Esse di Raveo – Zoncolan da Ovaro

This route is easy to describe for the vast majority of people, who know Zoncolan as the toughest climb in the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) circuit.

That’s all we need to write to give an idea of the entire route.

However, it’s terribly difficult for us to describe one of the most stunning routes in the Friulian Alps whose destination is the majestic “kaiser” Zoncolan, without the climb’s fame – due to its repeated appearance in the Giro d’Italia – detracting from the uniqueness of the magnificent cycleway that takes us to the Tagliamento and Degano valleys, the gorgeous village of Raveo, the ascent of a succession of heart-pounding tightly-packed hairpin bends, the hard-earned views of the stavoli of Valdie (old rural houses, skilfully restored) scattered over emerald meadows, Cella with its green roof tiles and, finally, delightful Ovaro.

And it’s Ovaro that’s the starting point for the most challenging ascent of Zoncolan, which you’re probably already familiar with, but our video, photos and route description will definitely help you to imagine it in advance and make it a little “easier“… only joking!

Enjoy the Friulian Alps!