ソッキエーヴェの峠・トップ20

The hardest hill in Europe, a title that may not correspond to the absolute truth, but which was not assigned by chance; probably the hardest climb ever faced by the Great Cycling. If you want to face this climb I think you know what you are getting into... I can only wish you good luck and assure you that the satisfaction it gives is unique

Nestled between a steep descent and a steep climb

Also known as Passo Rest, Forcella di Monte Rest is one of the most famous climbs in the Carnic Prealps. Often closed in winter, it connects Val Tramontina with the upper Tagliamento valley. The first time the Giro d'Italia passed through here, in 1974, the Spaniard Santiago Lazcano was the first to reach the top.

Sella Chianzutan is a pass in the Carnic Prealps at around 950 meters above sea level. It can be reached from both San Francesco and Tolmezzo: the latter is the toughest side, although the gradients rarely exceed 10%. Between 2010 and 2020, it was tackled three times by the Giro d'Italia: the first to pass through here were Ludovic Turpin, Sebastian Henao and Giovanni Visconti.

The ascent from the east has different ground conditions. The lower part has stones, the middle part is partly washed out with larger stones and small boulders. At critical points such as bends, typical Italian architecture with concrete. The climb to the last bend and shortly afterwards up to the saddle has a gradient of up to 32%. In return, the bend and the saddle offer a fantastic view to the east and west. The descent to the west is almost entirely asphalted at the beginning, then it is a forest path again, partly with stones and, depending on the weather, washed out areas.

Never too steep or busy the Sella Chianzutan rewards cyclists with a nice view at the top. Most of the climb coming from Tolmezzo is spent in the forest, which means few views on the surrounding mountains but also cooling shade. The descent towards Pozzis (and further to San Francesco) allows for incredible speeds!

A beautiful route, little traffic.

Very shady stretch, nice to walk in warm temperatures