Cyclopaat, an alter ego with a twist
All things Giro d’Italia, Bike Rebel style
My most favorite spot in this cycling heaven, is Corvara in Badia or Kurfar.
“Amore Infinito” is a Giro d’Italia official social media hash tag, which for me is perfect for this area ❤️♾️
However, with an average of 9.2%, the climb from Selva di Cadore is a tough one.
It is a much dreaded, steep climb, with a summit at 1,852 meters and it used to be the favorite mountain of Marco Pantani.
“If you want to die, this is where you go” – encouraging words, often found when reading reports about this climb.
It is, however, nowhere near as bad as the Monte Zoncolan…
Monte Zoncolan (1,750 m) is located in the Carnic Alps, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.
It is one of the toughest and most demanding climbs in road bicycle racing, feared by many, including the pros.
If you average all three climbs, you’re looking at near 12% over the 30+ kilometers.
You can’t prepare yourself for this, no strategy works.
The hard bits are constantly 15%.
For 5 kilometers…
You see the pictures of the mighty Stelvio Pass on the Internet and you instantly feel the urge to get on your bicycle.
Especially the pictures from the Prato side of the climb are renowned. However, also the – similar – pictures from the Bormio end are jaw-dropping.
With a summit at 2,758 meters, it’s second on the list of Europe’s highest passes, after the Iseran – a few dead ends are higher, but not all cycle-able with a road bike.
And I do not count the artificial loop around the Bonette (the Cime) as that is just a frill…
With an altitude of 2,621m, the Passo di Gavia is ranked 6th in the list of highest paved passes in Europe, if the Galibier is ranked without the loop over the tunnel.
The Gavia is frequently included in the Giro d’Italia – as Cima Coppi if the Stelvio or Agnel are not in it too – and it is legendary for the “ride from hell” in 1988’s edition.
