CORTINA, THREE PEAKS OF LAVAREDO

The surroundings of Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo provide a unique setting for riding while enjoying incredible and extraordinary views. This route runs through the heart of the Northern Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It starts from Cortina d'Ampezzo and the steep climb up to the Three Crosses Pass. Just below Rio Gere (Cristallo and Faloria ski lifts departure) a succession of curves turns into long straight roads that you can ride. The Pass is at 1,805 meters, between the Cristallo Group and the Sorapìss, from where you can admire spectacular views of the wild Marmarole. Then you ride downhill for about three kilometers, turn left on the SS 48 bis that goes up to Misurina and enters the town of Auronzo di Cadore. After about two kilometers uphill, to an altitude of 1,756 meters, you can see the disarming beauty of Misurina, whose lake is deservedly called "The Pearl of the Dolomites" . Past the small tourist town, turn right on the paved road that goes up to the Auronzo Mountain Shelter located at the Three Peaks of Lavaredo (2,333 meters). Epic pages of cycling history have been written on these seven uphill kilometers, with as many as seven leg finishes of the Tour of Italy.