B - Punta Veleno Prada Alta - B

The route begins in the picturesque town of Bardolino, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, a beloved starting point for cyclists due to the beautiful views and cozy atmosphere. After departing, you cycle towards the nearby Garda, where you can make a short stop at the impressive Church of Santa Maria Assunta. This church, with its beautiful architecture and serene appearance, is located just near the center of Garda.

From Garda, you follow the coastline towards the charming Torri del Benaco, a town known for its beautiful lakeside location and the historic Castello Scaligero. The narrow streets and quiet harbor provide a lovely stopover. The medieval castle, with its towers and walls towering above the town, is an impressive sight and gives you a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

From Torri del Benaco, the real challenge of this route begins: the infamous climb of Punta Veleno. This climb is known as one of the toughest ascents in the region, with gradients reaching as much as 15-20%. The climb to Prada Alta is technically and physically demanding but offers breathtaking views of Lake Garda. The steep hairpin turns and narrow roads require good climbing technique and strong legs.

Along the way, you pass Albisano, a charming mountain village with a view over Lake Garda, and the lovely San Zeno di Montagna, a village that is often used as a base for hikers and cyclists. After this, you continue cycling towards Prada, a popular destination for nature and mountain lovers, before finally reaching the top of Punta Veleno.

Once you arrive at the summit of Punta Veleno, you have not only accomplished a great physical feat, but you are also rewarded with a phenomenal view over the surrounding mountains and Lake Garda. The satisfaction you feel here makes all the effort of the tough climb more than worth it. After taking a moment to rest, you begin the technical descent.

The descent from Punta Veleno back down is technical, with sharp turns and steep sections. Instead of turning right back to San Zeno di Montagna, you continue straight to Lumini, a quiet mountain village where the roads become less steep and the landscape a bit greener and more open. From Lumini, you cycle further to Rubiana, a small hamlet, before arriving in Caprino Veronese. This town is an important crossroads in the region and offers opportunities for a short break to refuel.

From Caprino Veronese, you continue cycling through the picturesque landscape of the Veneto region. The road to Pesina is rolling, with alternating views of vineyards and olive trees. In Pesina, you can stop briefly at the Church of San Rocco, a historic monument in the center of the village. The route continues towards Albarè, a quiet village just outside Bardolino.

From Albarè, it is an easy ride back to Bardolino, where you can end the day by the shores of Lake Garda. The flat roads and beautiful views over the lake provide a perfect cooldown after a day full of strenuous climbs.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 60 km

Elevation gain: +1300 meters

Difficulty: Very challenging. Particularly the climb of Punta Veleno is extremely tough, with gradients up to 20%.

Conclusion:

This route offers a true challenge for experienced cyclists. The climb to Punta Veleno is relentless and technically demanding, but the reward in the form of beautiful views and the satisfaction of reaching the summit is more than worth it. The route through Caprino Veronese and along the villages of Pesina and Albarè offers a calmer alternative after the exertion of the climb, and the return along Lake Garda is a perfect way to end the day.

PUNTA VELENO PRADA ALTA

Torri Del Benaco, Italy

The Punta Veleno Prada Alta is a col with a length of 21.9 kilometers. This is a category 1 col. It is located in Torri Del Benaco, Veneto, Italy. The average grade of this col is 4.8% with a maximum of 11.5%. The Punta Veleno Prada Alta ascends from 105 meters at the start, to 1,144 meters at the top, with a total of 1,039 ascending meters.

FACTS

Distance: 21.9 km

Elevation gain: 1039 m

Average grade: 4.8 %

Maximum grade: 11.5 %

Climb category: 1

Minimum elevation: 105 m

Maximum elevation: 1144 m