A wish comes true: the car-free mountain passes of the Dolomites.
Dolomites Bike Day, a one-day festival on the mountain passes of cycling history. Valparola Pass, Falzarego Pass and Campolongo Pass: this non-competitive bike event, which can be enjoyed free of charge and suits cyclists of all levels, runs along the roads connecting the Ladin valleys of Alta Badia in South Tyrol as well as Livinallongo and Ampezzo in Belluno. Be it on a road bike, mountain bike, e-bike, tandem, vintage bike or bike with trailer for kids – everyone can pedal as they please.
A special Saturday, riding up and down the Dolomite passes! Could you ask for more?
The Dolomites Bike Day is a non-competitive, free event open to cyclists of all levels. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Campolongo, Falzarego, and Valparola passes will be closed to traffic and reserved for cycling enthusiasts. A 51 km loop that everyone can ride at their own pace, according to their fitness and ability.
The recommended riding direction is counterclockwise, and despite the road closures, participants are advised to respect the rules of the road in order to enjoy the event in complete safety.
In the event of heavy cyclist traffic along the route, the traffic police may extend the road closure beyond the scheduled reopening time.
Emergency number: 112
Follow the SS244 Val Badia road towards Corvara.
In order to encourage sustainable mobility, choose environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as public transport.
What is there to discover along the roads of the Dolomites Bike Day, besides the breathtaking landscape?
A highlight is the WOWnature area close to the Passo Campolongo. WOWnature is a project that has been launched by Etifor, a spin-off of the University of Padua, and aims to restore 2000 larch trees in the wake of the damage caused by storm Vaia.
What makes the Falzarego tunnel so impressive?
The tunnel is a feat of engineering, realised by the Austrians during the construction of the Great Dolomites Road between 1901 and 1909.
What does “Falzarego” mean?
Falzarego means “false king”. It’s the Italianisation of “El Fouzàrgo”, which is the Ampezzan name for a legendary sovereign of the Fanes realm who is said to have usurped the throne from its rightful holder.
Which is the historical importance of Ciastel d'Andraz?
Since the 13th century, the fortress has played a particular strategic role in controlling the traffic between the valleys of Val Pusteria in South Tyrol and Agordino in Belluno. The area’s depletion of mineral resources along with the damages caused by World War I led to its decline.
Does the Maratona dles Dolomites route include the alpine passes of Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola?
Yes. Together with the Sellaronda and the Giau Pass, they are the architects of this legendary itinerary and heritage of all those cyclists who love to pedal in utter freedom, surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Alta Badia/Arabba
