Tunnel Under the Zoncolan Summit

Places to see

Mountain Peaks

Italy

Friuli Venezia Giulia

Udine

Ovaro

Tunnel Under the Zoncolan Summit

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Tunnel Under the Zoncolan Summit

Cycling

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Road cycling

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Gravel riding

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Mountain biking

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Location: Ovaro, Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Tips

September 21, 2025

Cycling

On the approach from Ovaro, at the top of the climb, three short tunnels await, located about 500 meters before the summit. Passing through them marks the beginning of the final, serpentine battle with the mountain. The tunnels are carved into the rock, paved, single-lane, and have basic lighting. Each tunnel is several dozen meters long and requires concentration, as the road is narrow and usually slippery. For the cyclist, it's also a moment of mental "breathing." Although the gradient still requires effort, the tunnels offer a brief respite from the steepest sections of the climb.

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Tomás Bryl

September 21, 2025

Cycling

During the Giro d'Italia, these three tunnels are a signature feature of the route. Crowds of fans line the entrances and exits. The sound of cheering, shouts, and horns bounces off the tunnel walls, amplifying the noise. When a cyclist enters a tunnel, they enter a deafening, claustrophobic world where the noise is more intense than on the open road. When they exit, loud cheering erupts behind them, spurring them on. Fans line these areas to give the riders an extra boost of energy.

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Tomás Bryl

September 21, 2025

Cycling

I ascended the Zoncolan on a beautiful, sunny day. Entering the tunnel was like falling into a black hole in the wall of a steep driveway. The air inside was noticeably cooler, and the humidity increased. This sudden change in conditions accentuated the difference between the bright, exposed trail and the narrow, rocky expanse of the tunnel.

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