ENDLESS MOUNTAIN PASSES FROM CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
For example, we rode the ride around Monte Pelmo – incidentally, one of the highest mountains in the Dolomites and the first Dolomite peak to be climbed. We left no shortage of sweat drops here in August on the Passo Tre Croci (1,809 m), the Passo di Giau (2,236 m) and the Staulanza Pass (1,783 m). The Monte Pelmo summit also stands out for its unusual appearance: as a formation of two monoliths, it is also affectionately called the Throne of God (it. al caregon de’l Padreterno) by locals because of its wide concavity, which makes it look like a chair.
More is more?
If three summits in a day isn’t enough for you, you’ll love the 6-pass tour. This one takes you over endless hairpin turns and amazing climbs, past the breathtaking panoramas of the highest peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. The Cinque Torri rock formation, the village of Andraz, Arabba and Val Gardena are just some of the highlights of this extraordinary tour. And on the famous Valparola Pass (2,192 m), we get a lesson in contemporary history as we walk along the paths of World War I, which ran here on the border between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Meanwhile, at Falzarego Pass (2,109 m), we immerse ourselves in the emotions of the Giro d’Italia and thus in rich cycling history. Here in 1946 Fausto Coppi beat Gino Bartali before the first time in a real mountain stage. A historical fact that every Italian cycling fan considers a highlight in the history of cycling.
Yes,…not only do the Dolomites look different, more rugged, more beautiful and more intense, cycling life is so much richer there than elsewhere. Every time we go cycling there we return with a backpack full of cycling experiences that capture our imagination. For us absolutely ‘one of the places to be’ in cycling country!
