Pozza di Fassa - Tesero - Pampeago Pass - Ponte Nova - Costalunga/Carezza Pass - Pozza di Fassa

Starting from Pozza/Pera, follow the state road 48 (S.S. 48) southwards, going through Fassa and Fiemme valleys ‘till Tesero (possible detour on paved cycling-and-walking route). Once left the village, renowned for its handcrafted wooden nativity scenes, a challenging climb begins, along the provincial road 215 (S.P. 215), towards Stava and Pampeago Pass: 10,5 km for more than 1.000 m of elevation gain, with average gradients of 9,7%. The last four kilometres, which went down in Giro d’Italia’s history in 1998, with the victory of Pavel Tonkov over Pantani, and the “Pirate”’s one the following year, have great strains in store, with stretches of over 15%. The descent, passing through Obereggen, ‘till Ponte Nova (S.S. 620), isn’t lighter: 13,9 km with an average gradient of 7,6% and peaks that touch 14,5%. Once reached the crossroads, turn right. Climb up the state road 241 (S.S. 241) towards Nova Levante (4 km) and Carezza Lake (10 km), until you reach Costalunga Pass (14 km). Another 10 km (average gradient 4,4%) separate the Dolomites pass from Vigo and Pozza di Fassa.