Rapha Cent Cols Challenge - Dolomites

SOLD OUT!

Spaces still available on CCC Alps and CCC Pyrenees

New for 2012, this route is probably the definitive experience of road cycling in the mountains. With just under 2,000kms and 50,000M of climbing, it will be very intense. From its’ start (and finish) in San Pellegrino Terme (easy access via Milan Bergamo airport) it stretches east to Paularo, a little further than the infamous Monte Zoncolan. 10-12% stretches are common to most climbs, as are superb series of perfect hairpins. Complemented by frequent albergo’s or refugio’s at the top of climbs, the roads skywards seem almost designed specifically for cyclists.

What's Included?

Twelve nights accommodation, twin occupancy
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotel and restaurants
Snacks and lunches on riding days (excluding energy drink, bars, gels)
Experienced guides, mechanic and four dedicated support vehicles
Monthly newsletters from Phil Deeker
A three month training plan from La Fuga Performance

What’s Not?

Flights
Flight transfers / travel to / from start hotel
Travel Insurance
Drinks with evening meals
Incidental Expenses
Tips and gratuities (not expected but warmly received!)

The Knowledge

• Price: £1980 (twin occupancy)

Rapha Cent Cols Challenge - Dolomites

Stage 1: San Pellegrino Terme to Pieve di Ledro

Stats: 201km ; 4,600M. 11 Cols

Main climbs: Passo di Zambla, San Zeno, di Maniva, di Croce Domini, Ampola.

Description: A 26km climb after just 4km of the Stage opens the show and sends us on our way to Lovere on the beautiful Lago Iseo for our first feedstop. A 17 km climb follows that, but the real feature of the day is the Passo Maniva, followed by the Croce Domini. A total climb of nearly 30km with a 5 km passage of flattish Strada Bianca at the top across some extraordinary wild, barren scenery. A long descent then to Bovegno sees a return to a more reassuring landscape as we make our way to our lakeside hotel on the Lago di Ledro. A stunning opening stage.

Stage 2: Pieve di Ledro to Fiera di Primero

Stage 3 : Fiera di Primero to Chiaulis (Villa Santina)

Stats: 195km ; 5,300M. 12 Cols

Main climbs: Passo Cerada, Duran, Forcella Cibiana, Mauria, di Pura, Sella Chiampon.

Description: Coming right at the start of the Stage, Passo Cerada , with its average 9% over 8km is literally our wake up call : we have arrived in the heart of the Dolomites. The famous rock skylines set the tone for some dramatic rides to follow. The Forcella Cibiana is another classic : a particularly charming climb through the woods . After the gentler Passso Mauria, the Stage ends with two tough and very steep climbs. Both have some very dramatic moments and the first is followed by a superb descent through a gorge and (lit) tunnels. The second brings us to within striking distance of Villa Santina, with views over towards the next mornings’ giant.

Stage 4 : Chiaulis to Misurina

Stats: 205km ; 5,600M. 10 Cols

Main climbs: Sella Monte Zoncolan, Forcella di Luis, di Razzo, San Antonio, Monte Croce Comelico.

Description: The Beast of the Challenge comes 20 km after breakfast and is obviously the main feature of this epic stage. All other notions of steep will become relative after this one. After a beautiful wooded loop to the Forcella Lavardet , which marks our most eastern point of the route, we head north-west notably via the formidable Passo san Antonio with its 6km of 10% over 16 hairpins. Having almost touched the Austrian border, we turn south again and conclude the stage once again at a stunning lakeside hotel. More superb views all along the way make this another stage that offers The Best.

Stage 5 : Misurina to Canaze

Stats: 176km ; 5,200M. 11 Cols

Main climbs: Passo Giau, di Valparola, Gardena, di Sella, Pordoi, di Campolungo, Fedaia.

Description: The stage that takes in the famous Sella Ronde and climbs into the core of the Dolomites. The Passo Giau , considered one of the most beautiful passes in Italy, is our opener but what follows will not disappoint even so. The Gardena and Sella passes can be enjoyed as examples of mountain perfection whereas the Fedaia (Marmolada) , which ends the glorious suffering, is as brutal as they come. This stage is an absolute Classic and a perfect way to end the first part of this Challenge.

Rest Day

Description: At Canazei, in a hotel with full spa facilities (steam room, sauna, indoor pool, etc).

Stage 7: Levico Terme to Castelvecchio

Stats: 181km ; 4,000M. 15 Cols

Main climbs: Passo Cost, Vezzana, Coe, della Borcola, pion della Fugazze, del Zovo.

Description: This stage begins with another of the steeper climbs of the route : 8km of 10-12% on an extraordinary rode carved into the mountainside. It takes us up to the Passo Vezzana in a truly dramatic fashion. This is one of the most remote stages, with several wooded climbs on narrow, deserted roads and more endless views across wooded expanses. It also has the only uphill finish : a steep climb up to the tiny village of Castelvecchio. This has to be a timed climb on the Challenge!

Stage 8 : Castelvecchio to Ponte Arche

Stats: 208km ; 5,600M. 14 Cols

Main climbs: Passo di Santa Caterina, del Branchetto, di Colla, Fittanze, Santa Barbara

Description: From the Veronese hills to the National Lessini Park, this stage takes us from woodland to barren open windswept highland scenery and on back into the mountains at the end. It contains two of the longest climbs (24 and 26 kms) as well as the two steepest and most dramatic descents of the whole event. The Passo Santa Barbara is a very memorable way to finish the hardest climbing of this stage....!

Stage 9 : Ponte Arche to Pont di Legno

Stats: 175km ; 4,100M. 5 Cols

Main climbs: Passo del Santel, della Mendola, Tonale.

Description: Perhaps the ‘easiest’ stage of the Challenge, it begins with a ‘soft’ climb before a thrilling long descent to the Trento region valleys. Here we have a rare 30km section of relative flat, through the impressive orchards and vineyards, before climbing the stunning Passo Mendola. The finale is left to the Passo Tonale, which, after a gentle start, becomes quite an’ interesting’ climb. A welcome descent finished the stage down into Ponte di Legno where we have time to prepare for the grand final stage.

Stage 10 : Ponte di Legno to San Pellegrino Terme

Stats: 224km ; 5,400M. 5 Cols

Main climbs: Passo Gavia, Mortirolo, Vivione, di Ganda.

Description: The massive climb of the Passo Gavia opens the celebrations : a truly iconic climb and very dramatic. 40km of descent follow, passing through Bormio. This brings us to the foot of the second iconic place of the stage : the Mortirolo climb. Almost on a par with the Zoncolan, this climb is tough and steep all the way up. Another long descent takes us to one of the most beautiful climbs of the event : the Passo Vivione. An absolute jewel of the Challenge, to be savoured. After the third long descent (another 30km stretch) we join the route of the 2011 Giro until the end of our stage for one final climb before plunging back down into our start town for the finish.

Rapha Cent Cols Challenge - Dolomites