|
Hardest Mountain Passes?
|
| larsaliknt |
Posted on 22-08-2016 15:25
|
Under 23
Posts: 52
Joined: 11-02-2016
PCM$: 200.00
|
I would like to ask for your opinon on which are the hardest mountain passes in the world, regardless on wether they have been included or not in professional races.
Also, if you are a professional or amateur cyclist, I'd like to hear about your personal experiences at climbing those passes. Which climbs proved too difficult for you to complete? Which segment was the hardest? |
| |
|
|
| Riis123 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 15:43
|
Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5075
Joined: 07-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
Considering the hardest climb I've done has been Pra Martino, Im probably not the one you were looking for
But you can always look for Italy. Mortirolo, Stelvio, Finestre.. its stuff of legends and you'd probably want to try some of those out if you are a passionate cyclist who likes climbing.
More extreme, Scanuppia. I think you'd have to climb it by MTB. |
| |
|
|
| emre99 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 16:13
|
Classics Specialist
Posts: 3332
Joined: 19-07-2012
PCM$: 200.00
|
Me neither, hardest climb I've done (couldn't finish  ) which is in Turkey. 17km, 7.5%, well considered HC, stopped before last 4..
https://www.strava.com/segments/684378
#FREELANDA #FREELIA MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
emre99's stages
Thread of the Week : Tour of California 2014
-Official PCM World Cup 2016, 10th best keirin player in the world 
PCM.daily Awards : 2 Nominee 0 Award 
Daily Song Contest WINNER! With Foals - Mountain at my Gates with Greece!
1 like 1 girlfriend
''I call you the stage god. You are the stage god.'' -baseballover312, 15.07.2016
|
| |
|
|
| larsaliknt |
Posted on 22-08-2016 16:19
|
Under 23
Posts: 52
Joined: 11-02-2016
PCM$: 200.00
|
Riis123 wrote:
Considering the hardest climb I've done has been Pra Martino, Im probably not the one you were looking for
But you can always look for Italy. Mortirolo, Stelvio, Finestre.. its stuff of legends and you'd probably want to try some of those out if you are a passionate cyclist who likes climbing.
More extreme, Scanuppia. I think you'd have to climb it by MTB.
Scanuppia seems like an absolute monstrosity. There's a Youtube video showing a guy climbing it and at some point he has no option but to stop for a second.
I've heard of a certain pass that has been used in Vuelta a Colombia. "Páramo de Letras". It doesn't feature steep segments whatsoever but it lasts for 80 excruciating kilometers.
https://altimetria...ad-en.html |
| |
|
|
| Martii_Scots01 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 17:06
|
Neo-Pro
Posts: 301
Joined: 29-07-2015
PCM$: 200.00
|
Hardest climb to be included in a pro bike race? Has to be Madonna di Ghisallo which was in Il Lombardia in the 60s and I'm pretty sure they use it now as well. |
| |
|
|
| matt17br |
Posted on 22-08-2016 19:10
|
Directeur Sportif
Posts: 10525
Joined: 28-09-2013
PCM$: 200.00
|
Martii_Scots01 wrote:
Hardest climb to be included in a pro bike race? Has to be Madonna di Ghisallo which was in Il Lombardia in the 60s and I'm pretty sure they use it now as well.
That's nowhere near the hardest
In the same race, even la Colma di Sormano is probably harder:
Since 2014? il Valico di Valcava is not done anymore, but it's also a lot harder:
|
| |
|
|
| Martii_Scots01 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 21:24
|
Neo-Pro
Posts: 301
Joined: 29-07-2015
PCM$: 200.00
|
matt17br wrote:
Martii_Scots01 wrote:
Hardest climb to be included in a pro bike race? Has to be Madonna di Ghisallo which was in Il Lombardia in the 60s and I'm pretty sure they use it now as well.
That's nowhere near the hardest
In the same race, even la Colma di Sormano is probably harder:
Since 2014? il Valico di Valcava is not done anymore, but it's also a lot harder:
Damn. Should've checked first, I meant Sormano. Being getting those two mixed up for a while now. |
| |
|
|
| Martii_Scots01 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 21:29
|
Neo-Pro
Posts: 301
Joined: 29-07-2015
PCM$: 200.00
|
Although there is different definitions to hard climbs in different countries for example the UK would call Beleach nà Ba a hard climb (6ks at 8%) whereas that would be considered quite easy in other countries when compared to climbs like Hautacam, Alpe d'Huez and the L'Iseran amongst others |
| |
|
|
| Spilak23 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 21:49
|
Team Leader
Posts: 7357
Joined: 22-08-2011
PCM$: 200.00
|
Hardest climb I know of in Europe is the Col du Jandri/Glacier de Mont de Lans. It starts with the normal ascent towards L2A but continues on gravel roads untill over 3100 metres above sea level. The last 15 kms are gravel roads at over 10% average with kilometres at over 15%. In total the climb goes from 800 to 3100 m altitude in 26 kms.
|
| |
|
|
| Ad Bot |
Posted on 28-11-2024 12:01
|
Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
|
|
| IP: None |
|
|
| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 22-08-2016 21:53
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
In any case, the hardest pass to be included in a big pro race would probably be Monte Zoncolan in the Giro. There have been tons of tough climbs in the Vuelta but they tend to be dead ends rather than passes. I guess there's an argument to be made that the early passes in the tours were tougher because of the road surface (and the equipment).
Hardest climb I've done is Monte Grappa via the Bocca di Forca (though again not technically a pass): 
Came very close to stopping and it was pretty fucking agonising but managed it. Nice challenge.
If you've got low enough gears then you get up most stuff if you're an OK rider.
|
| |
|
|
| jt1109 |
Posted on 22-08-2016 22:47
|
Classics Specialist
Posts: 3217
Joined: 23-07-2008
PCM$: 400.00
|
Worst feelings i've had on a climb but not the hardest is the Croix De Fer in France the change in altitude and length plus the consistent ups and downs were a real killer |
| |
|
|
| nils erik |
Posted on 22-08-2016 23:21
|
Domestique
Posts: 477
Joined: 28-04-2010
PCM$: 200.00
|
The hardest passes in Europe is likely to be well known in stage races throughout the alps/pyrenees (Stelvio, Mortirolo, Tourmalet, Grossglockner). There are a lot of harder climbs of course, but they are not passes (only one way up) and therefore more difficult to include in races and therefore often hidden beauties with some exceptions.
The only climb I've failed at riding is the Koppenberg, because of the steepness, and not so good shape at that moment... The hardest I've done is Juvasshytta, with Mont Ventoux coming in second. Juvass is hopelessly steep, 10 % average in 13.4 kms including two flat/downhill sections. Many ramps on 16-17 %, so much harder than Ventoux I would say; even if the riding time is about 20 minutes shorter. |
| |
|
|
| Strydz |
Posted on 23-08-2016 06:56
|
Team Leader
Posts: 5894
Joined: 02-08-2011
PCM$: 1625.00
|
The hardest climbs I've ridden have to start with Mt Baw Baw, the whole climb is 12.5 k's @7.7% but the real kicker is the last 6 k's that average out @13% with some of the corners peaking above 25%
Here is the last 6 k's
Mt Monda doesn't look that hard until you realise it's on a rough gravel/dirt road then ends on what can best described as a goat track. It works out to be 4.6 k's @10% and all done on a road bike with 23 mm rubber https://www.strava.com/segments/982202
This section is over 12%
And this beautiful hairpin
Then we have these 2 which aren't mountains but sure make the legs work
Terrys Avenue is only 3.2 k's @6.9% but look at the 1st and 2nd sections.... OUCH!
Mast Gully Road is just around the corner from Terrys and works out at 2.3 k's @9.8% but the last 1 k averages 18-20%... I love this climb!
Edited by Strydz on 23-08-2016 07:17
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald
https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/ |
| |
|
|
| the_hoyle |
Posted on 23-08-2016 09:11
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7651
Joined: 28-05-2009
PCM$: 200.00
|
I can't believe that no one hasn't mentioned L'Angliru yet! That has to be up there for the last 6.5km alone
.: Manager of :.
.: My Awards :.
 |
| |
|
|
| Riis123 |
Posted on 23-08-2016 09:46
|
Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5075
Joined: 07-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
|
Spilak23 wrote:
Hardest climb I know of in Europe is the Col du Jandri/Glacier de Mont de Lans. It starts with the normal ascent towards L2A but continues on gravel roads untill over 3100 metres above sea level. The last 15 kms are gravel roads at over 10% average with kilometres at over 15%. In total the climb goes from 800 to 3100 m altitude in 26 kms.
Yeah, thats a beast.
Mont du Chat is also quite hard. Calle Fauniera is pretty handsome two! |
| |
|
|
| larsaliknt |
Posted on 23-08-2016 13:01
|
Under 23
Posts: 52
Joined: 11-02-2016
PCM$: 200.00
|
I'm enjoying a lot with your replies. You're making me discover some passes that were unknown to me. Thanks a lot to everybody! |
| |
|
|
| Selwink |
Posted on 23-08-2016 13:20
|
Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8856
Joined: 17-05-2012
PCM$: 200.00
|
A while ago I read something that the Finestre was the hardest climb in used in GTs due to its terrain (gravel), altitude, length and average percentage. I have no clue at all where or when I read it, so no source unfortunately.
Hardest road climb I've ever done is probably a bridge or so
|
| |
|
|
| larsaliknt |
Posted on 23-08-2016 20:52
|
Under 23
Posts: 52
Joined: 11-02-2016
PCM$: 200.00
|
I think no one has mentioned this one. It's in the Canary Islands and apparently some consider it to be the hardest pass in Europe.
El Pico de las Nieves:
28 kilmetres, 6'73 average steepness, several segments over 20%. I don't know if it's harder than Zoncolan but seems a tough challenge regardless. |
| |
|
|
| matt17br |
Posted on 23-08-2016 20:58
|
Directeur Sportif
Posts: 10525
Joined: 28-09-2013
PCM$: 200.00
|
BTW I believe this site might be useful, it provies an index of the most difficult climbs in the world which you can filter by nation and mountain range, as well as I think find climbs within a certain distance from one you're interested in: https://www.climbbybike.com/most_diffi...climbs.asp
This is useful too, but might need to be translated as it's in Italian: https://www.salite.ch/struttura/defaul...?Ultime=10
la-flamme-rouge.eu, made by daily user and award winning stagemaker emmea, will soon feature a climbs map which is not available yet, you can read more about it here: https://pcmdaily.com/forum/viewthread....st_1185651
|
| |
|
|
| Shonak |
Posted on 23-08-2016 21:06
|
Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15615
Joined: 16-07-2013
PCM$: 350.00
|
Hardest climb in Hawaii, maybe Hawaii is worth a trip when I get married one day after all - after 4.000 meters, my future wife shouldn't expect sexual activtiy from me for at least a week tho
Hardest climb I ever personally did is hard to say, since it always is daily condition. From climbs in my area, Kitzbühler Horn is pretty much a beast but not a "pass" per se.
Mont Ventoux was mentioned here. I didn't think it was that difficult although the mid-section without serpentines (southside) is pretty tough indeed. The last 6 kilometers are pure bliss tho, when you overtake sunday riders on their struggle up the top and the iconic moonscape inspires you give your best, like Pantani. What Mont Ventoux has definitely going for it is that it's probably the best descent I ever did. It's perfect road set up, always a great view and great insight into the road, and you can enjoy it all the way. That is to say when there isn't a auto-queue going up down from the Tour de France stage the same day.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
|
| |
|
