Cycling Veneto & The Prosecco Hills
The Fabulous countryside between Venice and the Alps
Home to 8 out of the 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be found in Italy, the Veneto offers a ‘smörgåsbord’ of geography: from the flat plans in the south to the high mountains in the north.
The Pre-Alps, which sit just below the Dolomites are composed of a number of minor ranges between 700m and 2200m in altitude and are famous for their caves, chasms and WWI tunnels. On the surface, though they are home to many monumental cycling climbs none more so than the Monte Grappa rising up from the flat Venetian plain and boasting a colossal 10 different routes to the summit.
Facts
History
Part of the Republic of Venice until 1797 Veneto was merged with the Kingdom of Italy in 1866 however the majority of inhabitants still consider themselves Venetian before Italian. Formed by the vast flat lands to the south and the Prealps in the north it is a diverse and beautiful region.
Cycling Classic
The region’s most famous connection to cycling lies at the top of the Croce d’ Aune pass as it is here where Tullio Campagnolo first had the idea of a quick release system for wheels which in turn led him to create many of the components that revolutionized the bikes we all use today.
Climate
The area is blessed with multiple climates from a continental one on the plains to a far milder one along the coast and into the mountains where temperatures can be cool even in high summer. Rain is scarce on the flat lands but far more abundant at higher altitudes and snow is likely from November through April.
Terrain
The Terrain can be split into two halves, the pan flat plains in the south and the increasingly lumpy Prealps in the north. Not as high in altitude as the ranges further north the climbs in the Prealps can though be long and hard especially those on the edge of the range that rise from almost sea level.
Tours that Include this Region
Points of Interest
Tullio Campagnolo
At the summit of the Passo Croce d’ Aune stands the Tullio Campagnolo Memorial which was unveiled in 1995 and celebrates the day he changed the world of cycling forever.
Nardini's Grappa
Bassano del Grappa, legend says is where the spirit of Grappa was first distilled by a Roman Soldier and is now home to the world-famous Nardini distillery which makes the finest spirit on earth.
BMG Award
There are ten routes to the summit of Monte Grappa and if you climb them all within a year you are awarded the Brevetto del Monte Grappa.
WWI Memorial
At the top of Monte Grappa stands the giant white stone war memorial containing the bones of 22,910 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers, of which only 3000 were ever identified.
Caves
The highlight of the Prealps many famous caves is the Spluga della Preta, situated in the Monte Lessini chain in the province of Verona it has an explored depth of 985 metres, the deepest in all Italy.
"It was this moment on the Croce d’ Aune that eventually led to the invention of the quick release skewer and the start of the Campagnolo story."
Why Choose the Veneto and Prosecco Hills for Your Next Cycling Trip?
Despite its proximity to Venice, one of the most famous cities in the world, the Veneto region and Prosecco Hills remain an underrated gem for cyclists. The variety and quality of cycling in the Prosecco Hills and the Veneto region are simply outstanding. A cycling trip to the Prosecco Hills and the land of Venice will rival the best cycling regions in the world.
Of course, this area is famous for its Prosecco wine, grown on rolling hills that provide the perfect vantage point for panoramic views of its terraced vineyards. But the appeal goes beyond wine—cycling in the Prosecco region offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Ride through the charming towns of Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, and Vittorio Veneto, each rich in heritage and cycling tradition.
The region is also home to legendary climbs like Monte Grappa and Passo San Boldo, both of which have featured in the Giro d’Italia and offer thrilling routes with significant elevation gain. Whether you seek challenging ascents or leisurely rides, cycling trips to the Prosecco Hills cater to every rider’s preference.
Veneto is also a cycling industry hub, home to prestigious brands like Pinarello, Wilier Triestina, Basso, Sidi, Sportful, Castelli, Elite, Scicon, and Selle Italia. Lastly, this is the home region of CyclingHero, ensuring that when you explore the best cycling in the Prosecco Hills and the land of Venice, you’re in very good hands.
Veneto & Prosecco Hills Cycling FAQ
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A CYCLING HOLIDAY IN VENETO AND THE PROSECCO HILLS?+
The cycling season in Veneto and the Prosecco Hills kicks off in early spring. April and May are ideal, offering mild temperatures and fewer tourists, though be ready for the occasional spring shower.
June and July are starting to get warm, but if you're planning to continue your trip North into the Dolomites, this can be an excellent starting point. August can get quite hot, but if you plan your rides early in the day, this is manageable.
September, like June, is usually on the warmer side, but is still an ideal time to visit. Later in the Fall is another fantastic option. October and early November bring cooler weather and breathtaking vineyard foliage, transforming your ride into a journey through an Italian masterwork.
WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS CLIMBS IN VENETO AND THE PROSECCO HILLS?+
Monte Grappa is the region’s iconic challenge, regularly featured in the Giro d’Italia, most recently in the legendary 2024 queen stage won by Tadej Pogačar.
Passo San Boldo is a hidden gem, a spectacular climb featuring 18 switchbacks, with the last five winding through tunnels carved into the rock by the Austrian side during World War I.
Passo Croce d’Aune above the town of Feltre has also been included in past Giro stages and is famous for being where Tulio Campagnolo came up with the quick release.
Although it is not a true pass like the others, the Ca’ del Poggio is worth a mention, a steep climb through the heart of Prosecco country, often featured in Giro stages.
You’ll also find scenic and rewarding ascents in the Colli Berici and Colli Euganei, two lesser-known but stunning areas for hill riding.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO RIDE VENETO AND THE PROSECCO HILLS?+
This region offers something for everyone. If you stick to the rolling terrain of the Prosecco vineyards or the flatter areas around Treviso and Bassano, moderate fitness is enough. However, if you’re aiming to tackle Monte Grappa, San Boldo, or the steeper roads in the Colli Berici and Colli Euganei, you’ll want to be in good cycling shape and comfortable with climbing.
WHAT GEAR RATIOS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR TRIPS IN VENETO AND TEH PROSECCO HILLS?+
We recommend a compact or subcompact setup, 50/34 or even 48/32 up front, paired with an 11–34 cassette in the back, to help you spin comfortably up the steep gradients of Monte Grappa and the Passo San Boldo, or the tight ramps like the Ca’ del Poggio.
WHAT ARE THE BEST KNOWN CYCLING EVENTS HAPPENING IN VENETO AND THE PROSECCO HILLS?+
The Veneto and the Prosecco Hills region host a packed cycling calendar:
Nova Eroica Prosecco Hills (late April): A scenic, non-competitive gravel event with surprisingly tough sections. The Epic Route is 227 km long and lives up to its name!
Monte Grappa Bike Day (early June): A car-free day to conquer this iconic climb.
Giro d’Italia (late May): Multiple stages regularly pass through the area.
Prosecco Cycling (late September): A festive Granfondo through the vineyards.
VenetoGO Social Ride (mid-October): A casual and fun ride to close the season hosted by ex-pro Pippo Pozzato.
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