2019 Tour of Italy Day 1

Overview: 60 kilometres; 4 hrs duration; 1950m Vertical

Today was our first ride scheduled for our 2019 Tour of Italy. On the menu today was the Sella Ronda loop, which take our group over the Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi & Passo Campolongo. This is a classic Dolomites loop and one of the most picturesque that you will see anywhere in the world. Often used as part of the Giro d’Italia, these climbs are steeped in Giro history.

The forecast for today was quite cold, but in reality it was a little warmer, however the weather had to be respected so as much warm gear as possible was loaded into the support van. The group enjoyed some very still conditions, while climbing the snow laden ascent of Passo Gardena. This would be a bit of a test for their lungs, which wouldn’t have acclimatised from being at sea-level the day before. Everyone noted an elevated HR today, but not alarming numbers.

After a regroup at the top of Passo Gardena, the group descended through a winter wonderland on the back side of Passo Gardena, to our intersection affectionately knows as Dan’s corner. One of our tourists missed this turn in 2014 on a loop in the opposite direction and added an extra 10km of climbing to his day. Ooops.

Now the crew climbed the 5.5km to the summit of Passo Sella. A relatively even matched group with the majority of the group within 2-3 mins of the entire group. It is a magical view from the summit, especially over the valley that leads down to Canazei. A quick photo or two and then it was time to head down into the valley, where it is a little warmer below the tree line for some lunch.

Two climbs down and two to go. Now the group turned up and climbed Passo Pordoi. This is a 6km climb to our highest point of the day. Our highest point was also our coldest point and the group looked like they needed more fuel. Time to head for Arabba and some strudel with vanilla custard. The descent is a reasonably technical descent with a myriad of switchbacks that come in quick fire succession.

Final climb of the day was the Campolongo. A four km climb at about 7%, to get us over to Corvara and home again. Its a nasty little start to the Campolongo before it settles in and maxes out at 1850m altitude. The entire group looked pretty satisfied with their day, and it was all down hill from here.

A great dinner tonight at Poste Zirm in Corvara. Pizza was the main meal of choice and for many coupled with a celebratory local Red Beer for good measure. The general consensus on today’s ride was ‘amazing’ or ‘sensational’ or just plain incredible day. To be honest, like photos in the Dolomites, these comments really don’t come close to just how spectacular the rides are in this region. Can’t wait for Day 2.