Tour of the Passo Mendola

Tour of the Passo Mendola - Description

Directions

• Start

  Mezzocorona
  
  The start is in Mezzocorona in the centre of the Piana Rotaliana: the plain where the famous Teroldego red wine is made. Take the old road on the right bank of the Noce River and go through Rocchetta. Shortly afterwards you will come to a junction, where you need to turn right towards Castel Thun. Continue until you reach the turn for Denno, where the climb of the same name begins. The ascent is approximately 4.3 km in length, with elevation gain of 230 m and an average gradient of 5%. The landscape all around is full of orchards where local farmers grow the apples for which the entire Val di Non is renowned. The next stretch is a little undulating, with ups and downs as you go through the Municipality of Ville d’Anaunia and on to Cles, which is the chief town in the valley. After you have left the urban area behind, head to the upper part of the valley by descending towards Lake Santa Giustina and then proceeding to Revò, which is the home town of star cyclist Letizia Paternoster. It is worth stopping quickly to admire the views of the lake and the whole valley before you move on towards Brez: the official start of the legendary climb up to the Passo Mendola, which is approximately 15 km in length. After you reach the pass, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Valle dell’Adige on the descent until you turn towards Caldaro. From there, the route follows the famous “Wine Road” ("Strada del Vino") through Caldaro, Termeno, Cortaccia and Magrè. Subsequently, follow the signs for Salorno but before you get there move onto the cycle path alongside the Adige River. Follow it for approximately 7 km until you come to the bridge near the “La Cacciatora” restaurant, which will take you back towards the starting point in Mezzocorona.

• end point

  Mezzocorona

required equipment

We recommend that you wear a helmet, sunglasses and cycling shorts or tights. You should also take a waterproof jacket (in case it rains), some energy bars and a bottle filled with water or an isotonic drink.

Tips for the tour

Those looking for even more climbing can head up to the top of Monte Penegal on the road on the left from the Passo Mendola. You can find out more in the suggestions on the page for the legendary Passo Mendola climb.

Difficulty

• Difficulty

  Medium

• Fitness

• Experience

• Landscape