Stage 5: Possagno – Semonzo

Monte Grappa has a special appeal for cyclists, so much so that the world's top riders climbed to the summit twice during a stage of the Giro d'Italia in May 2025. Twice up to where we whizzed down yesterday and twice down to Romano d'Ezzelino, where the Transalp descent is planned for today. And even without the pros, you always meet enthusiastic cyclists on these roads. At the foot of the mountain, you can even meet them all year round. It's no coincidence that the mountain has a permanent place in the Transalp; it's always worth coming here. Nevertheless, after many crossings with the Grappa, we still have a score to settle. There is a road that has never been part of the Transalp route. As already mentioned, all the roads on its southern flank are the definition of the term ‘panoramic road’. But this missing piece stands out once again.

This road begins at Monte Tomba, an 800-metre-high shoulder in the far east, which has already been crossed as part of the Transalp. From there, a narrow road winds its way up in tight hairpin bends to the alpine pastures below the summit – and you always have a view of the wide countryside – and, when the air is clear, as far as the sea. Soon the route recedes somewhat and winds its way into a green basin with lush alpine meadows below the summit. But soon it heads back towards the southern mountain walls and the reason why this section had to wait so long to make its Transalp appearance. The road was closed for several years because a few rock tunnels had to be renovated. Now, however, this eastern connection to the summit is open again, as is the connection to another section of panoramic road with endless views and to the aforementioned second descent option via Campo Solagna down to Romano d'Ezzelino. This is just as racy as yesterday's, with a short intermediate climb but slightly longer and not quite as steep on average. Two flat kilometres to Semonzo, the finish of this stage, complete this new and spectacular east-west traverse across Monte Grappa.

But there's something missing: the wonderful intro to this summit tour. From Monte Tomba in the east, you have a great view of the Prosecco hills around Valdobbiadene. The Prosecco capital is located on the eastern side of the Piave River, just three or four kilometres from the foot of Monte Grappa. All around are sunny hills covered with vines, a kitschy, beautiful, bright green cultural landscape that fulfils all the postcard clichés with the red tiled roofs of the villages and wineries. And in the middle of it all, small roads wind their way up and down over and around the hills. It's great fun to roam around here on a racing bike. It's no coincidence that a cycling event with the illustrious name ‘Prosecco Cycling’ takes place here every September. And this mountain stage is preceded by just such a hilly section. This stage has two worlds, and this mix is as enchanting as a sparkling Prosecco.