Stage 2: From Sillian to Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza
Day two is an epic sight-seeing trip through the Dolomites, with a prominent selection of the mightiest and most beautiful Dolomite peaks lining the roadside: the Three Peaks, Monte Cristallo, the Tofana, Monte Antelao, the Civetta, Monte Pelmo and, as a final chord, the rugged massif of the Pale di San Martino. You can't pack more into a day in the Dolomites. And the passes are also mouth-watering: the Passo Valles and the Passo Rolle are on the way, but the Passo Giau, which connoisseurs describe as the most beautiful of all Dolomite passes, stands out. This attribute is perhaps also due to the fact that it is less crowded than, for example, the Sella Pass or the Gardena Pass further west. In terms of scenery, nothing is missing here in the shadow of the Cinque Torri - this is the home of postcard photographers.
The stage is long and demanding and is divided into a somewhat flatter and a mountainous section. Up to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the wattmeter does not show any major peaks until the day's major passes have to be climbed. There is not much time left on this long stage, but if you feel like it, you can take a short detour into the centre of Cortina. However, it is highly recommended that you plan some time on this day to enjoy the mountain scenery. These imposing peaks deserve that much respect.
You can stop off here
If you want to take an early break, mingle with the many tourists in the Dürrensee restaurant and join them for a look at the Three Peaks. You are sure to find a bar or restaurant in Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, the mountain hotel Passo Giau or the Ristorante da Aurelio just a few metres further down are much nicer. In Alleghe, next to the ice rink, is the Hotel Alleghe run by Silvano Rudatis, the old warhorse who brought the Transalp to Alleghe in earlier years.
There are many bars and restaurants in Falcade on the way to Passo Valles. At Passo Valles there is the Rifugio Capanna Passo Valles and at Passo Rolle there are even a few restaurants. But from here it's all downhill to San Martino. The Bar Margherita awaits espresso connoisseurs right at the finish line and just ten metres further on behind the small church you will find "La Stube", a rustic Trentino inn in the style of a wooden hut.
Abbreviations/variants for the 2nd stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023
This stage cannot be shortened. Another nice option is to cycle from Cortina to Alleghe not via the Passo Giau, but via the Passo Falzarego.
These are the 7 stages of the TOUR Transalp 2023
- Stage 1: Lienz - Sillian
- Stage 2: Sillian - Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza
- Stage 3: Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza - Pederobba
- Stage 4: Pederobba - Folgaria
- Stage 5: Folgaria - Kaltern
- Stage 6: Kaltern - Valle dei Laghi
- Stage 7: Valle dei Laghi - Arco
The 2nd stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023 as a short trip
If you are planning this stage as a day trip, you will have to take a taxi back. All providers can be found at the tourist office.
The stage as part of a round tour (2 to 4 days)
The Dolomites offer opportunities to lose yourself in them for several days. One tip for turning this stage into a multi-day tour, however, would be to cycle back along the rough route but choose different passes. The route back with the old junctions would remain the same: San Martino - Alleghe - Cortina d'Ampezzo - San Candido - Sillian.
The possible variations would be as follows: From San Martino to Alleghe: Return via the Passo Rolle and then instead of the Passo Valles go via Predazzo and choose the Passo San Pellegrino. From Alleghe to Cortina: Instead of the Passo Giau, take the Passo Falzarego. From Cortina to San Candido: Instead of the easy route via Dobbiaco, there is also the challenging but fantastic route via Lago di Misurina, Auronzo, Passo Sant' Antonio and the Kreuzberg Pass. With these variants, the return journey cannot be completed in one day. An overnight stay in Alleghe or Cortina d'Ampezzo, for example, would then be an option.
Do not miss
The mountains are what make this stage a piece of paradise. It would be a pity if you were just cranking along without knowing where you are and which mountains you are marvelling at. A few photos with the majesties are a must. You should also check the names of the peaks on the map beforehand. If you drive blindly through the terrain, you will miss out on the Dolomites and their fascination.
Cycling and events
On 18 June 2023, the Sportful Dolomiti Race, a challenging granfondo that leads over the Passo Rolle and through San Martino di Castrozza, will start in Feltre (which is on the route of the 3rd Transalp stage). Runners will feel the full force of the Pale di San Martino at the Primiero Dolomiti Marathon on 1 July 2023.
Info
All information on accommodation, services and sports facilities can be found on the tourism association's homepage.
The 2nd stage from Sillian to Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza, 133.75 km and 3330 metres in altitude. Elevation profile and GPS data will be available for download from 18 June: If you are still thinking about switching from Touri to Race mode, you can find all the details about the race at www.tour-transalp.de.
