November 4, 1924, Grand Prix of Victory, ascent to Croce d’Aune, a very young Tullio Campagnolo is racing and caressing dreams of victory.
Everything shatters when metal and frozen hands prevent him from dismantling and reassembling the wheel. This moment will lead him to invent the quick-release mechanism. It is here, on the ascent of Croce d’Aune, that cycling begins to change forever.
On June 1, 2019, the hairpin bends of Croce d’Aune are once again painted pink during the stage starting from Feltre. Thousands of people witness the heated duel between Nibali, Carapaz, and Roglič in the stage that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Sportful Dolomiti Race, the toughest Granfondo in Europe held every year in mid-June. Included among the Dolomite stages in 1964, it remains an unforgettable passage where, for one afternoon, the Giro seems to return to the era of the legends Coppi and Bartali.
A route on unpaved roads, at least 300 punctures: Vito Taccone, leading the race, gets punctured seven times between the ascent and descent. A battle of nerves, as well as legs, where Marcello Mugnaini crosses the finish line first, ahead of Zilioli and Motta.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Departure: Piazzale Birreria Pedavena (Pedavena - BL)
Arrival: Gorna (Sovramonte - BL)
Distance: 16.2 km
Elevation Gain: 605 m
Travel Time: half a day
Difficulty: very difficult
You find yourself in a natural environment that demands respect:
- Prohibition of collecting flowers
- Prohibition of swimming
- No shouting
- Prohibition of lighting fires
- Do not leave trash behind, dispose of it in the designated areas (including cigarette butts, tissues, masks, and organic waste)
- Minors must be accompanied
- Dogs must be kept on a leash and their waste collected
- Do not stray from the path
- Do not disturb the local wildlife
It is advisable to check the website of ARPAV for any disturbances before embarking on the route.
