Zoncolan: Veni Vidi Bici

Bike

7 May 2018

Bike

Zoncolan: Veni Vidi Bici

If you are looking for hard climbs, Ovaro is the right place for you! From here two lines of asphalt start which in just a few kilometres will make you understand why they are so famous: direct and very hard, they offer no respite. At the end, however, the taste of accomplishment will repay all the sweat. The “Stentaria”, already mentioned in this blog, climbs along the slopes of Col Gentile on the right side of the Degano torrent while, on the left we find the Zoncolan, the mountain become legent. “Climbing” the Zoncolan by bike Zoncolan by bike is one of those things that a pedal lover must try at least once in a lifetime. This road has entered legend as one of the climbs on the Giro d'Italia and its name has the same fame as Pordoi, Stelvio and Mortirolo. From the Ovaro side, its 6 km central part has an average gradient of 14.9%. Believe me if I tell you that you cannot stop pedalling for even 5 seconds, or you will suffer a loss of balance and the resulting foot on the ground makes it almost impossible to re-start. The first time I faced it in 2005 when the Giro had not yet included it (it did in 2003 but from the Sutrio side) the asphalt was still rough and I remember that you could not break off from pedalling at all, not even in the hairpin bends. Then, on the occasion of the 2007 Giro, the road was relaid with a new layer of asphalt and widening it slightly, but the slope remained the same! It starts from the famous wooden arch in Ovaro (530m asl) indicating the beginning of the climb. A couple of kilometras at 10% until you reach the beautiful village of Liariis: just enough to warm up before facing the endless 6 central kilometres. Do it early in the morning, when silence and shade accompany you. Along the way you will find several giant photographs showing the champions of the past, from Bottecchia to Pantani: they are an excellent point of reference to understand how much is still missing to the end. When you meet the eyes of Miguel Indurain, you will almost be at the end of your efforts. Just one more ramp and finally a welcome flat stretch that will take you to the last short but really hard slope; once past that, you will find the photo of Marco Pantani placed at the beginning of the famous 3 tunnels, not much more than narrow walkways actually, which add something mystical to this climb. At the exit of the last tunnel, you can finally see the arrival point a little higher: 700m meters at 10%, which suddenly seems easy. You can already taste your triumph. Oh yes, because to get to the top between areas of snow, standing on your pedals for the last thrusts, will make you feel like a professional driven by the encouragement of the fans to arrive first as the finish line! Victory is yours. The feeling you have is that of having accomplished a really hard task, and indeed it is, but now all the effort is behind you. The energy of these mountains immediately goes into your veins and regenerates you: the power of Carnia! The saddle of the mountain is at an altitude of 1730m (the summit is slightly higher and can be reached on foot in two minutes; it is worth climbing up to enjoy the view). You arrive directly on the slopes of the Zoncolan ski area, where in summer you will find some mountain huts open. You can go down to Sutrio (take care on the first 3 km of very steep descent) along the main road and then return to Ovaro climbing up towards Sella Valcalda / Ravascletto (about 8 km and 430 m climb), go down to Comeglians and then reach the starting point in a couple of kilometres, (total of 40 km). Or with a longer circuit but with less of a climb, from Sutrio you can reach Tolmezzo, then Villa Santina and Ovaro (60 km). The fittest cyclists could include other climbs that have become famous thanks to the Giro d'Italia such as Passo Duron (between Paluzza and Paularo) or the famous Crostis (from Comeglians/Tualis to Ravascletto). A recommendation as to the gearing to assemble: it is a subjective matter, of course, depending on many factors. I, a moderately fit cyclist, 41 years old and weighing 82 kg, can tell you that I do it with a 34x28 and managing my strength can get to the top without too much worry. My best wishes for a good climb to all!

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Giuliano Piccoli

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I’m 43, I was born and raised in the hills of Friuli. I cycle all over the region, especially in the eastern pre-alpine and alpine zone. In winter I enjoy skiing on the slopes and ski mountaineering. With a passion for regional history, I’m very interested in the historical and artistic events of Friuli’s lesser-known areas.