Which gear should you choose for the climbs?

Colle dei pasta

A hill, nothing more, “relative” of one of the easier côtes of Liegi-Bastogne-Liegi. In addition, it is cycled on the gentlest slope. The ideal approach, in view of more compelling climbs. A 39×16/15 gear can also be tried. Altitude difference of 143 metres, 3.4 km long, average gradient of 4.2 % and maximum gradient of 12%.

Colle Gallo

The first part right after Gaverina Terme is the most demanding, with a couple of hairpin turns nearing a 9% gradient. Then, there are no possibilities to recover energy until the top, even if the gradient goes decreasing slightly. 39×21/23 gear. Altitude difference of 426 m, 7.5 km long, average gradient of 5.7%, maximum gradient of 8.4 %.

Selvino

Very steady climb, without sharp increases but also without a single metre of false-flat terrain. The key is to find the correct pace and gear quickly. Then it is possible to ride easily to the top, because this uphill does not require any major change of rhythm. It is fundamental not to force it: you may eventually pay the effort on the distance. 39×19/20 gear should be sufficient. Great landscapes and 19 hairpin turns! Altitude difference of 621 m, 12.2 km long, average gradient of 5.1 %, maximum gradient of 10.0 %.

Costa di Olda (Val Taleggio) – Forcella di Bura

3rd category climb, quite accessible, to be handled at top speed to set up the final two uphills. It is possible to use long gears because the gradient rarely goes beyond 5%. Be careful not to be misled because after Olda, after a few kilometres downhill, the uphill starts again for 8 more km until Valico di Val Taleggio, also known as Forcella di Bura. Gradients are reasonable but there is a 6/7% gradient section arriving at Costa Olda. It is possible to use a 39×16 gear until Olda. Total altitude difference of 613 m, total length of 20.4 km, average gradient of 4.5 %, maximum gradient of 7 %.

Forcella di Berbenno

Two short slopes but with fairly steep gradients, interrupted by the gently-sloping tract of Laxolo. While the first two kilometres are characterised by a gradient of 6.1%, but with 8% peaks, the last two slopes are steeper (average of 7% and some 9% sections). Before cycling downhill to the inhabited centre, through which Valle Imagna is reached, the climb ends at 708 metres in Forcella. Suggested gear 39×18/17. Altitude difference of 257 metres, 6.4 km long, average gradient of 4.0% and maximum gradient of 12.0%.

Bedulita

3.8 km with an elevation gain of 202 meters and an average gradient of 5.3%, reaching a maximum of 11%. (39×23/34). The first section features steady stretches with short false flats, followed by a more demanding central part with gradients up to 7.7%. (39×19/21) The final meters offer a brief respite before reaching the village.