Passo Giau (Pocol) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

At 2,236m elevation, the Passo Giau is most famous for its regular inclusion in the Giro d’Italia and for amateurs it’s the fearsome 6th climb in the Maratona dles Dolomites sportive. However, on this occasion we’re taking a look at the northern approach from Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is considered the easier side of the two albeit as equally beautiful.

A relative newbie in the world of cycling having been a narrow mule track up until 1986 when it was finally paved. Riding this climb is always going to be a challenge, but it’s not the toughest so in that regard it can be enjoyed. Typically the climbs here are shorter than the big guns of the Alps and Pyrénées, but they are tightly compacted together giving you the opportunity to ride several summits in one loop, giving a huge sense of Col Collecting satisfaction.

From Cortina d’Ampezzo it’s actually 16km in length, sharing the first 5km with the Passo Falzarego, but it’s a busier linking road to Corvara so you have to keep an eye out for the left hand turn which is what we consider the start of the climb proper. Take a moment to fill your lungs as the first couple of kilometres are actually on a downhill. Make the most of it as once the gradient pitches up it rarely deviates all the way to the summit.

The early switchbacks in the forest give you a real sense of progress, with tips of the grand Dolomite mountains peaking through the trees in a playful manner, teasing you with what’s to come as you gain elevation.

The gradient is consistent at around 8-9%, so it’s an easier ride that its southern counterpart. Once the trees disperse the scenery explodes into life and if you’ve been to the Dolomites you’ll certainly know the scenery we’re talking about! Simply BEAUTIFUL! It’s unlike any other, giant chards of Dolomtie rock tower above you and as you approach the summit you face what looks like a wave frozen in time. It’s awe inspiring and has to be seen to be truly believed.

It’s impossible not to marvel at the magnificent Nuvolau mountain which tends to steal the show at the summit. However, from here you can enjoy 360º views that literally take your breath away. From the Pala mountains as you look west to the Marmolada towards the east. The summit is a feast for the eyes so take a moment to catch you breath, absorb and enjoy!

Start: Pocol
Length: 11km
Summit: 2,236m
Elevation gain: 701m
Average gradient: 7.1%
Max gradient: 12%
Ridden in September

Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Lezyne, MyPower by InfoCrank, Muc Off, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-)

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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.

Peace.

Mike Cotty
The Col Collective

[ThomasPettersson]

I've watched through all your videos now and they are so inspiring. Beautifully shot, Mikes passion shines through, the songs elevates the atmosphere. Just top-notch, I hope you'll be able to do a lot more in the future. While I definitely prefer to see climbs, a few more descents would be fun. Doesn't have to be fancy edited, the full length descents from a cam on the bike are really fun.

[Michael-oogk]

Such a wonderful climb! So many memories when watching this video, the Passo Giau is one of the most favourite I have ever been to myself with my bicycle :)

[Phaidrus]

A beautiful and inspiring climb. Thanks!

[jonterry]

Thanks for pulling this one out of the archives Mike. Inspiring as always.

[superluvver]

Just incredible, so motivating, your videos taught me to never give up, you are way stronger than you think. IT was because of you that i did zoncolan, now i Just cant get enough mountains! Don't stop what your doing.

[jaylumbago]

Thank you for another great video. I'm planning a trip to the Alps this year, I guess I have to add another pass to my riding list now...

[NiaNilaRahmaWati]

Beautiful videos mr Mike, from Indonesia

[brianhansen]

Another awesome vid thx Mike 👏i did the maratona last year and it the most beautiful place i have ridden yet! 😎

[hanssprengers]

Great video’s, love to watch. Just a little remark: the duration of the text is a little short for me

[huntingsynth]

Nice to see your Subs coming up...well deserved...I think if you did a full movie I would line up to see it in the theater

[videosuchen]

Good motivation to train harder today.

[daniellemills]

Mike is a hero of mine, I'd love to meet him one day.

[paulmcc]

This is the easy route. The Giau is a beast from South to North.

[carlstatham]

Ohh wow! Great video Mike. One day I'll be a customer.

[leedorney]

I like it when CC do longer vids. Looks like Mike has took his power meter off his cycle ? Tho the Cannondale c.set is very light, so that'll aid climbing 👍

[josemenesesphotography]

Precioso.... Pero, para cuándo un "The Col Collective" en español? ;)

[dtmcool]

Hey Mike how about a playlist of all the cool music from all the climbs?

[AdiGaskell]

I've done this climb 5 times, but every time as part of the Maratona, so it's actually nice to see it as a 'tourist'. I've done most of the other climbs in the area at a more leisurely pace and it's such a different experience when you can truly take in the beauty of the Dolomites.

I think your viewers would love the Erbe (or even the Duran) if you're in the area for a prolonged bit. Both are really pretty climbs.

[andrewwhittaker]

Is it just me or is this what heaven is?

[alexmorgan]

A climb that is downhill. You can't get better than that. Too much use of slo-mo again it gets irritating.