Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy · from Ovaro
Monte Zoncolan
Monte Zoncolan from Ovaro is the steepest summit finish in professional road cycling. After a mild opening 2 km, the road enters a 6 km wall averaging over 15% gradient, where momentum disappears and standing on the pedals is a requirement just to keep moving forward.
Summit elevation: 1730 m
Route overview
Monte Zoncolan · from Ovaro
Schematic road geometry from the routed track, with 16 detected hairpins marked (filled markers are tighter than 15 m radius). Use it to see the shape of the climb, not for navigation.
Measured road detail
Taken from the Monte Zoncolan track used by the 3D flyover: Ovaro → Monte Zoncolan · 463 road points
- Measured length
- 9.12 km
- Measured ascent
- 1145 m
- Elevation range
- 588 → 1730 m
- Hairpins detected
- 16
- Tightest hairpin
- 9.3 m radius
- Surface
- Asphalt
The routed track measures ovaro → monte zoncolan, a slightly different start or finish than the from Ovaro profile this page simulates, so its length and ascent are reported separately from the headline figures above.
Tightest hairpins on Monte Zoncolan
- 3.2 km · 953 mLeft · 10 m
- 3.4 km · 979 mRight · 12.1 m
- 5.0 km · 1226 mRight · 10.8 m
- 5.8 km · 1351 mRight · 12.3 m
- 7.3 km · 1567 mLeft · 9.3 m
- 7.4 km · 1591 mRight · 14.8 m
Landmarks along the way
- Liariis
- Zoncolan tunnels
Hairpins and elevations are derived from the routed track; road data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
How fast would you climb Monte Zoncolan?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Monte Zoncolan and the Tour
Introduced to the Giro d'Italia in 2003 (won by Gilberto Simoni), the Zoncolan earned nickname "The Kaiser". It quickly became the ultimate test for pure climbers, featuring tunnels carved through rock near the top.
Gilberto Simoni set the contemporary race record of 39:05 on Stage 17 of the 2007 Giro d'Italia. In 2018, Chris Froome won Stage 14 with a long-range attack up the Zoncolan.
39:05 for the 10.1 km Ovaro ascent on Stage 17 of the 2007 Giro d'Italia.
Riding it yourself
When to go
Accessible from late May to October. Early morning rides avoid midday sun on the lower, unshaded pitches.
Base & logistics
Start in Ovaro. Compact chainrings (50/34) and a 34t or 36t rear cassette are mandatory for all non-professionals.
FAQ
How long is the Monte Zoncolan climb?
From Ovaro, the climb is about 10.1 km with roughly 1203 m of elevation gain at 11.9% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Monte Zoncolan?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
Can I see Monte Zoncolan in 3D before riding it?
Yes. The route overview on this page has a 3D flyover that follows the real road: 463 routed points covering Ovaro → Monte Zoncolan, with terrain, gradient and the road's own bends. It runs in the browser, no account needed.
How many hairpins does Monte Zoncolan have?
16 hairpin bends are detected on the routed track, the tightest turning inside a 9.3 m radius. They are marked on the 2D sketch and ridden in order in the 3D flyover.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Monte Zoncolan?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 4 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.