The climb · Italy
About Passo di Valcava
Passo del Valcava is a steep Italian climb averaging 8.1% over 11.5 kilometers. The ascent begins gently but quickly ramps up through wooded valleys and small towns.
Midway, gradients spike over 30%, with technical hairpins challenging both stamina and bike handling. The scenery alternates between forested sections and open alpine views.
At the summit, riders are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Lombardy mountains. Passo del Valcava is a demanding, scenic Italian climb with a mix of steep gradients and classic alpine roads.
01 / The ascent
Elevation profile
02 / The crux
Where it gets difficult
Choose a distance to find the steepest continuous section of the climb.
Steepest 500 m average
14.2%
Where to find it
7.50–8.00 km from start
- Net height gained
- 71 m
- Section length
- 500 m
03 / The numbers
Climb statistics
- Distance
- 11.50 km
- Elevation gain
- 959 m
- Average gradient
- 8.1%
- Climb category
- HC
- Start elevation
- 402 m
- Summit elevation
- 1,334 m
04 / Your effort
How long would it take?
Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.
Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.
Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.
Advanced settings
Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.
Modelled moving time
1 h 3 min
- Power throughout
- 225 W
- Average speed
- 10.9 km/h
Based on the 11.50 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.
The science behind the calculation
For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.
Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses
The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.
It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.
05 / On the ground
Route map
Route overview
Passo di Valcava
Torre De' Busi, Lombardia, Italy
- Route length
- 11.50 km
- Total ascent
- 959 m
- Average gradient
- 8.1%
06 / Take it home
The climb, as artwork
Turn the route into a personalised topographic print. Choose your colours and composition, then download your artwork.
07 / Keep exploring
Nearby climbs
Colle Brianza
3.8 km · 4.5% · 174 m gain
Rovagnate, Lombardia, Italy
8.9 km away · Explore climb →
Super Ghisallo
9.0 km · 7.3% · 659 m gain
Bellagio, Lombardy, Italy
26.9 km away · Explore climb →
Monte Bisbino
15.2 km · 7.1% · 1074 m gain
Cernobbio, Lombardia, Italy
31.3 km away · Explore climb →
Passo Della Cava
10.6 km · 7.8% · 827 m gain
Como, Italy, Lombardy, Italy
39.4 km away · Explore climb →
Monte Orfano
2.1 km · 13.3% · 284 m gain
Cologne, Lombardia, Italy
43.1 km away · Explore climb →