Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca: Cycling Climb

The climb · Italy

About Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

San Luca begins beside Bologna's Meloncello arch and climbs Via di San Luca towards the sanctuary on the hill above the city. The long portico follows the hillside, giving the road an architectural companion throughout the ascent. At about 1.8 kilometres, the selected climb is brief, but its average gradient of 10.8% makes the distance feel substantial from the saddle.

The curves and changes of slope make it more involved than a single straight ramp. The portico supplies a continuous reference as the road turns upwards, while the sanctuary gives the climb an unmistakable destination. This is the road ascent beside the covered pedestrian route, with Bologna still close below. There is little distance in which to forget the gradient, but the relationship between the road, the arcades and the hilltop building makes every part feel specific to this place. A compact climb with considerable presence.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 73 m · Summit 274 m

Gradient by distance1.85 km / 200 m gain

0 km0.4 km0.7 km1.1 km1.5 km1.8 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.85 km
Elevation gain: 200 m
Average gradient: 10.8%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 73 m
Summit elevation: 274 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

03 / 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.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

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.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

13 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 8.4 km/h

Based on the 1.85 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.

04 / On the ground