Tolmezzo | Agordo: Friuli and Veneto in all their glory.
210 or 290 kilometres between Tolmezzo and Agordo – between the Carnic Alps and the Dolomites.
We offer this tour, between Agordo and Tolmezzo, in two different lengths and routes. A shorter, but no less varied route of around 210 kilometres, and a long and challenging route of around 290 kilometres.
The choice is yours. The tour is also described in both directions. Here is a summary:
Tour 1: 210 kilometres, 6 hours:
Whichever direction you choose to head in, this tour is a tribute to the unadulterated joy of cycling in north-eastern Italy. Spanning around 210 kilometres, this route links the proud town of Tolmezzo in Friuli with the picturesque Agordo, the gateway to the Dolomites.
A route full of contrasts awaits you, taking you over a total of seven passes and demanding your full attention with around 7,200 metres of elevation gain (total ascent and descent). Along the way, you’ll swap the majestic rock formations of the Civetta and Moiazza for the wild, secluded valleys of the Carnic Pre-Alps.
The highlights of your route:
- Sporty tarmac: Experience the rhythmic bends of the Sella Chianzutan, famous as a mountain race track.
- Secluded paths: Enjoy the peace and quiet on the Sella Chiampon or the 36 hairpin bends of the Passo Rest, where mass tourism is unheard of.
- Moving history: Marvel at the monumental Vajont dam at the Passo di Sant’Osvaldo.
- Pure Dolomite feeling: Conquer the Passo Duran, which takes you right into the heart of the spectacular mountain world of Veneto.
Tour 2: 290 km, 9 hours
Your winding odyssey between Friuli and the Dolomites: an adventure in both directions
If you’re looking for motorcycling in its purest form – far removed from mass tourism and the same old standard routes – then this route between Tolmezzo and Agordo is just the ticket. But get your gloves ready: this route, just under 290 kilometres long, is no leisurely ride to the ice cream parlour, but a real statement. With over 5,300 metres of climbing and a riding time of a good nine hours, it demands your fitness, your concentration and your appetite for the unknown – no matter which way your front wheel is pointing.
Where Friuli meets the Dolomites
The route connects two of Italy’s most spectacular mountain landscapes: the wild, unspoilt Friuli and the majestic, pale peaks of the Dolomites. If you’re exploring the Dolomites, Agordo is your gateway to the world of vertical rock faces. Via the Passo Duran, a real hidden gem between Civetta and Moiazza, you’ll wind your way through alpine forests and enjoy the panorama of the ‘Pale Mountains’. On the other side of the tour, deep in Friuli, Monte Zoncolan awaits – a legend that will demand everything of you. With gradients of up to 22% and narrow, rustic tunnels, this mountain is a cycling monument that rewards you at the top with a view stretching all the way to Slovenia.
Solitude, the thrill of hairpin bends and contemporary history
In between lies a labyrinth of passes that often fly under the radar, but are worth every kilometre. You’ll cross the Sella di Razzo and the Sella di Rioda, where the roads narrow and the solitude of the mountains completely envelops you. A technical and emotional highlight is the stretch by Lago di Sauris: the turquoise-blue water and the massive dam tell the eventful history of this remote region.
Anyone who loves bends will revel in the Passo Rest – its 36 grippy hairpin bends are made for motorbike tyres. And at the Passo di Sant’Osvaldo, you’ll ride past the impressive Vajont dam – a site that now stands as a colossal monument in the landscape, making the immense power of nature palpable.
Your day in the saddle: pleasure and challenge
Whether you round off the day with an espresso in the cafés of Agordo or start it there at sunrise: this tour offers you the perfect blend of challenging riding and cultural discoveries. A quick stop at the Malga Pozof dairy on the Zoncolan for a portion of homemade ricotta is just as much a part of it as the numerous photo stops along the panoramic roads.
What to expect on this route:
- Riding challenge: A formidable mix of wide hairpin bends and extremely steep, single-track climbs.
- Pure scenery: The contrast between the dense, green forests of Friuli and the rugged high mountain peaks of Veneto.
- Real insider tips: Culinary stops and historic sites off the beaten track.
Whether you start the day in bustling Agordo with an espresso or begin the tour in the charming streets of Tolmezzo – this route offers pure cycling pleasure away from the overcrowded classics.
Matching: Alpine passes
