests. Expect the effort to feel longer and lumpier than a clean 731 m of straight-up gain would imply.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 7.65% average is a blended figure that flattens out the real story. Undulation of 115 m means the profile is not a smooth ramp — softer sections drag the average down, which mathematically forces the harder pitches well above 7.65%. Plan for punchy sections rather than a metronomic grind.

• Flatter or shallow-recovery stretches where you can shift up and settle your breathing
• Repeated short climbs stacked back to back, thanks to the undulating profile
• Steeper ramps that sit noticeably above the average — where the real damage gets done

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, chase even effort, not even speed. Hold a steady sustainable power output through the steep ramps and resist the urge to bury yourself; let your speed rise naturally on the shallower recovery sections instead of grinding to keep a fixed pace on the pitches. Because the road gives back 115 m of descent, use those moments to spin and reset rather than coast. If you do not know your ceiling, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first, then set a target you can defend for the full 9.6 km.

Gearing

Gear for the steep ramps, not the average. On a Category 1 climb with pitches well above 7.65%, a compact (34-tooth inner) or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette is the sensible baseline. A 34×32 will get most riders up cleanly; if you climb seated and value cadence, go 34×34. Check your setup before the ride — confirm the cassette and chainset you have actually give you that bailout gear, because there is no fixing it on the ramp.

Summary

• Length: 9.6 km
• Average gradient: 7.65%
• Net elevation gain: 731 m
• Total ascent: 846 m
• Category: 1

Losen Pass is a sustained Category 1 effort where the undulating profile makes the total ascent outweigh the net gain. Pace by effort, gear for the steep ramps, and treat the recovery sections as a gift, not a place to attack.