The Giro delle Dolomiti is a five-day amateur cycling event that winds its way 400+ kilometres through the dramatic scenery of the Italian Dolomites in northern Italy.
Inspired by some of the Giro d’Italia’s famous routes, the Giro delle Dolimiti enables road cyclists to cycle some of Italy’s most legendary mountain roads, including the Sellaronda and the Passo dello Stelvio. Held each July, the event is now in its 48th year and has been inspiring thousands of road cyclists to challenge themselves in the Dolomites since 1977.
Bettina Ravanelli is the president, events organiser and professional photographer of the Giro delle Dolomiti.
In this article, we speak to Bettina about what makes it special. From the opportunity to spend five days experiencing cycling the Dolomites, to the competitive daily mountain time trial sections, warm hospitality, mechanical support and the opportunity to connect on a social level with hundreds of other like-minded riders; there’s a lot to talk about.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to take part in this action-packed Dolomites cycling tour…
This guide provides an overview of the event that is due to take place 21 to 25 July 2025. Please read the rules, entry conditions and information on the official website if you want to take part. In the event of any discrepancy between this guide and the information on the official website, please rely on the official website.
1. Overview
What is the Giro delle Dolomiti?
The Giro delle Dolomiti (GdD) is an annual international cycling event that takes place in the magnificent mountains of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy.
When is the Giro delle Dolomiti?
This legend of the Dolomites cycling event scene, typically takes place each July.
In 2025, the GdD will host its 48th edition, from 21 to 25 July (Monday to Friday).
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Want to take part in this event?
Don't miss your chance to take part in the 48th edition of the Giro delle Dolomiti in 2025!
Head to the Giro delle Dolomiti website to register.
Where does the Giro delle Dolomiti start?
The event start and finish line is located in the city of Bolzano, the capital of the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy.
Riders set off from the FieraBolzano Exhibition Center. This is also where you will find the official event office.
Be aware! Most of the five stages start and finish in Blozano at the FieraBolzano Exhibition Center. However, stages two and four start and finish in different locations. See more information about individual stages below.
See below a map showing Bolzano and several of the key climbs participants will tackle during the Giro delle Dolomiti event. Hover over the map pins to see the name of the climbs.
Can you give me a brief Giro delle Dolomiti event overview?
The Giro delle Dolomiti event provides amateur cycling enthusiasts from all over the world the opportunity to experience road cycling in the Dolomites.
In total, the Giro Delle Dolomiti 2025 covers an impressive 412 kilometres and includes nearly 10,000 metres of climbing.
The event is broken down into daily stages with different distances and elevation gains.
Every year the stages are different.
Discover more information on the daily stages for 2025 below.
Iconic mountain passes
Throughout the five days of this Dolomites cycling event, there are several iconic Dolomites peaks to tackle, including cycling the Sellaronda route featuring the Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo. The event also features cycling the Stelvio Pass.
One of the big allures of the event is that many of the featured routes are regularly used on the legendary Giro d’Italia race.
Daily mountain time trials
Each stage also features a mountain time trail section known as the “Crono” which takes place on closed roads.
The length of the Crono varies between 6 and 16 kilometres each day, with a climb ranging between 422 and 1,200 metres of elevation gain.
Top tip! This Crono section is where participants can activate their competitive race mode and enable them to push their limits (if they wish). The time recorded is also used for the overall ranking.
Tell me about the different stages?
Typically, some stages are replaced and changed each year. However, we usually keep in the Sellaronda stage due to its popularity.
For 2025, the stages riders can expect are:
Stage 1
Map credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti
Statistics
75.5 kilometres
1,524 metres of elevation gain
Crono/ time trial
16.2 kilometres
628 metres of elevation gain
This time trial starts 26 kilometres into the stage
Notes
The first stage takes place on 21 July (Monday) from FieraBolzano.
Riders cycle via the villages of Ora and Aldino and then climb up to the famous monastery of Maria Weißenstein.
After this, the route heads back to Bolzano via the mountain village of Nova Ponente and the Val d’Ega.
Stage 2
Map credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti
Statistics
107 kilometres
3,100 metres of elevation gain
Crono/ time trial
6.1 kilometres
422 metres of elevation gain
This time trial starts 40 kilometres into the stage
Notes
Prepare for a big day on the bikes! This is certainly the hardest day in terms of distance and elevation gain.
Today cyclists set off from Ponte Gardena to take on the notorious Sella Ronda route.
This stage includes tackling four impressive mountain passes: the Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo and the Passo Gardena.
Stage 3
Map credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti
Statistics
91.6 kilometres
1,691 metres of elevation gain
Crono/ time trial
9.7 kilometres
666 metres of elevation gain
This time trial starts 12.5 kilometres into the stage.
Notes
This stage starts and finishes in the city of Bolzano.
Today cyclists tackle the high mountain passes of the Passo della Mendola and the Passo della Palade.
Stage 4
Map credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti
Statistics
57.5 kilometres
1,867 metres of elevation gain
Crono/ time trial
13.7 kilometres
1,183 metres of elevation gain
This time trial starts 11.8 kilometres into the stage
Notes
On the penultimate day of the Giro delle Dolomiti, cyclists set off from Prato and head to the Vinschgau Valley in western Tyrol.
Today the legendary Stelvio Pass awaits, alongside its striking 48 hairpin bends on the South Tyrolean side. The crono time trial will take place on the ascent of the Stelvio cycling climb and is the toughest crono challenge of the race.
The stage finishes in the small town of Glorenza.
Stage 5
Map credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti
Statistics
79.7 kilometres
1,775 metres of elevation gain
Crono/ time trial
6.5 kilometres
563 metres of elevation gain
This time trial starts 35 kilometres into the stage
Notes
The final day of Giro delle Dolomiti starts and finishes in Bolzano.
Today participants take on a scenic ride to the breathtaking Alpe di Siusi, the largest high Alpine plateau in Europe.
After the stage has been completed, a prize-giving ceremony takes place for participants and guests. See more below.
How hard is the Giro delle Dolomiti?
If you are going to take part in the whole event you can expect over 10,000 metres of climbing in five days. This makes the Giro delle Dolomiti a seriously tough challenge for road cyclists who love to push their limits. The daily Cronos also enable these cyclists to really push the pace to further add to the challenge.
However, you don’t have to ride the whole event! You can also choose to sign up for individual stages instead. This makes the event’s level of challenge customisable to suit your fitness abilities.
The majority of each stage is typically covered at a reduced pace in a group. This gives participants the opportunity to socialise with like-minded people and make friends along the way.
2. Entry
What is the Giro delle Dolomiti entry fee?
The entry fee for all five stages is 600 euros until April 19th, 2025. After this date, the amount increases to 650 euros.
You can also register for individual stages at an entry fee of 130 euros per stage.
Are there any requirements for entering?
Yes! To participate in the Giro delle Dolomiti riders must have a medical certificate for competitive cycling that is no more than one year old. Participants can find a health certificate form to download on our website, this can be printed and filled out by a doctor.
See below for more useful training preparation information.
There is also a minimum age requirement of 18 years to take part.
What’s the process for entering the Giro delle Dolomiti?
Registrations for the Giro delle Dolomiti are open on the event website here. Typically registration opens in October each year.
What is included in the entry?
Each participant receives a starter pack with multiple items, including the official cycling jersey of the 48th Giro delle Dolomiti 2025 edition.
There is also usually a selection of locally produced goodies, ranging from biscuits and food to other useful items. In the past, we have included locally made sunscreen.
As part of your entry, you receive:
- Participation in the event, or specific stages
- A bib with your name which needs to be worn every day (clips to attach these are provided by the race office)
- Daily luggage transport
- Insurance (by ITAS)
- Professional timekeeping (e-chip)
- Access to feed stations
- A warm meal after the ride or along the route
- Mechanical assistance
- Medical and safety assistance
- Car escort along the route
- GPX files
- Event briefing
- A certificate of participation, including timings of each stage cycled
- An appertivo (drink) after the Sunday briefing
Water refill is in big demand at the refreshment stations (photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
How many riders take part in the event?
Between 400 to 600 racers typically take part each year and the vast majority of riders take part in every stage of the race.
Do you issue refunds in the case of cancellation?
Be aware! We don’t offer refunds in the event of cancellation. The only exception is in the event of a serious and proven impediment, for example, an unforeseen accident.
In this event, we ask participants to send a medical certificate confirming the accident and we may be able to offer you a free ticket for participation in the following year´s event only. This is subject to written application and at the sole discretion of the organisers. We are only able to move your entry once.
Sponsor Message
Want to take part in this event?
Don't miss your chance to take part in the 48th edition of the Giro delle Dolomiti in 2025!
Head to the Giro delle Dolomiti website to register.
3. Preparation
What training do you need to do for the Giro delle Dolomiti?
Given the overall elevation gain of the event and the fact riders ride in a group with a back-marker car they need to stay ahead of (see details below), it’s important to have a good level of fitness. You need to be able ride over longer distances at a moderate pace.
Also consider getting some practice of riding in a peloton of riders; the Giro dello Dolomiti involves cycling as part of a large group of riders, so some experience of group riding is helpful.
Event speed and average paces
On the flat, riders can expect to be cycling at a speed of between 25 and 28 km/hour is required to keep up with the group, The climbing rate should be around 450 to 600 metres/hour.
Outside of the Crono, the group will be convoyed by a leading car, assistance car and by the car behind the group of cyclists: the speed in the uphill parts will be cycled a little bit slower, and the downhill parts will be cycled faster.
During the Crono sections (mountain time trial), the road will be closed and there are no speed limits. These take place on more challenging mountain roads and are about 5-10 kilometres long, almost always going uphill with an average gradient of 8%.
In our experience, the top racers ride the Crono with an average speed of 14 km/hour, the sporty cyclists with an average speed of 10% and the more relaxed participants with an average speed of 6 km/hour.
The Giro delle Dolomiti involves riding as part of a large group (photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
How should cyclists get to the event?
It is possible to fly to Bolzano from London via skyalps.
Other airports you can fly into include:
- Innsbruck, Austria (100 kilometres away)
- Verona, Italy (130 kilometres away)
- Venice, Italy (270 kilometres away)
- Milan, Italy (300 kilometres away)
- Munich, Germany (300 kilometres away)
From these various locations, it is possible to reach Bolzano by airport shuttle using the Alto Adige bus. You can carry bikes on this service but they must be packed in a cardboard box or in appropriate luggage bags with the front wheel removed. They should also be booked in advance and will incur an extra cost.
It is also possible to take a train to Bolzano from all of the above-listed airports.
However, the train station is not always located in the airport and may require a shuttle service to reach. Depending on which airport you fly into there may also not have a direct service to Bolzano. If you plan to travel by train, look into this beforehand and plan accordingly. Always book ahead if you can and check about additional charges and rules if you are planning to bring your own bicycle with you.
Where should participants stay during the event?
Each participant must book their own accommodation as this cost is not included in the entry fee.
Bolzano city and its surroundings are a good place to base yourself during the event.
You can find useful accommodation information on the Giro delle Dolomiti website, including a list of partner hotels in and around Bolzano city. It is typical for participants who are taking part in all, or multiple stages, to stay in the same accommodation all week.
Top tip! We suggest checking into the hotel on Saturday, July 19th (or at least on Sunday, July 20th in the morning). This is because on Sunday afternoon the participants are invited to take part in the event briefing where they also pick up their starter-package.
How do you recommend riders get to the stage start locations from their accommodation?
Several stages start and finish in Bolzano, which is easily accessible by bike.
For stage 2, the start of the stage can be reached by cycling along a cycling path, by train, by bus, or by car.
For stage 4, there is a shuttle bus to the start point of this stage.
(photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
Can you get bike rental for the event?
Yes, it is possible to rent a road bike from our event partner Sport Camin. They are a bike shop located in the city of Bolzano, not far from the FieraBolzano, our event headquarters.
Claudio Camin is the owner and an ex-professional cyclist. He offers high-class bikes, including carbon bicycles for approximately 70 euros per day. You can request to rent a bike using this form.
Top tip! If you plan to rent a bike for the Giro della Dolomiti it’s best to book as far in advance as possible to secure availability.
What should riders wear during the event?
Be aware! The weather in the Dolomites mountains can be unpredictable, even in July. This is an important factor to consider when planning a Dolomites cycling holiday.
We suggest bringing a wind jacket and rain jacket for protection against any heavy downpours or windy conditions.
We also offer a daily “bag packing service” that takes a participant’s bag to the top of the mountain at every stage. This enables you to pack some extra layers or additional gear you think might be useful during each stage.
Participants collecting their bags at the bag drop (photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
4. The event
What are your favourite parts of the Giro delle Dolomiti route?
Several stages typically feature in the Giro d’Italia, which adds to a sense of achievement. By taking part you are able to follow in the footsteps of cycling legends, such as Marco Pantani and Fausto Coppi.
As well as a rewarding and challenging race set-up, you also get to experience a unique Dolomites cycling holiday; many riders who take part comment on the camaraderie of the event being a big highlight for them.
Sharing the experience of cycling in the Dolomites with so many other like-minded cyclists every day is what makes this event so special.
A few other standout moments of the event include:
-
- Cycling the “snake” shaped turns of Passo Stelvio. The top of this legendary pass can also sometimes provide a snowy surprise for riders.
- The marvellous Gardena Valley is home to three lovely towns: Ortisei, S.Cristina, and Selva. While cycling in Gardena Valley riders also enjoy views of the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto, two of the Dolomite’s most visually striking mountains.
- The view from the Alpe di Siusi which looks out onto the iconic Sciliiar mountain, as well as many peaks west of the Alps.
For me Giro delle Dolomiti is more than just a cycling tour. It’s a week of pure joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The events combines passion, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable cycling experiences.
Ahmed Almarri, Dubai
Is the Giro delle Dolomiti on closed roads?
No, this Dolomites cycling race mainly takes place on open roads.
However, the daily Crono time trials take place on closed roads.
Be aware! All cyclists are escorted by a team of motorcyclists and a leading car. You must stay behind the lead car at all times and not overtake it. This car helps to set the overall pace and keeps the cycling group together.
Are there cut-offs during each stage?
Yes, each stage has designated checkpoints to reach together, and cut-off time limits set by the organisation.
Be aware! A car sits at the back of the group of cyclists called the FINE GARA, if this vehicle overtakes you at any point, this means you are considered out of the race and you have a couple of options to consider. This includes:
- Jumping in an additional vehicle that also sits at the back of the group called the “scopa”. This will take you to the nearest refreshment point to reach the rest of the group. You can then continue together with the other participants.
- Alternatively, if you are struggling to keep up but want to stay on your bike, you can choose to continue cycling independently after communicating with the organisers. However, continuing independently means you give up the additional services available to other riders, including insurance, catering and assistance. You can attempt to overtake the FINE GARA final ace vehicle to re-enter the race again at any time.
Participants must ride behind the lead car and not overtake! ((photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
Can you ride as a team?
Yes! In 2025 you can now sign up as a team of four cyclists.
All members of the team must complete the same stage. The times of the team members will be added up for an overall ranking and the top three teams will receive prizes. Find out more below.
Are there food stations available?
Every daily stage usually has at least two refreshment stations during the stage and a lunch at the end of the stage.
These refreshment stations have lots of drinks to hydrate with, including water, isotonic drinks, Coca-Cola and apple juice.
You will also find snackable food at the stations, including fresh fruit such as bananas, apples, watermelon and sweet melon, sandwiches, parmesan cheese, salami, locally sourced yoghurts, dry fruits and cake.
You will usually find one of the refreshment stations available after the end of the daily Cronos time trial. All riders pause at refreshment stations to rest and refuel together.
Lunch usually takes place at the end of the stage and includes more hearty, warm meals, including delicious local dishes such as Tyrolian dumplings and Gnocchi.
Is there any assistance during the race from the organisers?
There are approximately sixty highly motivated volunteers that make up the Giro delle Dolomiti team and who take care of everything during each day. Their roles include security, refreshments along the route or the race office, bag transferring and keeping participants happy and well informed.
A mechanic also follows the cycling group during all stages to provide any mechanical assistance needed.
In the case of any accidents, several ambulances are also available at all times with access to a fully qualified doctor.
A group of volunteers serving fresh fruit at a refreshment stand (photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti
Are prizes awarded?
Yes, after the race has finished on the last day there is an awards ceremony.
Prizes are awarded for the following categories, with the overall winners of each receiving trophies:
- The top three teams
- The top three overall men
- The top three overall women
- The oldest and youngest participant
- The top three in each age-gender category (men’s and women’s)
Where can I find the event rules?
The event rules are on the Giro dello Dolomiti website, here.
It is worth thoroughly reading these through as not everything is covered in this article.
Be aware! It is important for participants of the Giro delle Doliomiti to cycle together as part of a group. The event has a number of rules that keep the group together, for example, no overtaking the lead car. This helps ensure the safety and security of the event.
Having a well earned rest at a designated checkpoint (photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
5. Extra info
Do you have any suggestions before or after this Dolomites cycling tour?
Bolzano and the surrounding South Tyrol area are full of fascinating cultural and natural attractions, many of which are also family-friendly.
To start with, the city of Bolzano has a beautiful historic centre. There are plenty of shops and vibrant street markets where you can find local products. The fascinating South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is also well worth a visit, home to the famous Ötzi an Iceman mummy from the Copper Age.
Outside of the city, the region’s rich history can be experienced by visits to castles, monasteries and picturesque villages such as Castelrotto. This region is also known for its vineyards with wine tastings and tours available.
As for natural wonders, Bolzano is considered the gateway to the Dolomites with dramatic mountains surrounding the city. This means getting into the mountains is relatively easy from the city. One option to consider is the beautiful, swimmable Lake Caladro, this natural gem is included in our GIRO GUEST programme. More on that below.
For anyone looking to get some cycling miles in before the event, there are plenty of rides to choose from! Just keep in mind to save your energy and power for the five stages of the Giro; you have a lot of ground to cover and will want your legs to feel fresh.
Can friends or family easily join you?
Yes! We invite participants’ friends and family to join during the week through our GIRO GUEST programme.
This is a great option for loved ones who don’t wish to cycle and has been designed with all ages in mind. They can choose to join for four full days or take on single-day tours with us instead.
Each day, guests will take part in organised activities that enable them to discover the Dolomites.
Experiences include food and wine tastings and guided tours of cultural attractions including the pilgrimage site of Madonna di Pietralba and Castel Presule. Guests will also visit several beautiful locations in the Dolomites including Lake Caldaro and the Vinschgau/Venosta valley.
(photo credit: fotostudio3/girodelledolomiti)
Sponsor Message
Want to take part in this event?
Don't miss your chance to take part in the 48th edition of the Giro delle Dolomiti in 2025!
Head to the Giro delle Dolomiti website to register.
Good luck!
A big thank you to Bettina from Giro dello Dolomiti for her insights and tips in this guide. Good luck to anyone planning on taking part in this fantastic Dolomites cycling challenge.
Looking for more cycling holidays in the Dolomites? We think you might find this article useful. For more useful Dolomites cycling tips don’t miss this.
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Since 2020, Bettina has been the president, events organiser and professional photographer of the Giro Delle Dolomiti event in northern Italy. Bettina is a cycling enthusiast herself who has been a photographer at cycling races all her life.
She says "I think it is a unique experience to come to South Tyrol in the Dolomites and discover this unbelievably beautiful territory from the saddle. And every year we change the stages so it's never the same. I hope you come and discover the South Tyrol with us at Giro Delle Dolimiti!"
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Sponsor Message
Want to take part in this event?
Don't miss your chance to take part in the 48th edition of the Giro delle Dolomiti in 2025!
Head to the Giro delle Dolomiti website to register.
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