Dolomites Cent Cols Challenge

Day 1

Meet us at the first night accommodation

Day 2

San Pellegrino Terme to Pieve di Ledro

The show opens with a 26km climb after just 4km and sends us on our way to Lovere on the beautiful Lago Iseo for our first feedstop. A 17km climb follows that, but the real feature of the day is the Passo Maniva, with some dramatic Strada Bianche and extraordinarily wild, barren scenery. Then a long descent to Bagolino sees a return to a more reassuring landscape as we make our way to our lakeside hotel on the Lago di Ledro. A stunning opening stage.

Day 3

Pieve di Ledro to Fiera di Primiero

The longest stage is marked by some contrasting climbs. The Monte Bondone is our first iconic Giro climb (16km) with some steep passages. Mid-stage, a narrow, wooded but perfect road-quality climb with one of the fastest descents of the event: meet the Passo Compet! After this the steady Passo del Brocon provides us with our first views of the rugged Dolomite skyline at its summit.

Day 4

Fiera di Primiero to Tolmezzo

Coming right at the start of the Stage, Passo Cerada, with its average 9% over 8km, is our wake up call: we have arrived in the heart of the Dolomites. The famous rocky skyline sets the tone for some dramatic rides to follow. The Forcella Cibiana is another classic, a particularly charming climb through the woods. After the gentler Passo Mauria, the stage ends with two tough and very steep climbs. Both have some very dramatic moments, and the first is followed by a superb descent through a gorge and lit tunnels. The second brings us within striking distance of Villa Santina, with views towards the next morning’s giant.

Day 5

Tolmezzo to Cortina d'Ampezzo

The beast of this CCC comes 20km after breakfast. All other notions of steep will become relative after this one. We then head west via the long climb to the Forcella di Razzo, before hitting the Passo san Antonio with its 6km of 10% over 16 hairpins. The stage is book-ended by another climb that redefines steep, but this time in a setting that is pure magic: Tre Cime will not disappoint.

Day 6

Cortina to Canazei

The stage that takes in the famous Sella Ronde and climbs into the core of the Dolomites. The Passo Giau, considered one of the most beautiful passes in Italy, is our opener, but what follows will not disappoint. The Gardena and Sella passes can be enjoyed as examples of mountain perfection, whereas the Fedaia (Marmolada), which ends the glorious suffering, is as brutal as they come. This stage is an absolute classic and a perfect way to end the first part of this challenge.

Day 7

Day 8

Canazei to Levico Terme

Fresh from our rest day, we climb the San Pellegrino on its easy side, then the Valles makes up for a softer start by throwing 5km of 9-11% at you. True Dolomites Grit. From this climb, we begin to pull away from the mineral heart of the Dolomites toward the superb views and wooded valleys of the Swiss Alps. Towards the end of this stage, the Passo Manghen steals the show with a climb to match any other.

Day 9

Levico Terme to Castelvecchio

An extraordinary road carved into the mountainside starts the day, another of the steeper climbs of the route: 8km at 10-12%. It takes us up to the Passo Vezzana in a truly dramatic fashion. This is one of the most remote stages, with several wooded climbs on narrow, deserted roads and more endless views across wooded expanses. It also has the only uphill finish, a steep climb up to the tiny village of Castelvecchio. This was baptised 'Little Zoncolan’ by the inaugural CCC riders in 2012: be warned.

Day 10

Castelvecchio to Ponte Arche

From the Veronese hills to the National Lessini Park, this stage takes us from woodland to windswept highland scenery and back into the mountains at the end. It contains two of the longest climbs (24 and 26km) as well as the two steepest and most dramatic descents of the whole event. The Passo Santa Barbara is an especially memorable way to finish the stage.

Day 11

Ponte Arche to Tovo

Superb classics to start with the giant of the event: the Gavia. This will be a big moment for all riders as long as the weather allows us over. If not, Plan B isn't bad either (Mortirolo, Trignio & Aprica). After the Gavia, we still have time to fit in an eastern ascent of the Mortirolo.

Day 12

Tovo to San Pellegrino Terme

Back up the Mortirolo is always a good way to open the last day. This climb is tough and steep all the way up, but by now legs are used to this type of road. Another long descent takes us to one of the most beautiful climbs of the event, the Passo Vivione. An absolute jewel of the challenge, and one to be savoured. After the third long descent (another 30km stretch) we join the route of the 2011 Giro until the end of our stage for one final climb, before plunging back down into our start town to finish.

Day 13

Transfer day