B - Monte Baldo + Passo delle Fittanze - B

The route begins in the charming town of Bardolino, on the shores of Lake Garda. This town is a popular destination among cyclists thanks to its combination of beautiful views, a good road network, and challenging climbs in the area. From Bardolino, you cycle towards the nearby Garda, where you pass the impressive Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful church in the center of the town.

From Garda, you continue your way towards Costermano sul Garda, a picturesque village with rolling roads and beautiful views of Lake Garda. The ride to Costermano is quite flat and ideal for getting into a rhythm. You pass through vineyards and small villages, a calm approach to the major challenge of the day.

After Costermano, you reach the town of Caprino Veronese, the gateway to the climb of Monte Baldo. Here, you can make a short stop at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, a historic church in the heart of the town. Caprino Veronese is also the starting point for the steep climb to Monte Baldo, which will lead you through various picturesque villages.

The climb to Monte Baldo begins quite steeply. The first villages you pass are Pazzon and Vezzane, which are located on the slopes of the mountain. The road winds its way up, with gradients varying from 6% to 10%. After Vezzane, you reach the village of Spiazzi, a popular spot for pilgrims visiting the nearby Madonna della Corona. Although the church is not visible from the bike, this unique rock-built church is an impressive sight that is certainly worth visiting later.

After passing Spiazzi, you cycle further up towards Ferrara di Monte Baldo. The landscape becomes rougher and the roads narrower. You ride through a stunning mountain landscape and pass by the historic Il Sentiero delle Trincee, an old defense line from World War I. The road to the top of Monte Baldo remains challenging, but the views over the mountains are breathtaking. Once at the top of Monte Baldo, you are rewarded with an incredible view and the feeling of a great achievement.

From the top of Monte Baldo, a long, technical descent to Avio begins. This descent requires good control of the bike due to the sharp curves and steep descents. It is important to stay focused, but the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make it an unforgettable experience.

After the descent, you reach the village of Sdruzzinà, where the next challenge of the day begins: the climb of the Passo delle Fittanze della Sega. This climb is notorious for its steep gradients, which can reach up to 19% in some places. The climb is long and tough, and the road winds its way up through a remote, almost untouched mountain landscape. It is a true test of endurance and perseverance.

After reaching the top of the Passo delle Fittanze della Sega, a quick descent follows to Faggioli and further to Villanuova and Selvavecchia. The descent is a welcome change after the tough climb and gives you the chance to recover. The landscape here becomes a bit greener and friendlier, with wide views over the surrounding hills.

From Selvavecchia, you head towards Ronconi, followed by Barozze and Fosse. These villages are located on the rolling hills of the Veneto region and offer quiet roads with beautiful views of the countryside. After Breonio and Verago, you pass the Chiesa della Madonna della Salette, a small church that provides a resting point on the route.

From Verago, you cycle on to Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, known for its wine production and the beautiful vineyards that surround it. The route continues towards Ponton and then to Affi, where you return to flatter roads. Here, you can pick up the pace again and enjoy the relaxing kilometers.

After Affi, you start your return journey towards Albarè and finally back to Bardolino, where you conclude the grueling ride. The flat roads and the view of Lake Garda provide a relaxed ending to a challenging but beautiful day on the bike.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 133 km

Elevation gain: +3,800 meters

Difficulty level: Extremely hard. The climb of the Passo delle Fittanze della Sega and Monte Baldo are particularly challenging.

Conclusion:

This route is an epic challenge for the seasoned cyclist. With steep climbs like Monte Baldo and the Passo delle Fittanze della Sega, this ride tests your strength and endurance to the limit. However, the breathtaking views, technical descents, and the beautiful landscape of the Veneto region make it an unforgettable experience.