Monte Crostis, located in the far north-west of Italy in the Carnic Alps, is one of Europe's most intruiging cycling climbs. It is well known, brutally hard and should have appeared in the Giro d'Italia.
The climb from Ravascletto is easier than the road up from Comeglians - but it is still a very challenging ascent, and one which will test riders of all abilites. Don't be fooled by the modest average gradient,
which is lowered by a plateau near the top of the climb.
The plateau consists of a 6km long gravel section, which has caused significant controversy in cycling, with a hot debate on whether or not the surface is
suitable for riding on a road bike. Alberto Contador was among those who believed it was not. He, along with other riders, succesfully lobbied the organisers into removing Monte Crostis
from the 2011 Giro d'Italia.
From the top of the climb you can continue on the gravel road
The villages along their climb had already put up their pink bunting and were holding Giro parties, but the race never arrived. Perhaps it never will.
The gravel is certainly rougher than that of, for example, Colle delle Finestre, but it is not a particularly dangerous section to ride if you are not racing, as it almost completely flat.
And it probably abuses the bike less than
the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. Still, you may want to take a tyre patch and a couple of spare inner tubes before attempting the unpaved part!
It is what makes Crostis such a fascinating mountain; but don't get overly focused on the gravel. The really challenge of Monte Crostis is the relentlessly steep gradients on boths sides of the climb.
Monte Crostis is usually open from May until October. However, it has been known to be open longer in warm years.
The top of the climb is incredibly beautiful and quiet
Roads & Traffic
The road surface is in good condition for the first 16km. After this is turns into a gravel track. This is just about passable on road bike, but it is a bumpy ride and there is a risk of sidewall blowout on the tyres.
On a hybrid or mountain bike it poses absolutely no problems. On a road bike you have to go cautiously and be prepared to repair the sidewalls on the tyres! But it is an interesting experience,
and allows you to ride Monte Crostis as circular route - descending towards Comeglians.
Traffic is virtually non-existant throughout.
The Carnic Alps are probably the most unspoilt part of the range
Alternative Routes
Monte Crostis can also be climbed from the classic side, beginning in Comeglians. You can then descend this side to Ravascletto to make a fantastic loop.
Monte Crostis is climbed as an optional route extension on our Dolomites & Italian Alps cycling holiday, which
crosses Northern Italy from Zoncolan to Mortirolo.
In the links below you can find out more about this and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.
Italy
Spain
France