TOUR OF THE CIVETTA
Duran Pass, Staulanza Pass
The Civetta is a mountain that evokes historic mountaineering feats, or even famous competitions in the world of biking and running. Nevertheless, it is a severe test for cycle tourists who want to tour over the Alpine passes that surround it. The more than challenging Passo Duran and Forcella Staulanza are climbs also frequented by the most famous stage race: the Giro d'Italia.
We propose the route in an anti-clockwise direction. From Alleghe, the first 20 km on a gentle descent are ideal for warming up the legs and tackling the 12 km and 1000 m of altitude difference of the Duran Pass via the municipality of La Valle. Sustained and steady gradients immerse you in a natural environment of rare beauty.
The descent is characterised by a narrow and treacherous road and requires the utmost care. Once we reach Dont di Zoldo, we ascend the entire valley. The climb is long (14 km) but also rideable in places and is characterised after Pecol by narrow, scenic hairpin bends. We pass through Palafavera, home to a Nordic skiing and biathlon centre. Before the final attack at Forcella Staulanza at an altitude of 1750 metres, not far below Mount Pelmo, the detachment of a boulder brought to light petrified dinosaur footprints. The fast descent leads to Selva di Cadore, a ski resort and home to the Museo Vittorino Cazzetta, which houses the remains of the Mondeval Man.
The route continues in the direction of Colle Santa Lucia, the most characteristic village in the Dolomites of unparalleled beauty. A little further on is the 'Belvedere' terrace, where a stop is mandatory. From here it is all downhill to Caprile, where the last 4 km of flat terrain takes you back to the starting point.
ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS Length: km. 76 Positive altitude difference: 1975 Type of roads: Regional and Provincial asphalt roads Ascents: Passo Duran 12 km - difference in altitude 1000m - Max slope 15% average 7.9% Staulanza Pass 14 km - difference in altitude 835m - Max gradient 9% average 7.6 Santa Lucia Pass 3.7 km - Height difference 140m - Average gradient 5%. Notes: Avoid the downhill shortcut from Selva di Cadore to Caprile due to the presence of unlit tunnels Be careful on the descent from Duran along a narrow two-way road
