A brand new gravel race in the Dolomites, with UCI stamp and support from the Veneto region. On June 20, 2026 goes the GT3 Lavaredo (Grand Tour 3 Cime Lavaredo) starts from Auronzo di Cadore, As part of the UCI Gravel World Series. The event has been designed as a concrete ‘legacy’ project of the Olympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026. We have separated the profiles and the course.
From ski slopes to gravel roads
The organizers are not shy about it. The Olympic Winter Games bring the Dolomites into the spotlight this year, and GT3 Lavaredo is intended to maintain that attention after the Games. “‘Legacy’ is not a slogan,” they write. “It means improved infrastructure, consolidated organizational strength, and the ability to attract an international audience, even after the Games.”
The idea is to ‘seasonalize’ tourism in the province of Belluno, moving away from purely winter sports towards year-round cycling. Among those behind the event are Region of Veneto, the Province of Belluno, the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore and the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI). The same organization also ran the UCI Gravel World Championships 2023 in Pieve di Soligo.
Five climbs, almost 2,000 meters high
The course of the GT3 Lavaredo is at least challenging to say the least. The Granfondo is the main event: 133 km with such 3,200 altitude meters, Start and finish in Auronzo di Cadore (831m). Five categorized climbs, the highest point of which is the Klammbach at 1,929 meters, around kilometer 40. The last serious obstacle is the Passo Tre Croci (1,795m) at kilometer 100, followed by a long descent towards the finish.
| Granfondo | Half Marathon | Audax ARI Brevet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 133 km | 105 km | 133 km |
| Elevation meters | ~3.200m | ~2,500m | ~3.200m |
| Highest point | 1,929m | 1,929m | 1,929m |
| Cycling | Gravel, MTB | Gravel, MTB | Gravel, MTB, E-Bike |
The route runs through the Somadida forest, along Lake Misurina and historical WW I trails on Monte Piana. The profile shows five categorized climbs with a total of 3,200 meters of elevation gain.
Option for World Cup qualification
The GT3 Lavaredo counts as a qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships 2026 That this year in Nannup, Australia (October 10–11). The top 25% per age category qualify. The UCI Gravel World Series This year there are 45 events in 32 countries. If you want to race in a European alpine qualifier in June, this is your chance. The course has 3,200 meters of elevation gain and long descents. June in the Dolomites means varying weather, so prepare well. You could also say that there are easier options to qualify.
Who puts it on the calendar?
Have you already had experience with the gorges around Cortina or Auronzo, or do you know of a good starting point there? We would be happy to hear from you. We only have experience with Alpine gravel in Bolzano And that was definitely recommended.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.