The 2017 Haute Route Dolomites features a brand new course, simpler logistics than in previous years and some of the cycling world’s most famous climbs, event organiser and creator OC Sport revealed today. The fourth edition of the Haute Route Dolomites starts for the first time from Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol, and then makes its way to Venice by way of a spectacular and challenging course that covers 852 kilometres of road, and with 21,000 metres of vertical ascent.
The key climbs include the majestic Timmelsjoch and the Monte Giovo, an Individual Time Trial up the Passo delle Erbe, the Passo San Pellegrino and Passo Fedaia. Another bonus is that the new route offers three two-night stays for riders, reducing the logistical challenge of the week dramatically. Benjamin Chandelier, the Haute Route Dolomites Event Director, says that this edition looks set to be an absolute classic that will challenge riders of all abilities.
“We are super-excited to be starting from Innsbruck and for the first time in the history of the Haute Route Dolomites to have devised a course that travels directly to Venice without transfers,” he said.
“The double-night stays are going to make everything very easy off the bike, meaning riders will be able to enjoy their time on the bike even more. It’s a new beginning for this great event and one not to miss,” Chandelier added.
The Haute Route Dolomites sets off from Innsbruck on Saturday September 2 with a 113km loop back to its starting point, featuring 2,900 metres of climbing. Stage 2, from Innsbruck to the Valle Isarco is the Queen Stage of a tough week with 176kms on the road and a formidable 4,200 metres of climbing including the Timmelsjoch and the Passo di Monte Giovo.
After a slightly easier Stage 3 dominated by the Passo di Pennes, the Individual Time Trial follows on Stage 4, a 17km ascent of the Passo delle Erbe from the west, rising 1,100 metres with an average gradient of 6.5% and a maximum of 11%.
Stage 5 is another relatively short one at 93km but it includes a total of 3,250 metres of ascent made up of a second ascent of the Erbe – this time from the north – and two climbs engrained in the history of Italian cycling – the Passo Gardema and the Passo Sella.
There is no let-up on Stage 6 as the peloton completes a 128km loop based at the beautiful ski resort of Canazei via the Passo San Pellegrino (1918), Passo Valles (2030), Passo Lavazè (1813) and Passo Costalunga (1748).
Then comes the final challenge, a long Stage 7 from Canazei to the charms of Venice, with the Passo Fedaia once more on the agenda alongside the Forcella Franche and San Boldo Pass.
HAUTE ROUTE DOLOMITES 2017 STAGE BY STAGE
- Stage 1: Innsbruck – Innsbruck (113km / 2900M+)
Mösern Pass 1252m / Kühtai Sattel 2017m- Stage 2: Innsbruck – Valle Isarco (176km/4200M+)
Timmelsjoch 2474m / Passo Monte Giovo 2099m- Stage 3: Valle Isarco – Brixen (107km/3000M+)
Passo Pennes 2215m / Renon Plateau 1383m- Stage 4: TT Brixen – Plancios (17km, 1100M+)
Col: Passo delle Erbe 1670m- Stage 5: Brixen – Canazei (93km, 3250M+)
Cols: Passo delle Erbe 1987m / Passo Gardena 2120 m / Sella 2240 m- Stage 6: Canazei – Canazei (128km, 3543M+)
Cols: Passo San Pellegrino 1918m / Passo Valles 2030 m / Passo Lavazè 1813 m / Passo Costalunga 1748 m.- Stage 7: Canazei – Venice (181km, 2551+)
Cols: Passo Fedaia 2057m / Forcella Franche 992m / Passo San Boldo 706m.
