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Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo

4.6
18 reviews | Elevation profile | 40 photos
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
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Elevation profile Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo

Statistics

Difficulty points 866
Length 11.6 km
Average gradient 8%
Steepest 100 metres 18.4%
Total ascent 933 m

Short recap

Beautiful scenery
20 hairpin turns
#9 toughest climb of Bergamo
#11 most elevation gain of Bergamo
#21 longest climb of Bergamo
#59 average steepest climb of Bergamo
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Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is a climb in the region Bergamo. It is 11.6 km long and bridges 933 m of vertical ascent with an average gradient of 8%, resulting in a difficulty score of 866. The top of the ascent is located at 1339 m above sea level. Climbfinder users shared 18 reviews of this climb and uploaded 40 photos.

Road name: SP179

5.0 by Stearena
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian.
The "noble" uphill from Torre De Busi, one of the hardest climbs in the Lecco area, sometimes it is included in the Giro di Lombardia. Famous is the wall at 18% about 3 km from the end, the'last bit is an ordeal. For strong legs. Unfortunately there is no panorma at the top, but you can console yourself with the salamella sandwich from the van.... read more

Photos (40)

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo

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Reviews (18)

5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Marino
2 d 5.0 01:19:07 (8.8 km/h)
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Valcava from Torre de Busi. Very demanding climb, especially the last 4 km with the remaining 400 m of elevation gain. Inclines also at 21% and stretches almost always in double figures. Descending towards Roncola, we climbed to the Pertus pond. This descent had a very nice and wide road surface. On the way back, we crossed the Adda river between Villa d'Adda and Imbersago with the famous Leonardo ferry, which moves with the water current in both directions. (PS: recently put back into operation. See the site).

Valcava da Torre de Busi. Salita molto impegnativa, specialmente gli ultimi 4km con i rimanenti 400 mt di dislivello. Pendenze anche al 21% e tratti quasi sempre in doppia cifra. Scendendo verso Roncola, siamo saliti al laghetto del Pertus. Questa discesa con manto stradale molto bello e largo. Al rientro, attraversato il fiume Adda tra Villa d'Adda e Imbersago con il famoso traghetto di Leonardo, che si muove con la corrente dell'acqua, in entrambi i sensi. (PS: rimesso in funzione da poco. Consultare il sito)

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
filippoperu
1 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Done with MTB, the first part, up to about the fork with the dream pass smooth, then steep. The last few kilometres terrible but very satisfying. Some drinking fountains towards the summit, but I do not guarantee the potability of the water. The return can be done from Roncola, creating a nice loop and avoiding an atrocious descent on the Lecco side

Fatta con MTB, la prima parte, fino circa al bivio con il colle di sogno regolare, poi impenna. Gli ultimi km terribili ma danno tanta tanta soddisfazione. Alcune fontanelle verso la cima ma non assicuro la potabilità dell'acqua. Il rientro può essere fatto dalla Roncola, creando un bel giro ed evitando una discesa atroce lato lecchese

Dashboard
DiegoB14
2 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Historic and famous climb in the area. Very tough, perhaps the toughest in the area, together with San Fermo on the Berzo side. After the summit the view of the Alps is spectacular.

Salita storica e famosa nella zona. Molto dura, forse la più dura in zona, insieme a San Fermo dal lato di Berzo. Dopo lo scollinamento il panorama sulle Alpi è spettacolare.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
DavideColombarolli
3 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

I'm an anomalous biker, I only use my MTB on asphalt mainly for climbs. This one in particular is a very beautiful and for me tiring home climb. The first 8 km are all in all rideable, then comes the infamous section at 18%, which is followed shortly afterwards by another section at 17% which very slowly flattens out just in sight of the pass.

Sono un biker anomalo, uso la MTB solo su asfalto prevalentemente per fare salite. Questa in particolare è una salita di casa molto bella e per me faticosa. I primi 8 km sono tutto sommato pedalabili, poi arriva il famigerato tratto al 18%, cui segue di lì a poco dopo aver tirato il fiato sempre sopra al 10% un altro tratto al 17% che molto lentamente spiana solo in vista del passo.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
SandervH96
10 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Steep climb with nice views, tarmac not always top but doable. Some sections are viciously steep.

Stijle klim met mooie uitzichten, asfalt niet altijd top maar goed te doen. Sommige stukken zijn venijnig stijl.

Dashboard
Rambabbel
11 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Should you have the choice, do this climb during the week, then you will have the whole road to yourself. On weekends, you will be pushed off the road by men with a big ego and a little *** on a motorbike

Mocht je de keuze hebben, doe deze klim dan doordeweeks, dan heb je de hele weg voor jezelf. In het weekend word je van de weg gedrukt door mannen met een groot ego en een kleine *** op een motor

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
lucam1773
1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Big climb for those who want to get the moisture out of their bones, the last 3 kilometres are 18%...16%....15%.....%..... for all tastes, and not too strenuous.

Salitona per chi vuole togliere l umidità dalle ossa gli ultimi 3 chilometri strappi da 18%...16%....15%.....14%..... per tutti i gusti è anche poco trfficata

Dashboard
Fedebici
1 y 4.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Super nice super hard! The ascent starts out more docile then gets harder and leaves you with no chance to rest. Often over 10%. The view is beautiful over the valley, with the Milanese skyscrapers in the background. The road is excellent as a surface and the traffic non-existent even if done at 7.30am. At the top already fi buon'ora two trucks were serving sandwiches and various products. Absolutely recommended the ride down from the opposite side and the return from Passo Culmine San Pietro. The lake can be seen very little during the ascent

Super bella super dura! La salita inizia in maniera più docile poi si incattivisce e lascia senza possibilità di rifiatare. Spessissimo sopra al 10%. Il panorama è bellissimo sulla valle, con i grattacieli milanesi sullo sfondo. La strada è ottima come manto e il traffico inesistente anche se fatta alle 7.30 di mattina. In cima già fi buon'ora due camion che servivano panini e prodotti vari. Assolutamente consigliato il giro scendendo dal lato opposto e il ritorno dal Passo Culmine San Pietro. Il lago si vede molto poco durante la salita

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
fpic12
1 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

A climb not to be missed in the bergamasque area. from torre de busi you initially climb with gentle gradients for about 1 km then begins a hard section of about 2.5 km with gradients in double figures up to the junction for colle sogno. from there the gradients remain high but less steep for a few km until the 3 hardest km begin. a first very hard section that arrives at the 18% (there'is the sign!) then 2-300 m to breathe and the other very hard wall begins. to finish a couple of km a little less difficult but still between 6-9% up to the summit with the very high antennas. 100 m after the pass towards valle imagna you can enjoy an amazing view of the orobie. asphalt ruined in several places so be careful on the descent.

salita imperdibile nella bergamasca. da torre de busi si sale inizialmente con pendenze lievi per 1 km circa poi inizia un tratto di circa 2,5 km duro con pendenze in doppia cifra fino al bivio per il colle sogno. da li le pendenze restano altine ma meno forti per alcuni km finchè non iniziano i 3 km più duri. un primo pezzo durissimo che arriva al 18% (c'è il cartello!) poi 2-300 mt per respirare e inizia l'altro muro durissimo. per finire un paio di km un pò meno difficili ma sempre fra il 6-9% fino alla cima con le antenne altissime. 100 mt dopo il passo verso la valle imagna si può godere di un panorama strepitoso sulle orobie. asfalto rovinato in diversi punti quindi attenzione in discesa.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
Emanuelep77
1 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

One of the toughest climbs in the area, you have to save yourself in the first 7 km because after that...it will be hell! Inclines of 12 to 18% in the last kilometres, very satisfying to reach the top. To be done at least once in a lifetime.

Una delle salite più dure della zona, bisogna risparmiarsi nei primi 7 km perchè dopo...sarà un inferno! Pendenze dal 12 al 18% negli ultimi km, davvero molto soddisfacente arrivare in cima. Da fare almeno una volta nella vita.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
MauroBresciani
1 y 3.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

A climb well known locally for its hardness in the section preceded by the sign 18%. Not very scenic and with no drinking fountains even at the top where, however, on weekends a kiosk with a few benches awaits the numerous cyclists. It allows you to close a nice loop by descending on the side towards Costa Imagna and from there decide which further descent to choose.

Salita ben conosciuta localmente per la sua durezza nel tratto preceduto dal cartello 18%. Poco panoramica e senza fontanelle neppure in cima dove però nei weekend un chiosco con qualche panchina attende i numerosi ciclisti. Permette di chiudere un bell'anello scendendo dal lato verso Costa Imagna e da lì decidere quale ulteriore discesa scegliere.

Dashboard
ClaudioFerrari
1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Chi non conosce l’infame Muro di Valcava? Svolta secca a destra e ruote che restano incollate al terreno per 3,5km. La odi, la detesti, ma poi arrivi in cima e ogni volta la perdoni e continui ad amarla. Semplicemente la “The Queen”.

Dashboard
Fritz
1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Hello There is no year that the Valcava draws me towards her, from my house when I open the window she looks at me and I greet her.

Ciao Non c'è anno che la Valcava mi attira verso di lei, da casa mia quando apro la finestra mi guarda e io la saluto.

Dashboard
Van_der_Luc
1 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Pedalable ascent from Torre de' Busi up to an altitude of approximately 900 metres; from here there are 3.5 km of very hard climbing, with peaks of 18% gradient (indicated by a sign along the road) up to 500 metres from Valico di Valcava. Here there is a splendid panorama of the Imagna Valley.

Salita pedalabile da Torre de' Busi fino a circa 900 metri di altitudine; da qui ci sono 3,5 Km durissimi, con punte del 18% di pendenza (indicato da un segnale lungo la strada) fino a 500 metri dal Valico di Valcava. Qui si può godere di uno splendido panorama sulla Valle Imagna (visibile scendendo verso Costa Valle Imagna per qualche decina di metri).

Dashboard
Saliteinbici
2 y 4.0

There is, always. An unrewarding, hard, harsh climb in a desolate area where the cyclist is alone against odds. Good but rough tarmac, last 4 km hard, may be windy, may be lonely. No panorama, no seats, nothing on top. Hardness at its pure essence. Excellent round trip is possible from there.

Dashboard
AleRigoni
2 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Nice climb, last section definitely hard and leg-breaking, it is still satisfying to reach the top.

Bella salita, ultimo tratto decisamente duro e spacca gambe, rimane una soddisfazione arrivare in cima.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard
vanparystim
3 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice climb. Continuously steep, but two short sections where you can recuperate a bit. About 4.5 km before the top, the steepness increases. Very tough for about two km. Towards the top, the steepness decreases again.
Nice views, except on the pass itself. Very quiet climb. Highly recommended!

Mooie klim. Is continu steil, maar een tweetal korte stukjes waar je wat kan op recupereren. Ongeveer 4,5 km voor de top gaat de steilte nog wat de hoogte in. Voor een tweetal km erg zwaar. Naar de top toe neemt de steilte weer wat af.
Mooie uitzichten, behalve op de col zelf. Zeer rustige klim. Wegdek is goed, wegdek in afdaling naar de andere kant is minder. Aanrader !!

Dashboard
Stearena
4 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

The "noble" uphill from Torre De Busi, one of the hardest climbs in the Lecco area, sometimes it is included in the Giro di Lombardia. Famous is the wall at 18% about 3 km from the end, the'last bit is an ordeal. For strong legs. Unfortunately there is no panorma at the top, but you can console yourself with the salamella sandwich from the van.

Versante "nobile" salendo da Torre De Busi, una delle salite più dure della zona di Lecco, a volte viene inserita nel Giro di Lombardia. Famoso il muro al 18% a circa 3 km dalla fine, l'ultimo pezzo è un calvario. Per gambe forti. Putroppo in cima non c'è panorma, ma ci si consola col panino alla salamella del furgone.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo
Dashboard

Climbing times

7 km/h 01:39:24
11 km/h 01:03:15
15 km/h 00:46:23
19 km/h 00:36:37

Road surface condition

33% 57% 10%
Based on 21 votes
Share your knowledge. What was the road condition during your ascent?

Traffic

76% 24% 0%
Based on 21 votes
Your experience counts. How much traffic did you encounter during the climb?

Frequently Asked Questions

Passo di Valcava can be cycled from 3 sides. Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Passo di Valcava from Costa Valle Imagna & Passo di Valcava via Valsecca.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is a challenging ascent. For this type of climbing, we recommend mountain gearing, specifically a compact system. This means a small front chainring of 34 teeth, combined with a rear cassette where, depending on your level, strength, and experience, you choose a sprocket with 30, 32, or even 34 teeth. Remember that a smooth cadence is always more efficient!

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is a first-category climb: long and tough. Do not underestimate this climb. Many famous Tour de France cols fall into this category. Prepare for a long, challenging ride. Only well-trained riders will reach the top smoothly. Make sure you have a road bike with climbing gears and enough training; otherwise, it will be a struggle.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is 11.6 km long.

The average gradient of Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is 8%.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 18.4%.

The summit of Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is at 1339 m.

At a slow pace of 7 km/h, it takes about 01:39:24 to climb Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo. At 11 km/h the time is 01:03:15, and at 15 km/h 00:46:23. For the fastest cyclists, 00:36:37 is an achievable time.

Passo di Valcava from San Gottardo is located in the region Bergamo in Italy.

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