One of the most spectacular climbs you can find anywhere...a true monster. Every road cyclist should do it sooner or later. I must commend myself...did both sides in one day. First from Bormio, down over Umbrail to Switzarlend and than up from Prato and back to Bormio. Climb from Prato is one of the hardest climbs I have ever done and I did few of them. Was it because I was already tired or because I had ""only"" 39x25 I dont know...but it hurted. Good thing is that no matter how much it hurts it is so spectacular that it pays out. Simmilar experiance I had this year on Bonette from Jausiers.
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As many others in 2005. I did Gavia from Ponte di Legno after already climbing Mortirolo that day. For some reason Gavia remained one of my favorite passes and reward for climbing it are spectacular landscapes. Most notable parts are very steep 15-16 % sections in the woods at the starts, long and dark tunnel, and steep last few km after tunnel. Unlike some ppl here I didnt have any lights in the tunnel which wasnt pleasant experience. I remember spectacular views on the part before tunnel and cold wind when you get out of the tunnel. Anyway this is one of the most spectacular passes you can climb and also important part of cycling history. You must climb it!
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One of my favorite passes and probably the hardest in Dolomites after Fedaia from Caprile. What makes it hard is its steep gradient that doesnt relieve for a single meter. Slowely it takes the strength from your legs and if you already climbed that day you can find yourself in some real problems. But every drop of sweat is paid back by great landscape reward at the top. It really is one of the most beautiful passes anywhere.
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If I have to describe it with one word it would be OUCH. This one really hurts if you have standard 53-39 cranks. I dont know what is harder, long false flat sections after gallery or last few km switch backs. One thing is for sure, you are glad when it is over. First time I climbed it it was cloudy with pleasant temperature and second time I had real drama on relentlessly hot day with some 36°C. Once you get there youll enjoy because the summit with glacier and lake is very nice.
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