From the Prosecco Hills to the Dolomites Bike Tour | Italy Cycling Classic

From Treviso, the hometown of Pinarello, a short ride brings you to the beautiful Pinarello flagship store located just outside of town. The route then reaches the edge of the Montello where there is the option to stretch the legs on the climb that featured in the 1985 World Championship road race. After passing over the Piave river at Ponte della Priula it's time to enter the Prosecco Hills via a climb up to the beautiful Collalto castle. The more ambitious can take in the Ca' del Poggio climb before reaching the charming village of Soligo.

From Soligo, the ride starts with a beautiful, mostly flat stretch that hugs the Prosecco Hills. The climbing starts as we approach Valdobbiadene, the most important town in the region and home to numerous well-known vintners.

The more ambitious can head up the challenging but spectacular Passo San Boldo climb before looping back to Soligo; both routes pass through Rolle, which affords wonderful views of the vineyards below.

This spectacular day starts with a climb up to the Passo San Boldo, whose final switchback section is literally carved into the cliffside and is a feat of road engineering. More climbing awaits after Vittorio Veneto, as the route returns to the Prosecco Hills and passes through Refrontolo before returning to Soligo.

A morning transfer of around 1 1⁄2 hours will bring you to the starting point at San Vito di Cadore, where a short warmup ride leads to the chic town of Cortina, a spectacular launching pad into the Dolomites.

From here the real climbing begins as the route climbs to the Passo Falzarego, then a short way further the Passo Valparola, before descending into La Villa for the last gently uphill stretch into Corvara.

For the mountain goats, a more challenging option is available that first takes in the ‘easier’ side of the Passo Giau before taking on the Passo Falzarego. You can also choose a less challenging way after the Passo Giau and head down to Arabba where a milder climb up to the Passo Campolongo will take you to Corvara.

Welcome to the Dolomites!

Route A heads first up the Passo Campolongo before taking on the Passo Falzarego and the Passo Valparola. Make sure not to stop for too long once reaching the Falzarego, the Valparola starts soon and, although not long, you'll feel it in your legs! Route B does the same loop as Route A but in the opposite direction, which is a bit more challenging. Be aware that there are construction sites up the Passo Valparola from the San Cassiano side. For those wanting to test their limits, Route C starts with the Passo Campolongo, before descending into Caprile and taking on the very challenging Passo Fedaia, followed by the Passo Sella and Passo Gardena. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed breathtaking views.

Called the “Most Beautiful Bike Ride in the World”, the Sella Ronda is the perfect way to round out a wonderful week of riding. Starting in Corvara, the first climb tackled is the Passo Gardena, which rewards with fantastic views of both the Alta Badia and Gardena valleys. A stepped descent down to Plan de Gralba and it's time for the Passo Sella, which winds its way past the “Città dei Sassi” or “City of Boulders” on its way to the top. After descending back down in the direction of Canazei, the route once again turns towards the skies for the third challenge, the Passo Pordoi, before a 33 switchback roller-coaster descent to Arabba.

Those with relaxation on their minds can head over the last climb of the day, the Campolongo, and return to Corvara. Those wanting to stay out longer can continue down the valley to Andraz to take on the Falzarego climb, followed by the short but punchy “Mur de Giat” in La Villa before returning to Corvara.

After a last breakfast, it’s time for the transfer back to Venice for your trip home or further explorations in the area. How does your bucket list climb look today?