From Cencenighe Agordino, at 2,539 ft (774 m), to Passo San Pellegrino at 6,293 ft (1,918 m), it’s 11.4 miles (18.4 km) at an average 6.3% and 3,822 ft (1,165 m) of climbing, according to CyclingCols. Climbfinder gives 18.3 km and 1,155 m, and salite.ch 18.2 km and 1,144 m: all three sources agree.
What the climb is like
It’s two climbs in one:
- Cencenighe to Falcade. You ride up the Biois valley on moderate grades, through villages like Canale d’Agordo. This part goes by easily.
- Falcade to the top. Above Falcade the road suddenly kicks up. CyclingCols counts 2.5 miles (4.1 km) above 10%, with one kilometer at 11.9% and 14% ramps; Climbfinder even measures 15.8% over 100 m. These are the miles that decide the climb.
At the pass the grade eases onto a broad plateau of meadows and ski runs (the Trevalli ski area). In front of you are Cima Uomo and Col Margherita, where the Austrian and Italian lines faced each other in World War I.
History
The San Pellegrino links Moena, in the Fassa valley, with Falcade. It has appeared many times in the Giro d’Italia: according to CyclingCols, the first riders over the top have included Fortunato Baliani (2007), Emanuele Sella (2008), Julián Arredondo (2014) and Davide Formolo (2022). In 2013 it was cut from the route because of snow.
When to go, water and traffic
The best time is June to September. Traffic is moderate. Fill your bottles in Falcade, before the hard part; at the pass there are hotels and cafés.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.1 mph (8.2 km/h) on 11%; on a 34x30 you’ll pedal around 58 rpm, and on a 34x32 about 61 rpm. A 34x32 is a good idea for the ramps above Falcade. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Reach Falcade with something left: what comes after is what counts.
- Combine the climb with Passo Rolle or the Fedaia.
- Descend carefully toward Moena: it’s a fast road with traffic.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the San Pellegrino from Cencenighe?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 22 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 37 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 04 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of the San Pellegrino is harder?
The Cencenighe side via Falcade: 11.4 miles (18.4 km) and 3,822 ft (1,165 m) of climbing, with 14% ramps. From Moena it's about 7 miles (11-12 km) and under 2,600 ft (800 m).
Where are the steepest ramps on the San Pellegrino?
Near the top, above Falcade. CyclingCols counts 2.5 miles (4.1 km) above 10% and one kilometer at 11.9%.