On June 21, 2924, the Monaco di Baviera Classic starts, and as the name suggests, in Munich of course. Once again unsupported, i.e. without assistance, over the most beautiful routes in the Alps.
From Munich, the route heads south towards Lenggries, then along Lake Walchensee and via Mittenwald to Austria after around 100 km. Along the Inn Valley, with a shortcut over a mountain, the route leads up to the Reschen Pass on small roads. Up to Prad am Stilfser Joch the route goes downhill for a few kilometers, before cycling up the more than 24 km long pass road to 2757 m above sea level. After that, the route climbs again to Passo Torri di Fraele (1941 m) just before Bormio. From there, the route continues via Bormio (it will be about 300 km to this point) and the Passo del Mortirolo (1852 m). Immediately after the descent from the pass summit, the route will continue to the Passo di Gavia (2618 m). The southern ramp, which is 18 km long and has an average gradient of 7.6%, is descended in the opposite direction. Now the route continues eastwards over the Tasso Tonale towards Mezzocorona.
The next few kilometers are familiar terrain for me again. After a few kilometers towards Bolzano, the route climbs up to Truden near Montan. When I was there a few years ago, I was able to “enjoy” this very steep climb once before. But without luggage at the time. At least I know that a fountain with fresh water and a café are waiting for me at the top. Once in the Dolomites, there is the Passo di Fedaia to conquer up to the foot of the Marmolada. I hope that the views of the mountains will ease the pain a little. This is also about “half time” in terms of kilometers.
What comes next can only be described as a “sawtooth profile”. After parts of the well-known Sella circuit, such as Passo Pordoi (2239 m), Sella Joch (2244 m) and Grödner Joch (2121 m), the route continues over the Passo di Valparola (2192 m). Shortly before Cortina d’Ampezzo, I turn right up the Passo Giau (2233 m) and follow the same route back down to Cortina. Somehow I think I’ll treat myself to an ice cream there. Five passes in 86 km…
After Cortina, it’s uphill at first, which is no longer surprising. Over the Tre Croci Cortina pass (1809 m), the route continues to the Grand Pinnacle, up to the Auronzo hut at 2230 m. The next 40km are really downhill. After an 1800 m high pass, Ovaro is on the agenda. From here it’s up to the Passo della Forcella (Friuli) (1824 m). It doesn’t sound so bad, but it is. The ascent from Ovaro is only 8.3 km long, but with an average gradient of 15.8%. The last two kilometers have a gradient of almost 20%. I still have no idea how this is possible. As if that wasn’t enough, the route continues eastwards over Monte Zoncolan (1740 m) with an average gradient of 12%.
After Monte Zoncolan, things become a little more human. The Nassfeld Pass (Passo di Pramollo) (1552 m) is the penultimate major climb of the MDBC. Finally, I head north again via the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (2504 m) until I hopefully reach the finish in Munich after more than 1200 km.
With the little preparation I’ve been able to do in the last few months, it’s going to be a really tough ride. Keep your fingers crossed that I will arrive safely back in Munich.
