Passo Croce d'Aune
Passo Croce d'Aune, Belluno Italy
Legendary Bike Climbs of Italy
Passo Croce d'Aune is a small pass just north of Feltre, located in Belluno province of the Veneto. ·This mountain pass was once the main route of communication between Feltre and the Cismon Valley. ·Now a tunnel and road has been constructed, resulting in this special spot being forgotten. There are lots of hiking paths starting from the passo Croce d'Aune and this happens to be the start point of the Belluno Dolomiti National Park.
The pass is the site where Tullio Campagnolo (from Vicenza) had the inspiration to develop the skewer (quick release) for the bike wheel. ·He was racing across the pass in the 1920's and due to bad weather and cold Campagnolo had trouble taking off this back wheel to change a flat. ·He had the idea to create a quick release system and this item became one of the many patented items he would go on to develop when he opened his factory in 1933. An exceptionally crafted monument has been placed at the pass to recognize Tullio Campagnolo and his innovations in the bike industry.
You can reach the pass from several directions.·
By Train: ·
From Belluno you would ride west to Feltre and take the easier climb up from Peavena. ·
From Bassano del Grappa you can take the Valsugana train to Cismon and then ride up to Feltre taking the pass from Pedavena.
I do not recommend riding the main road up the valley toward San Martino and using the tunnel, although it is not very long you can find heavy traffic at times. Just before the tunnel you can take the road around that runs along the river. ·You can also ride Passo Borcon, the Sugana Valley bike path, Passo Cedere from Agordo and add Passo d'Aune in as part of your ride.
The classic way to ride the pass is from Ponte d'Oltra, ·the road has less traffic then from Feltre and is a better ascent than descent. ·
| Start Elevation | 401 meters |
| Max Elevation | 1,015 meters |
| Length· | 11.3 km |
| Elevation Gain | 992 meters |
| Average Grade | 5.4% |
| Max Grade | 15.5% |
| Difficulty |
Turn off for the pass is well marked on both sides.
The valley drops away quick on the climb.
Just after the village the hardest part of the climb starts. ·There is a water fountain at this point.
This is a great ride and not overwhelming, a good early or late season route to add some elevation to your bike route and to see a part of cycling history.
