Schio is actually located in the Po Valley, but at the same time directly on the rise of the Alps - and thus offers cyclists a varied terrain ranging from very flat to mountainous. However, it is not easy for racing cyclists to find low-traffic routes in the flatlands due to the dense population and industrialisation. It is therefore better to head towards the mountains, where the side roads are comparatively quiet. In addition, there are hardly any notable passes that attract motorised cyclists. What is special, however, is that the Pasubio region and the neighbouring plateaus of the Sette Comuni (main town of Asiago) to the east are covered by a network of former military roads, many of which are asphalted. Although the pass heights rarely climb above the 1,000 metre mark, you can expect ramps with gradients of 12 percent and more! All tour suggestions start at the railway station in Schio.
Tour 1: War trails
- Distance: 66 kilometres
- Increase: 1870 metres altitude
- Gradient: maximum 15 %
Many small roads around the Pasubio massif served as supply routes for the Italians during the First World War, including the Strada dello Xomo, which leads from Schio up to the foot of Monte Novegno and further along its ridge to Passo Xomo. Above the pass, at the Bocchetta di Campiglia, the incredible Strada delle 52 Gallery begins (For a hiking tip, see p. 125). From Xomo, however, our tour runs to the left, along the vertical south face of the mountain to the Fugazze Pass. From there, there are two options to choose from: an adventurous one, on potholed tar, with a suspension bridge to cross and a short stretch on a hiking trail. Or a more comfortable route on a road closed to public transport - if you prefer the latter, turn left behind the bar at the top of the Fugazze Pass in the direction of Campogrosso. Both routes meet there at the Rifugio. The descent to Recoaro Terme is steep and narrow. In the old spa town, there is another option that involves a further 500 metres of ascent: before you reach the centre, a mountain road branches off to the right and loops around the former Recoaro Mille ski resort. From Quirico, the final stretch is over the Passo Zovo (631 m), which leads directly to Schio. The original route leads from Recoaro via Passo Xon and Valli del Pasubio back to Schio.
Tour 2: Around the Pasubio
- Distance: 112 kilometres
- Increase: 2830 vertical metres
- Gradient: maximum 16 %
The King's Tour crosses two passes, visits the Adige Valley and circles the Pasubio massif. In Arsiero, the road between Monte Priaforà and Monte Cimone squeezes into a narrow valley that seems to lead to nowhere. The chain soon moves onto the large sprocket, as the Passo della Borcola, just 1,207 metres high, is a tough one despite the many hairpin bends. Until the end of the descent in Rovereto, this remote pass is a dream. In the town in the Adige Valley, it is best to have an espresso, as the ascent to the Fugazze Pass begins immediately. A wonderful side road winds along the right-hand side of the valley through secluded mountain villages. After the first ramp, a military road branches off to the right and leads up to Monte Zugna (Tip!). For the next few kilometres, however, our route runs along the slope with wonderful views of Pasubio and Piccole Dolomiti. Curious: At the turn-off to Speccheri, the wide road tempts you to continue straight ahead - a connection to Passo Campogrosso was planned here, but the road ends after a few kilometres in front of a blocked tunnel. So: turn left! The short intermediate descent ends in Speccheri, where the second half of the climb begins. Winding roads lead through the forest and only join the main road coming from Rovereto at the top of the pass. You've done it! Now all that remains is the descent to Schio.
Tour 3: Monte Corno
- Distance: 96 kilometres
- Increase: 1900 vertical metres
- Gradient: maximum 13 %
This varied route leads up to the southern edge of the Asiago plateau, also known as the Sette Comuni. The profile harbours a few surprises, even if at first glance it only looks like a major climb. After the start through Schio's industrial zones in the east, the roads become narrower and the villages more tranquil. After the Astico river, the roll-in phase is over and the route enters the hills of the Alpine foothills. And they have it all: in wild bends and constant ups and downs, you slowly approach Marostica, which surprises with its pretty old town and city walls. A moderate climb of more than 20 kilometres awaits, interrupted by a
Flat section behind San Luca. The higher you get, the more often you follow old military roads. On the summit plateau of Monte Corno, military cemeteries once again remind us of the battles of the world wars. The view over the Po Valley is gigantic. The Rifugio Casello del Guardia sits enthroned on the edge of the mountain, inviting you to take a break on its terrace - a must! The descent follows a small road that you should make a note of for a quiet climb on another day. Alternative: If you don't want to make the detour to Marostica, you can turn left at kilometre 27.3 (Laverda) and take a shortcut directly to Santa Caterina di Lusiana via a narrow but steep climb.
Tour 4: View to Vicenza
- Distance: 63 kilometres
- Increase: 1760 metres altitude
- Gradient: maximum 18 %
Between Vicenza and the Little Dolomites, a labyrinth of small roads winds its way through the foothills of the Alps. So confusing that this route, which is popular with locals, is almost impossible to find without a GPS track. The first ramp on the southern edge of Schio is relentless and only allows you to take a short breather at Monte di Malo. The mountain only ends at the transmission mast near Casare di Sopra. The descent ends in the densely populated Agno Valley and crosses the town of Cornedo Vicentino. The route then heads back into the hills on the other side of the valley. From the southernmost point of the route, Nogarole Vicentino, it would only be a stone's throw to Vicenza. At kilometre 40, you cross the highest point of the day at Passo Santa Caterina (793 m), but the end of the climbs and descents has not yet been reached. First you hurtle down into the Agno valley to Valdagno: a good opportunity to have an espresso before the last pass. Then it's up to the Passo Zovo, where racing cyclists have their peace and quiet since the traffic below flows through a five-kilometre tunnel from Valdagno to Schio. At 300 metres in altitude, the climb is not difficult, but at the end of a lap like this you can feel every incline. Afterwards, it's a roaring ride towards the finish in Schio.
The GPS data for the 4 road bike routes around Schio
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