EPIC Trans Dolomites

Today’s ride features an iconic Italian loop.

The Mortirolo is considered the “Alpe d’Huez” of the Giro d’Italia – except it’s significantly more challenging than its French counterpart! With an average of 10.5% over 11km (7 miles), this is one of the toughest climbs in Europe. After conquering the Mortirolo you’ll head up the valley to Ponte di Legno and the start of the climb to the Passo Gavia, always remembered for Andy Hampsten’s epic ride through a snowstorm to win the 1988 Giro.

Tip: stop at the café at the summit of the Gavia. When it’s cold, they serve the best hot chocolate and hot soup! From the café you have a 25 km (15 miles) descent to the hotel.

Another classic Italian ride today over both sides of the legendary Passo Stelvio. From Bormio you’ll head up the southern approach to the Passo Stelvio. Turn around at the summit, head down 3km and take the right turn that leads to the Passo Umbrail and the border with Switzerland. The descent takes you through the beautiful Val Mustair before leading back into Italy and Prato allo Stelvio where the northern approach to the Passo Stelvio begins.

Tip: with an average grade of almost 7.5% over 24 km (15 miles), the 2nd ascent of the Stelvio is a major challenge. Make sure you leave something in the legs for this epic climb!

You start your journey across the Dolomites today with a magnificent ride to Canazei. It’s a big ride, with 4 categorised climbs, 129km (80 miles) and 4,234m (13,800ft) elevation gain. The highlight of the day is the final climb, the Passo Fedaia, one of the iconic climbs of the Giro d’Italia and also one of the most impressive climbs in the Dolomites.

Tip: You’ll also climb the the Passo Pordoi, one of the most picturesque summits in the Dolomites – a definite photo-stop, and be sure to try the apple strudel at Ristorante Maria!

The classic loop around the Gruppo di Sella mountain range is one of the most famous and most spectacular bike rides in Europe. From the hotel in Canazei, you’ll head over the Passo Sella, Passo Gardena and Passo Valparola before the final climb over the spectacular Passo Giau!

Tip: With incredible photo ops at every turn, this is definitely one of those rides to enjoy without chasing Strava times or racing others up the climbs.

Today you’ll head over to the eastern edge of the Dolomites and the Carnic Alps. Leaving Cortina d’Ampezzo you’ll soon reach the summit of the Passo Tre Croci before starting the descent to the magnificent lake in Misurina. Misurina signals the start of the climb to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the iconic climbs of the Giro d’Italia. This beautiful ride continues with the little-known, but stunningly beautiful climb to Sella Ciampigotto.

Tip: go easy on the first km of the climb to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the final km are super-steep!

Today’s ride features the most challenging climb of all the Grand Tours – the Monte Zoncolan. The climb starts under the “Porta dell’Inferno” banner and tops out after 10km (6 miles) at an average gradient of 12%. After the Zoncolan, if you can still feel your legs, try the Monte Crostis – another monster climb with a total distance of 14km (9 miles) at over 10% average!

Tip: a bottom gear of at least 34×32 is an absolute MUST for the Zoncolan!

Unfortunately, your trip across the Italian Alps & Dolomites has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Venice Marco Polo Airport.