Back in the Dolomites, the Col Collective’s latest instalment sees Mike Cotty take on the Passo Fedaia.

A modest average gradient of 7.5 per cent belies the true difficulty of the 14km ascent, which kicks up fiercely after its scenic opening.

Marco Pantani ignited the 1998 Giro d’Italia on its slopes, which pitch up to 18 per cent close to the summit.

“Watched over by the highest peak in the Dolomites, the 3,343 metre high Marmolada, the Passo Fedaia is an enchanting journey of mystery and intrigue right from the very beginning,” says Cotty.

“Captivated by its beauty [on his first time on the climb] it was only a matter of time before the Fedaia unleashed its full fury, reinforcing exactly why this is one of that hardest climbs in the region.

“Make sure you have compact gearing. As the road starts to switchback the gradient just keeps rising – 15, 16, 17, 18 per cent – until the summit when you’re blessed with the beauty of the Lago Fedaia and the satisfaction of taming a true mountain legend.”

Vital statistics

Start: Caprile
Length: 14.1km
Summit: 2,054m
Elevation gain: 1,031m
Average gradient: 7.5%
Max gradient: 18%