Climbing a hard climb is one of the most satisfying sensations a cyclist can experience during a training day. Having been able to reach the top of that mountain that seemed impossible a few months ago combines perfectly with the values of improvement that cycling has and helps to continue pursuing new challenges.
There have been many ports that have earned mythical status throughout history. Tourmalet, Angliru, Alpe d'Huez, Mortirolo... They have been the scene of some of the most epic battles between the legends of our sport, but today we will talk about another type of ascent, one that does not appear in the stages of the great tours because their slopes are even too much even for professionals. This is the most demanding climb in the world.
Located in northern Italy, it is Via Scanuppia, a bestiality without equal. 1317 meters of unevenness concentrated in just 7.5 kilometers. The ascent has an average slope of more than 17%, but it is the ramps of up to 45% that scare the most about this monstrosity in the form of a cycling section.
A climb that leaves the toughest areas of the Alps, Pyrenees or Dolomites in authentic walks. To imagine how incredibly demanding this climb is, we can say that it is virtually impossible to climb it with a road bike, because even using the lightest gears we would be too stuck to reach the top without having to get off the bike. A rise to the test of conventional dishes.
To find something similar we must move towards the German Alps, where in the small town of Oberstdorf is the only ramp capable of facing the 'Via Scanuppia'.
This is the Nebelhorn, another tormentor of cyclists that despite not reaching the agonizing 45% of the Italian port, comes very close in some of its points. In fact, there will be those who can defend that this is the toughest ascent in the world because despite having a lower average slope (although a tremendous 14%), the climb lasts for 8.5 kilometers. Whichever you choose, we will agree that both profiles are capable of bursting even the best of climbers.
It is curious to observe to what extent nature is capable of creating such demanding climbs so that cyclists can enjoy them later, however, these 'rampons' are not necessary to enjoy riding the bike, you must choose those that suit your level and to grow in demand so that each new port that you crown fills you with satisfaction.
