Cycling Destination aims to inspire. Not only with info on areas that are undiscovered, but also with the classics. Therefore, we introduce the 'Classic Rides': bucket list climbs or routes, which you really should have ridden once. Well-known climbs, historical routes, insane challenges. The list is endless, but we'll make a start. One of the routes that absolutely must not be missed in the Classic Rides: Cycle route Sellaronda. 'Only' 53 kilometres long, but with four different mountain passes you will encounter. Campolongo, Gardena, Pordoi and the Sella, from which this tour gets its name. If you are going to cycle the Sellaronda, be sure to read this article!
Classic route
The classic version of this tour (because you can ride it in different ways) is with start in the village Corvara in Badia. The place is stunning in its own right. You are surrounded by the Dolomites, the famous pointed peaks of stone. The reason the Sellaronda can be labelled a 'classic' is also because of its inclusion in the Maratona dles Dolomites, one of the most beautiful, best organised and challenging Gran Fondo there is. This includes the classic route, starting on the Campolongo, then finishing on the Pordoi, the Sella and the Gardena.
This route literally revolves around the Torri del Sella. The distinctive and distinctive shape of these points consists of five stone towers connected by a so-called Lokomotive (locomotive), at a height of more than 2,400m. It is a unique place and not for nothing has this section been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. When cycling the Sellaronda, don't forget to look around you.
Campolongo
It's nice that this classic lap starts with the relatively easy climb of the Campolongo. It depends a little bit on where you measure from, but the climb is about six kilometres long, with an average of 5.9%. Basically, you won't get hot or cold from that, provided you're a bit trained. Nowhere is the climb really steep and it meanders nicely to an altitude of 1875 metres. Great to warm up with in the morning and it is actually enjoyable from the start. Above all, don't forget to look back.
At the summit, you can really take a look at 'two sides'. Both valleys are easily visible from the summit. The descent is nice and long and clear. Double nice to start.
Passo Pordoi
After the descent of the Campolongo, you come to the village of Arabba. During the Maratona, after the second Campolongo, you have to turn left here towards the monster called the Passo Giau. The first time Campolongo then leads you to the right towards the Passo Pordoi. Warming up with the Campolongo is certainly useful when you start at the bottom of the Pordoi. With over nine climbing kilometres at 7% average, this is no mean feat. Especially since it climbs to an altitude of 2238 metres, just slightly lower than the Sella pass. So you get tested immensely here, because it's above 2000 metres and it's steady uphill. When we rode this climb, it was really challenging in the Sellaronda. But even here the views are stunning. The roads are beautiful, wide, winding. It is so enjoyable in this part of the world.
The descent on the other side of the Pordoi is 12 kilometres long and a fraction steeper than the climb itself. You can descend beautifully here though, so good hands down the stirrups and go!
Passo Sella
Brace yourself because after the descent of the Pordoi it turns sharply right up towards the Passo Sella. After the regularity of the Campolongo and the Pordoi, the Passo Sella is really different cake. It is very difficult to get into a rhythm and especially between kilometres four and eight of this 2244-metre mastodon, it is really hard work. In total, you climb at 7.2% in 11 kilometres. You slowly climb out between the trees to the summit. You really do have some nice hairpin turns, which are also well numbered. The last stretch you can see the Torri del Sella very nicely. At the top is a sort of post office/coffee house where you actually want to stop, if only to catch your breath after this unpleasant ordeal.
Passo Gardena
The finale of this classic lap is the Passo Gardena. This climb is relatively on the short side and actually also consists of two parts as there is a stretch of over a kilometre in the 5.7-kilometre road to the summit that is flat/descending. As a result, the overall average of this climb is only 4.4%, but that is therefore distorted by the bit of descent. On the steep sections, it is still up at 7-8%, but the final ascent is again only 5-6%.
The descent to the village of Corvara is delightful. 7% average and about nine kilometres brings you back to the start of this classic lap. At the bottom, plop down on an Italian terrace with an espresso or feast on a (hearty) pasta while taking in the scenery once more. You can do so at the central roundabout, where the lap starts or at Pasticceria Dorigo for example. It's also kind of classic to take a picture with the letters of Corvara, which have a nice backdrop.
Tip of the day
Would you also like to cycle the Sellaronda? Normally, it is open to all traffic. That means that, especially in summer, it will be very busy with motorbikes, tourist buses and other cyclists, among others. That's why it's really nice if you have the road to yourself. There are two options for that (and actually three). The biggest certainty of a great experience is the aforementioned Maratona dles Dolomites. Downside: it is hard to get a ticket for this ride, unless you like paying the top price. Through CycloSportive, you can get to guaranteed start tickets for the Maratona come.
Another option is to ride a stage of the Giro Delle Dolomiti, which usually does include the Sellaronda from Bolzano. Two disadvantages: 1. it is a really long stage (160km) and 2. you ride the Sellaronda via Gardena or Sella and that is just different for the experience. Also, the route is not completely car-free.
The best option, accessible to all, is the Sellaronda Bike Day. Two days in, one in summer and one in autumn, the Sellaronda is completely cleared of traffic and cyclists are in charge. No entrance fee, just nice riding. Fantastic. Check the organisation's site for all the info!
Hotel
Several hotels in the area have a 'Bike Friendly' or 'Bike Expert' label. The most famous (and perhaps the best) in the area is Melodia del Bosco. Room for everything related to your bike, always a pasta meal available and the owner himself is crazy about the two-wheeler. See here the perfect cocktail for a great cycling adventure as you cycle across the Sellaronda and the rest of the Dolomites.
Classic Rides: Sellaronda cycling route
Below the Classic Rides: Sellaronda cycling route. Check out this classic and more great route inspiration on our Komoot channel!
