Croce d'Aune

Some climbs have history but few can rival the fame and significance of the Croce d’Aune and the events that unfolded on this pass on that fateful and freezing November day. Whilst competing in the Gran Primo della Vittoria the young Tullio Campagnolo, whilst struggling to remove the rear wheel of his bike to fix a flat had an epiphany.

Born of his exasperation as he fought to undo the nuts he proclaimed that there must be a better solution. It was this moment that eventually led to the invention of the quick release skewer and the start of the Campagnolo story that went on to dominate the manufacture of cycle components and develop many of the devices we take for granted today.

- From Pedavena -

Leaving Pedavena the climb of the Croce d’ Aune hits you hard right away so be ready for a kilometer of really tough gradient as you rise out of the town. Ride this section too hard and your legs will carry the effort all the way to the summit so dial it back a bit to save yourself for later on. The rest of the climb is a more sedate affair and offers no real significant obstacle with the gradient never tipping into double digits again. Packed with many slight undulations and multiple hairpins the very quiet road winds up through the thick forest until it reaches the small town of Croce d’ Aune.

As you reach the apex, on your right you will see the bronze and marble memorial to the man whose contribution to cycling has benefited just about everyone who ever threw a leg over a crossbar.