Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites are a large mountain range known for tall peaks and beautiful views. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site and an alpine region that offers various activities and outdoor sports, including cycling.
Join us in the article as we explore cycling in the Dolomites, the best routes to try based on difficulty, what gear to pack, cycling events, and many other useful tips to help you make the most of your Dolomites Italy cycling tour.
Why the Dolomites are a cycling paradise
If you love to cycle, cycling through the Dolomites in spring is an unbelievable expereince. The region is extremely beautiful and rich in natural elements like limestone. As you cycle through the area, you will see these large limestone peaks, lakes and alpine meadows. One of the most beautiful areas is Lake Sorapis, a popular stop along many trails. Additionally, the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, is another must-see stop along the way as you cycle through the Dolomites.
Dolomites cycling heritage
The Dolomites is an important area in professional cycling. It has been part of the Giro d’Italia since the mid-20th century and attracts riders from all around the world.
Prestigious cycling events
The Dolomites are home to well-known cycling events that attract hundreds of global riders annually. The Maratona dles Dolomites, established in 1987, has grown with over 30,000 applications annually for just 9,000 spots. Additionally, the Sellaronda Bike Day is a non-competitive event where cyclists can enjoy car-free roads around the Sella Massif.
The best cycling routes and difficulty levels
Cycling Dolomites offers a variety of routes that meet different skill levels. Here are some of the most renowned routes we suggest for your cycling tour:
Passo Pordoi
Passo Pordoi is a very famous climb in Dolomites cycling. It’s known for its manageable climbs and many switchbacks, making it accessible to many cyclists. Passo Pordoi is 9.4 km long, with an average gradient of 6.8% and an elevation gain of 637 meters. The climb from Arabba has 33 hairpin bends, giving you a steady rhythm and breathtaking panoramic views.
Passo Giau
Passo Giau is another renowned trail, but this one is famous for its challenging ascent and has been featured multiple times in the Giro d’Italia. It has a 9.8 km climb with an average gradient of 9.4% and a total elevation gain of 922 meters. Starting from Selva di Cadore, the route is much more challenging than others, with sections that reach gradients as steep as 14%.
Sellaronda Circuit
The Sellaronda Circuit is a loop that has four major passes. It will give you a challenging ride through the heart of the Dolomites. It covers approximately 53 km with an elevation gain of around 1,650 meters. It includes four mountain passes: Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Gardena. The loop can be ridden in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise.
Route difficulty classification
To help cyclists select the correct trail for their difficulty level, the Singletrack Scale (STS) is used to classify routes based on technical difficulty. Please use this as a guide when planning your cycling Dolomites tour.
S0: Easy trails without significant obstacles; suitable for beginners.
S1: Slightly uneven trails with small obstacles like roots or stones.
S2: Uneven trails with larger obstacles requiring good bike control.
S3: Difficult trails with tight turns and significant obstacles.
S4: Very difficult trails with steep gradients and complex technical sections.
S5: Extremely challenging trails suitable only for highly skilled riders.
Travel and gear tips for cycling in the Dolomites
Cycling in the Dolomites requires preparation. You need to be physically and also logistically. The terrain in this region is challenging, and the weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, having the right equipment and being organised will ensure you have a fun and successful ride.
Gear
Most cyclists prefer a compact 50-34 chainset paired with an 11-28t or even an 11-32t cassette. This setup provides a wider range of gears, making it easier to spin through tough climbs. Many experienced riders on forums confirm that even trained cyclists benefit from lower gearing in this mountainous region. We suggest following up with past riders to see what worked best for them and how you can manage and adjust your settings.
Clothing
Weather conditions in the Dolomites can change quickly and dramatically, even in summer. The most important tip is to wear layers and be prepared for all weather temperatures.
Equipment Check
Always thoroughly inspect your bike before any ride. Check the brakes, tires, and cables, and guarantee that everything is in top shape.
Major cycling Dolomites tours and events
The Dolomites host some of Europe’s most iconic cycling events. The Maratona dles Dolomites is one of the most prestigious granfondos in the world. The event takes riders over seven mountain passes, including Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Giau, covering distances of 55 km, 106 km, or 138 km depending on the chosen course.
For cyclists looking for a more relaxed expereince, the Sellaronda Bike Day is a non-competitive event that is held twice a year (usually in June and September). All the roads around Sella Massif are closed on this day, giving cyclists full access to the Sellaronda loop.
For mountain biking lovers, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites is known as one of the hardest MTB marathons in the world. The HERO has two main routes: an 86 km course with 4,500 meters of elevation gain and a shorter 60 km option with 3,200 meters of climbing. Since its debut in 2010, its quickly become a popular event.
Why you should cycle in the Dolomites
Cycling in the Dolomites isn’t just a fun and beautiful ride, it is a great opportunity to see some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the world. Whether you want to set a personal record or simply ride the area in peace, the Dolomites will provide you with the perfect expereince.
When you’re ready to plan your Dolomites cycling tour, discover our exclusive accommodation options with D4U. With a variety of properties available, you are sure to find the perfect space for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in northern Italy.
