Deep in the heart of the Veneto region of Italy the Passo Giau is a well known climb that has frequently been used in the Giro. Aside from this and, more importantly for thousands of gran fondo riders each year, the Giau is the penultimate ascent in the Maratona dles Dolomites event, which weaves together a number of the most beautiful roads and mountains in the region including the Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Falzarego in what can only be described as truly spectacular.

Going in the direction of the event and starting in Selva di Cadore the climb is just over 10km in length, topping out at 2,236 metres by the summit. Right from the word go it’s steep (nine per cent) holding its form all the way. From Pocol to the east it’s a fraction more forgiving although by no means an easy ride with an average gradient of 8.3 per cent over its 8km.