Sellaronda – The quintessential cycling tour in the Dolomites

The Sellaronda is the most famous tour for cyclists who want to put themselves to the test on legendary climbs in the middle of the Dolomites. It also forms part of the route for the renowned “Maratona dles Dolomites” Granfondo bicycle race.

The anticlockwise circular route goes through four passes in the Dolomites: Pordoi, Campolongo, Gardena and Sella. It will also take you through the respective Ladin valleys of Fassa, Livinallongo, Badia and Gardena. Encompassing no fewer than three different provinces (Trento, Bolzano and Belluno), it is the summer equivalent of the downhill skiing circuit that people follow in the winter with the aid of ski lifts.

The tour is as picturesque as it is demanding: although it is not too long (approximately 60 km), you will need to be fit enough to handle more than 2,100 m of elevation gain. There are hardly any flat stretches, so the only respite will come on the descents.