Cycle holidays Italy – pedalnorth

Lake Garda Gran Fondo 2026: Climbs Corners and Italian Cycling Magic

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:40 +0000

Cycling at Lake Garda – The Italian Lakes & Mountains

The Route: Fast Flats and Sharp Turns

The 2026 Lake Garda Gran Fondo course was a beautiful loop totalling 140 km with 2,010 m of climbing. Despite the chilly start to the day —a crisp morning that had us all shivering in our gilets — the pace was scorching from the start. People were ready to race, and the riders were taking no prisoners – this was a race, and I needed to be ready and focused.

The First 40 km: This section was almost entirely flat and fast. We flew along the lake front in a massive peloton, tucked in to save every possible watt for the vertical work ahead. It worked as it should, with people moving to take turns and keeping the pace. It was an electric feeling, with the sublime scenery of the lake and mountains all around me. Cycling adventures are days like these and I loved it. Italy is always a special place to ride. However, it’s not a flat country, and there were climbs lying ahead!

The Climbs: Breaking the Spirit

This area of Italy is known as the Lakes and Mountains region for a reason –it has climbs and some of them are tough, yet magnificent. AS cyclists we seek these challenges, and we relish in the pain and suffering and emotions of succeeding. Lake Garda is like this, sitting in a basin of peaks, surrounded by epic scenery and with ribbons of roads that weave their way up and down, twisting into corners and shapes that keep you thinking all day long.

Riding at home, close to Barcelona I am used to climbs, but these add that little Italian magic, and you have to be ready. I knew that I had trained and I was fit. However, the pace of the day adds something, and the mental challenge is equal to the physical.

The course featured four distinct ascents that defined the day’s difficulty:

1. Ascent of Navazzo

The wake-up call came at km 40 in Gargnano. At 7.16 km long with a 6.4% mean slope, it immediately shattered the peloton. Rising to an altitude of 471 m, it provided the first real test for my heavy legs.

2. Ascent of Capovalle

Just as the recovery from Navazzo began, we hit Capovalle at km 56. This 5.8 km climb took us up to the highest point of the day at 900 m altitude. While the average gradient remained a steady 6.4%, the fatigue from my 400 km training week started to settle in deep here.

3. Ascent of Preseglie

A shorter, punchier effort at km 89. Stretching over 2.15 km with a 4.7% slope, it served as a brutal “stinger” to keep the heart rate pinned before the final major push.

4. Ascent of Coste (S. Eusebio)

The final hurdle arrived at km 93. This 6.62 km climb, averaging 4.1%, was a battle of attrition. By this point, the views of the valley were spectacular, but my focus was entirely on the wheel in front of me.

Pure Italian Magic

Despite starting the day deep in a recovery hole, the sheer quality of the organization and the safety measures on the course allowed me to just race. Yes, I was exhausted, but it had been exhilerating and filled with life and passion and emotions. One of those days cycling that we want to remember always. Swooping into corners, the pain of the climbs and the thrill of the descents. Everything had come together and my bike had stayed the course, carrying me through.

I crossed the line exhausted, but thrilled to have managed 10th place in the Female overall and 7th in the 18–39 age group. Finishing in the top ten after such a massive volume of training is a testament to what the body can do when fuelled by Italian passion and world-class scenery.

If you’re looking for a race that combines professional-level organization with some of the most beautiful views in the world, put the Lake Garda Gran Fondo on your 2027 bucket list. Just maybe take a rest day before the start! Will I be back to ride in Italy again, soon? Absolutely I will – and maybe I will see you out on your bike among these sublime mountains and lakes!

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Cycling Carezza to Corvara via Paso Pordio in the Dolomites

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:13:18 +0000

Cycling Carezza to Corvara via Paso Pordio

A great days ride in the heart of the Dolomites

Nadezhda Pavlova, editor in chief

The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful places for a cycling trip, anywhere in the world. Filled with climbs that twist and turn upwards, with the rocky peaks looking down in their majesty. This is a short route in terms of distance; but with an epic climb involved in the ride from Carezza to Corvara, via the Paso Pordio.

The Pordoi Pass marks the border between the Province of Trento and the Province of Belluno – both quite stunning areas of the Italian mountains. The road features as many as 28 hairpin bends and is one of the 4 passes of the Strada delle Dolomiti (Dolomites Road), built in the beginning of the 20th century to link Bolzano with Cortina, and to encourage the development of tourism in the Ladin valleys – which it certainly has. Cyclists love this area – and we do, here at Pedalnorth!

Check out the route & climbs

The route rolls out of Carezza for the first 20km, before the climbing begins, at the Paso Podio. It’s then a 10km ascent, at an average gradient of 6.6%, with a maximum gradient of 11%. In total, you ascend 791 metres over the 10km.

The stats of the whole route are as follows.

Distance: 46.14km Ascent: 1,784 metres

The second – and final climb – is a short and more relaxed effort, before the descent begins to Corvara – a renowned centre of cycling in the region. Arriving at Corvara, you can rest overnight, before tackling another route the next day – maybe a return journey. Alternatively, arrange transport to take you back to Carezza and your accommodation there. Either way, there’s great coffee, tea and biscuits to be enjoyed along the way, and at each end of the ride.

Accommodation Recommendation: Paso Carezza is an excellent hotel used to catering for cyclists, with great access to the Italian cycling passes, and excellent facilities.

www.passocarezza.it

Route Information

Leave Carezza and cycling on the main roads towards Pozza di Fassa at 12km.
The gradient then rises steadily over the next 10km, until you reach Campitello di Fasso, where you join the endless hairpins of the Paso Podio.
Ascent the pass for 10km, before resting and taking in the view. Wrap up warm for the descent.
At 37km, the hamlet of Araboa, the final short ascent leads to a long and sweeping descent into the Dolomites hub town of Corvarra.

Either book transport for the return, or maybe stay over here and cycle the reverse route once refreshed and rested. Corvarra has everything required for a stay here in this amazing region, and is a great base for another ride, the next day.

Nadezhda Pavlova

Map & GPX Files

Click below for GPX file & accommodation

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Check out Nadia‘s Dolomite’s gallery

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Cycling the Sella Ronda in Italy

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 19:25:27 +0000

SELLARONDA Bike Day in the Dolomites

My Incredible Bike Ride through Stunning Mountain Passes

Nadezhda Pavlova, editor in chief

This year, I joined 20000 cyclists from all over the world in the beautiful Dolomites, for the exciting SELLARONDA Bike Day. It was an incredible opportunity to take on a thrilling bike ride through the stunning Sella Group of mountains free from traffic. The Dolomites are renowned across the world for their epic beauty, and for some totally amazing roads to cycle.

As I arrived in the Dolomites, I had to choose one of four valleys from which to start the ride from: Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, or Arabba. Each valley has its own unique charm, making it a fun challenge to decide where to start the ride.

You have the freedom to start from any village, in any direction; but it’s advisable to ride anticlockwise as most of the cyclists go in that direction. The route covers 53 kilometres and includes breath-taking mountain passes: Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Campolongo. As I pedalled through these amazing mountain passes, I was treated to awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, immersing myself in the natural beauty of the Dolomites – truly spectacular.

Accommodation Recommendation: Depending on where you start the ride, there are two hotel options that we recommend.

Hotel Continental, Dolomites, is a gateway to the magic of the Dolomites and the mountain roads of this enchanting area.

www.hotelcontinental.eu

Hotel Col Alto, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, providing you with a breath-taking view of the area, and easy access to alpine adventures!

www.colalto.it

Check out the route & climbs

Let’s take a closer look at each climb:

1. Passo Gardena: Starting in Corvara, this pass took me to an elevation of 2,121 meters. It’s a 9.5-kilometer climb with an average slope of 5.5%.

2. Passo Sella: From Selva di Val Gardena, this pass led me to a height of 2,240 meters. The climb is about 6.5 kilometres long, with an average slope of 7.9%.

3. Passo Pordoi: Conquering this pass from Arabba, I reached an altitude of 2,239 meters. It’s a 9-kilometer climb with an average slope of 6.9%.

4. Passo Campolongo: Also starting in Arabba, this pass took me to a height of 1,875 meters. The climb is approximately 6.5 kilometres long, with an average slope of 6.2%.

The atmosphere on the SELLARONDA Bike Day was electric, with thousands of riders from all over the world, taking on the challenge. Whether you’re a pro or a casual rider, road biker or electric MTB, everyone is welcome to participate, and it adds to the atmosphere. You can go at your own pace and enjoy the ride. Along the route, there are coffee shops and rest areas where you can take a break and appreciate the scenic views. If you don’t travel with your own bike, there are also some good rental options available in Val Gardena and Corvara.

Images above by Iren Mano

Route Information

The ride itself was 53km of epic scenery, with a super group of people. After the ride, finding a comfortable place to stay is crucial. I stayed at the Continental Dolomites in Val Gardena:

https://www.hotelcontinental.eu/en/

It’s an excellent choice, offering cosy rooms, exceptional service, and in a great location, making it a perfect base for exploring the Dolomites.

For me – and for everyone, the SELLARONDA Bike Day in the Dolomites is an unforgettable experience. From the breath-taking passes, to the sense of camaraderie among all the riders, this event beautifully showcases the magnificence of the Dolomites and the joy of cycling.

If you’re seeking an adventure, this biannual event is a must-visit for creating remarkable memories, in one of the world’s most stunning mountain ranges. The next Sella Ronda will be on September 7th, 2024 – so book yourself a trip of a lifetime and join the riders!

Images above by Iren Mano

Cycling with Friends is Fun!

One of the best things about this trip was taking the trip with my friends. We had so much fun, and I thoroughly recommend groups of friends planning the trip together. Yes, you’ll meet like-minded cyclists from all over the world; however, there’s something special about riding in an event such as this, with close friends sharing the ride, the scenery – and tea and cake of course!

I’ve added a Google map below, along with a selection of GPX files for you to download for free, below. If you want to take on the ride yourself at another time, then these will help your planning. Best of all, unlike other cycling websites, you don’t have to login or pay to use or GPX files – they’re as free as your cycling spirit!

Nadezhda Pavlova

Map & GPX Files

Click below for GPX file & accommodation

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Sellaronda anticlockwise start Canazei val di Fassa

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Sellaronda anticlockwise start Corvara Alta Badia

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Sellaronda anticlockwise start Pieve di Livinallongo

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Selleronda anticlockwise start Selva val Gardena

Check out Nadia‘s Dolomite’s gallery

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Open the Mountains Italy – Epic Ride to Galibier and Telegraphe with Stefano

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:31:28 +0000

Open the Mountains – with Stefano & Assault to Freedom

Epic ride to Col du Telegraphe & Galibier

Cycling in the Italian Alps is always superb, with challenging road cycling routes among the best in the world. Add to this, Italian hospitality and you’ve got a truly brilliant cycling vacation in Italy to look forward to. Tackling the Galibier should be on every cyclists list, and this Italian Alps cycling route from Stefano is a classic.

Stefano and the Assault to Freedom team in Italy, always set out to create the very best cycling routes in Italy and the best cycling in the Italian mountains and Alps. This one is a brilliant ride into the high hills of the Alps, taking on both the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier in one swoop. It will test you, both physically and mentally, and can be best tackled by a brief overnight stay, making sure that you really enjoy the trip.

However, if you’re up for an ‘Assault to Freedom’ challenge, then set off early, wrap up and take on the challenge set by Stefano

Route Information

Stats 213 km 4780 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

This route begins in the Alps, NW of Turin at Susa, meaning that there’s ample accommodation options for you. Click the Booking.com link on this page to view these.

In terms of refreshments, take plenty with you. There are places to grab a bite to eat and drink along the way; however, there are also long distances between these opportunities. If you want to do so, break the ride into 2 days and take a stop near the Col du Telegraphe.

Character

If ridden in one swooping assault, this is an epic ride, and only for fit and experienced riders. However, it can be broken down into easier days. The descents require care and skill, and you need to stay within your actual abilities.

Route

Start the route off at the small town of Susa and head out towards Plan des Fontainettes, over-looking the lake of Lac du Mont Cenis.
A long and winding descent – where care needs to be taken on some switchbacks – takes you to Saint-Martin-d’Arc, where refreshments can be taken.
Then begins a 33 km climb to the Galibier, which will test the best. Along the way, there’s epic views, but also, lots of refreshment opportunities to help you out.
Then begins a long, and sometimes tricky descent to Briancon, where you have lots of opportunities to rest and take on board much needed calories, before a final climb short climb, to Montgenèvre.
It’s now a case of staying focused, and enjoying the descending back to the start, where coffee and medals can be enjoyed!

Why not take on your own epic cycling challenges, and join the Assault to Freedom CC – visit their website here

Visit Assault to Freedom CC

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Colle dell Agnello Cycling Route

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 17:47:20 +0000

Colle dell Agnello
Classic road cycling route crossing Italy-France border.

Image by Michiel Van Lonkhuyzen

The Colle dell’Agnello is a mountain pass in the Cottian Alps, west of Monte Viso between France and Italy which links the Queyras valley (Hautes-Alpes) with Pontechianale in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont.

At 2,744 m (9,003 ft), it is the third highest paved road pass of the Alps, after Stelvio Pass and Col de l’Iseran.

Route Information

Stats 123 km 3736 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

We start this ride in the mountain town of Sampeyre, with a stop at Abries after summitting, where you can either stay over and ride back the next day, or eat and refresh yourself before the return journey.

Character

This is a tough and long day in the saddle if you do it as ride to Abries and a return ride. There are options though. You can simply descend from the summit or ride to Abries, and then decide if you want to ride back or take a stay in the small but picturesque mountain village.

Route

Start at Sampeyre in the Italian mountains and follow the SP105 road towards France!
Switchbacks begin after 8km and the climbing gets serious. At 10km turn through the village of Casteldelfino, taking in the narrow cobbled streets and architecture, before rejoining the SP105 and continuing upwards.
At 14.5km the Lago di Castello is seen on the left and the road strangely becomes the SP251 without you noticing,as this narrow but good road skirts the lake.
Passing by the village at the end of the lake, there are options for refreshments on the return. Once passed the village, the area becomes more remote and the road steepens and twists its way through the mountains.
Serious switchbacks are met at 25km as you close in on the summit, and then the isolated mountain col is reached, with nothing more than a large parking area and depending on the weather, amazing mountain views ito France and Italy.
Descending will be tough and cooler, so wrap up and prepare for the descent and do so safely and within your riding limits.
Descend to the 50km point, on the D205T (France), then joining the D5, and at La Casse , cross the bridge and at the roundabout turn right onto the D947 .There are options here for refreshments if you want to cut short the full ride and ride back after a rest to eat and drink.
Failing that, ride on the D947 to Abries, passing by the village of Aiguilles along the way. Now, the only choice is to stay the night and rest, or do the epic return journey after refreshments.

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Col de la Lombarde Cycle Route

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:52:03 +0000

Col de la Lombarde
Classic and beautiful cycling route in the Italian mountains

Image by Römert (cropped)

Crossing between France and Italy, Col de la Lombarde (or Colle della Lombarda) is a high mountain pass above the French ski resort Isola, and above the Italian mountain resort of Vinadio, famous for its historic Forte. We’ve done this climb as a two day trip over the border, making the most of the amazing area and places to see. Basing yourself at Vinadio, cycle the col to France, stay overnight at Isola and then cycle back. This way you get to experience all aspects of this amazing climb and the wonderful villages in this border mountain area.

Route Information

Stats 86 km & 2988 m

Refreshments & Where to Stay

Good accommodation options exist on both sides of the border. Click the link at the foot of this page to visit Booking.com. Refreshments along the way are available at Isola 2000 ski resort on the descent into France, but are limited elsewhere on the route. On the ride back, a detour to the Sanctuary of Sant ‘Anna Vinadio is a wonderful place to stop off at and refresh yourself.

Character

This route, whilst picturesque and beautiful is a challenging and tough Italian cycling route into the mountains. Unlike many Italain pass cycle routes, refreshments are limited and you need to be prepared. However, it’s an awesome 2 day cycling route between Italy and France, enabling you to immerse yourself in the mountain culture.

Route

1. Set off from the small historic mountain town of Vinadio and head to the SP255 mountain road. Be careful of traffic between the two countries on the road.

2. Blue road signs by a small white villa indicate the road and sign you to the col and give you the distance – 22km.

3. Hairpins lower down lead you upwards through trees, as the road steepens and becomes more isolated.

4. Reaching the summit, there’s a large area for cars and tourists, but not much else. Now and then a cafe truck will offer refreshments, but we recommend descending to the ski resort at Isola 2000, some 5 km below the summit.

5. Once refreshed, continue the tight and twisting descent on this narrow but good road and enjoy an overnight stay in the beautiful French village of Isola, before riding back over in the morning – unless you want a really epic day

Click below for GPX file & accommodation

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Colle del Nivolet Cycle Route

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 14 May 2020 15:31:26 +0000

Colle Del Nivolet Cycle Route
A beautiful road climb in the Italian mountains,with lakes on route to stop at and enjoy the majestic scenes

Cycling the Colle del Nivolet

Road Cycling in Italy

Banner Photo by Heylo Pistazie on Unsplash

Climbing the Colle del Nivolet

A classic Italian road cycling route

The Colle del Nivolet is a great Italian road cycling route and is ideal for a cycling holiday in Italy, with lots of great places to stay, and a great selection of Italian road cycling routes into the mountains to chose from nearby. It’s a simple route to follow, but not simple in terms of toughness. Beautiful views will reward you though, as you pass by Lago di Ceresole and the upper mountain lakes.

Distance and Ascent: 56km and 1928 metres of ascent

Refreshments: Cafe possible at 21km near the lake and a cafe available at the summit.

The Nivolet Pass (Italian: Colle del Nivolet is a mountain pass in the Eastern group of the Graian Alps in northern Italy. It’s located at the top of the Orco Valley, high up on the road from Turin to Ceresole Reale, in the Gran Paradiso National Park. The colle forms part of the boundary between the Aosta Valley and the Piemont region. It’s a beautiful colle, with lakes at the top and on the way there too. This is an isolated mountain climb, soprepare well and take the right kit.

Colle del Nivolet - Route Details

Route

Start from the mountain town of Noasca, where there’s lots of accommodation options. Take a look at our accommodation link at the foot of the page.
The SP460 road climbs for 8.4km until you turn right to the SP50. Follow the SP50 and hairpins begin in earnest at 16km, as trees begin to give way to wild mountains views all around you.
At 20km enjoy the Lago Serru (lake) before continuing on the twisting road upwards, as hairpins twist you onwards, apssing buildings on the left at Agnel at 21.3km,just before reaching Lago Agnel on the left, as the spectacular raised mountain road takes you over the valley beside the waters of the lake.
Eventually, the hairpins and gradient ease and the summit lakes lead you to the mountain refuse and restaurant of the summit. Take some well earned refreshments, get that extra jacket on and then descend with care, stopping at one of the lower mountain villages for coffee on the way down.
There’s a great little cafe on the left at the village of Villa at the 44km point, where you can get a drink and snack to keep you going on the last section.

Mountain descents re tiring, so please take the opportunity for rest breaks.

Click below for GPX files

Colle Del Nivolet GPX

Colle del Nivolet Cue Card

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Great St Bernard Pass Cycle Route

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 12 May 2020 18:34:31 +0000

Cycling the Great St Bernard Pass

Colle del Gran San Bernardo

Colle Del Nivolet Cycle Route
A beautiful road climb in the Italian mountains,with lakes on route to stop at and enjoy the majestic scenes

Images on this page by Rowan Manning

The Great St Bernard Pass, known in Italy as the Colle del Gran San Bernardo is a cycling route that looks a every inch a classic cycling route, linking Italy with Switzerland and is a road cycling climb in the Italian mountains that is set to test the very best cyclists. This awesome Italian road cycling pass is a route that all cyclists should ride, because cycling any Italian Passes is a trip of a lifetime and the Great St Bernard Pass road cycling route has to be on your top list of roads to ride.

Climbing the Great St Bernard Pass, the Colle del Gran San Bernardo – A classic Italian road cycling route

The Great St Bernard Pass, known in Italy as the Colle del Gran San Bernardo is an iconic road cycling route in Italy, and one of the most beautiful of Italian cycling routes. The road twists its way to the summit, testing every cyclist whilst providing awesome mountain views to drive you onwards and upwards to the summit.

Distance and Ascent: 70.3km and 1988 metres of ascent

Refreshments: Cafe possible at 12km and a cafe available at the summit.

Great St Bernard Pass - Route Details

Route

Start from the mountain town of Aosta and follow signs to Switzerland – seriously.
Take the SS27 road that climbs into the mountains, signed towards ‘Etroubles’, reaching this after 16km of cycling and climbing.
At 28km some serious switchbacks begin and the opportunity for a coffee does arise at 31km if you cannot make it to the top without caffiene.
At 34.5km the top is reached, with views of the lake and ample refreshments available, before you descend with care back to Italy.

An alternative, is to continue into Switzerland and overnight at Martigny before cycling back over. The choice is yours, but either way, it’s an epic ride.

Please take sufficient tools, spare tubes and cold weather clothing, as the higher roads will be cold and descending will be coller than climbing!

Click below for GPX files

Great St Bernard Pass

Great St Bernard Pass Cue Card

Cycle holidays Italy – pedalnorth

Lake Garda Gran Fondo 2026: Climbs Corners and Italian Cycling Magic

Cycling at Lake Garda – The Italian Lakes & Mountains

The Route: Fast Flats and Sharp Turns

The Climbs: Breaking the Spirit

1. Ascent of Navazzo

2. Ascent of Capovalle

3. Ascent of Preseglie

4. Ascent of Coste (S. Eusebio)

Pure Italian Magic

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Map & GPX Files

Click below for GPX file & accommodation

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My Incredible Bike Ride through Stunning Mountain Passes

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Cycling with Friends is Fun!

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Click below for GPX file & accommodation

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Click below for GPX file

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