#5thdolomites

When I got into cycling I came across a photo of the Stelvio (photos 1 and 2). I saved that photo on my computer in case I had forgotten what Pass that was, where was it, etc. Little did I know that the Stelvio is one of the most iconic and known passes in the world. I didn't really need to save that photo.

Just over 2 weeks ago, myself and my team, The 5th Floor, went on our annual training camp. This time Dolomites and the Italian Alps were on the cards, and the Stelvio was on the list. 

Up until that time I only had ridden mountains in Mallorca, Spain, and short and steep climbs in England and Belgium. After riding in Italy I wouldn't call Mallorca's climbs mountains anymore. They are just climbs.

Mountains are in Italy. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but it was harder than I was expecting it. Nothing prepares you for the real thing. It is you against the mountain, which puts you in a place, mentally and physically, that you might not have been before.

In comparison to what kind of climbs I had climbed before the trip, the famous Sa Calobra in Mallorca is 11.9km long at an average of 4.7% and the Mortirolo in Italy is 12.4km long at an average of 10.5%. I knew I was up to some challenges. Altitude was something I never thought about it before, incredible how much harder it is to take a deep breath at around 2,700 meters above sea level.

Cycling has taken me to places I probably would have never gone if it wasn't for the bike. This was the case in many parts of this trip. Passo dell Stelvio from both sides (my favourite ride from the trip), Tre Cime de Lavaredo (photo 8), Mortirolo, Passo Gavia (photo 6 and 7), Passo Giau and Passo Fedaia were some of the passes we covered during our time in Italy. In 6 days of riding I covered 642km (399miles) and 17,855 meters (58,580ft) of climbing.

The rides in the Dolomites and the Alps were definitely one of the hardest days on the bike. The climbs were incredible, the descends were the best and fastest I've ever done and one of the best things about this trip were the views we came across. The known rugged and imposing rocky landscape were amazing in person. Cannot wait to go back one day!

Grazie Mille Italia! Arrivederci!