The Cima Coppi - Passo Giau
Statistics: Passo Giau from Pocol, Dolomites, Italy
Length: 9,8 km / 6,1 miles
Elevation Gain: 923 m / 3028 feet
Average Gradient: 9,5%
In honor of Stage 19 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia today, and the highest point of this year's race (the Cima Coppi), this newsletter is dedicated to the Passo Giau. The Passo Giau is one of the most spectacular climbs in World Cycling connecting the Dolomite towns of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Santa Lucia. The Summit of the climb sits at 2233m / 7326ft above sea-level making it the highest point of the 2026 Giro d'Italia.
There are two main ascents up the Giau. The first is from Cortina d'Ampezzo and the second ascent is from Pocol. The ascent from Cortina is around 6km longer than the ascent from Pocol, but of course not as steep as the descent from Pocol.
As a cyclist, it simply does not get better than riding Passo Giau in the Dolomites. The climb offers some of the most incredible Panoramic views in the Alps! To name a few, the climb features breathtaking views of Ra Gusela (pictured above), Monte Nuvolau, and of course the Marmolada (the highest mountain in the Dolomites).
I first rode the Giau with my friend Philipp on our East - West Cycling Tour of the Italian Dolomites. I remember riding the first 2 kilometers of the Giau in the big ring, as the climb starts relatively flat and deceivingly. (I recommend not letting the first kilometers of the climb lull you into a false sense of security, as the road quickly kicks-up to double-digit gradients all the way to the Summit!)
Once getting past the first few kilometers, the Giau's narrow road winds its way up through a dense forest. Here, the gradients rarely drop below 10% and this section is widely considered as the most difficult part of the climb. (It is also important to consider pacing on the Giau. The climb at Pocol starts at 1535m / 5036ft.)
After surviving the steep gradients and narrow roads through the dense forest, the Giau opens up to panoramic views of the Dolomites in the last 5 kilometers. The views in the last 5 kilometers of the Giau are some of the most spectacular views I have ever experienced on my bike. I am glad to have shared these moments with my friends, and I encourage you to do the same. These are the moments I will never forget for the rest of my life. This is why we ride our bikes!
Today, the riders in the 2026 Giro will be ascending the Giau in the Queen Stage of the Race. I expect Jonas Vingegaard to extend his lead in the Pink Jersey just as Egan Bernal did in 2021 eventually taking pink all the way to Rome. The ascent of the Passo Giau has always been a critical moment in the Giro no matter the year. Often times, it is on the narrow roads of the Giau where the Giro is decided. 2026 is no exception.
Enjoy the race today, and be sure to ride the Giau yourself one day if you haven't already done so!
