102 miles with 15,800 feet of elevation gain*
(164 kilometers with 4,845 meters of elevation gain)
Locate ride on interactive map.
[Interactive Course | enlarge]
[Route Profile]
Dolomites - Country Visited:
Italy
Dolomites - Cities/Towns Visited:
San Cassiano, Armentarola, Cernadoi, Pieve di Livinallongo, Arabba, Corvara, Canazei, Alba, Penia, Pian Trevisan, Malga Ciapela, Serrai di Sottoguda, Rocca Pietore, and Digonera
Dolomites - Climbs:
Mile 0 (cat. 2), 19 (cat. 2), 30 (cat. 3), 37 (cat. 3), 45 (cat. 3), 53 (cat. 2), 65 (cat. 2), and 85 (cat. 1)
Dolomites - Stops (Self-Supported):
Mile 25 (Passo Pordoi), 50 (Passo Campolongo), and 75 (Passo Fedaia)
Dolomites - Description:
The Dolomites are arguably some of the greatest mountains in the world. This ride covers the passes of the popular Maratona dles Dolomites: Valparola, Falzarego, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, and Giau (passes Campolongo and Giau were featured in this year's Giro d'Italia. In addition, this longer route also includes Fedaia Pass, which leads up to Marmolada, the highest peak of the Dolomites.
The ride starts and ends in one of the villages of the Alta Badia region. It leads either up or down, there are almost no flat sections in between. Different combinations of passes are possible, both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Most passes have numbered switchbacks («tornanti»), some with altitude display. All passes have at least one restaurant at the top. Falzarego, Fedaia, and Giau have one or more tunnels, but lights are not required.
[8 Passes]This route starts with Valparola Pass, followed by a descent to the top of Falzarego Pass. It then descends Falzarego Pass and continues towards Pordoi Pass. Pordoi features 33 switchbacks and is one of the four passes of the Sellaronda, a course that leads around the Sella Group. The other Sellaronda passes include Sella, Gardena, and Campolongo.
At the top of Pordoi Pass, there is a monument of Fausto Coppi, one of the most successful and popular cyclists of all time. After completion of the Sellaronda, Pordoi needs to be climbed a second time in order to get to the next pass. Fedaia Pass leads up to Fedaia Lake, which is supplied with water from the Marmolada glacier. The descent visits Rocca Pietore, the lowest point of the course.
From here there are three more climbs, one to the bottom of Falzarego Pass, one to the top of Falzarego Pass, and one to the top of Valparola Pass. Instead of going up Falzarego Pass directly, Giau Pass can be climbed first, followed by Falzarego Pass from the other side. Valparola Pass finally leads down to the starting point.
Dolomites - Pictures:
[Passo Valparola]
[Passo Falzarego]
[Passo Pordoi]
[Fausto Coppi - Il Campionissimo]
[Passo Sella]
[Passo Gardena]
[Passo Campolongo]
[Passo Fedaia]
[Marmolada]
[Passo Giau]
Dolomites - Personal Notes:
The Dolomites are a great location for an active vacation. Besides cycling, we did some running, hiking, and climbing (vie ferrate). One highlight was Marmolada, ascending via the west ridge and descending via the glacier. Another highlight were the Lagazuoi Tunnels, relics of the First World War.
Thanks to my dad and brother-in-law for letting me borrow a bike and accessories.
Dolomites - Current Weather:
