Monte Zoncolan

A superb video race filmed in high definition on a beautiful sunny day. Departing from Villa Santina, we warm up our muscles in the 10 k mild uphill to reach Ovaro where we began the Zoncolan. The climb from Ovaro of the Zoncolan, also known as the "Kaiser", is considered by many to be the hardest climb in all of Europe with very sustained slopes with maximums of 20-21%.
The ascent can be divided into three parts. The first and last ~2km sections are "normal" while the middle 6 km, is extreme. The first part takes place in an open environment through the village of Ovaro in the meadows that separate it from the village of Liaris. From the square of Liaris, we turn right where the road is flat for about 500 m. Immediately after the last home we start the second, epically hard part: 6 Km with an average slope of 15%. The beginning is brutal. Just out of Liaris we find a straight at 14% section, the first and among the least demanding of a long series. The hairpin bends are few and often very close. Where the forest begins to thin out gradually replaced by alpine meadow is the sign that you are about 1 km from the end of the difficult second part and upon reaching the junction to the Malga Pozzof, you are finally there. From here you can admire the beautiful view of the green Val Degano. The climb becomes easier and even contains a slight downhill slope of about 300 m followed by a short climb up to 13%. Next, you get to the first of three rustic tunnels. After the third tunnel we can see the top, which is reached by the final four challenging switchbacks. Once on top of the climb, your fatigue is rewarded by a magnificent panorama. We descent to Sutrio then proceed to uphill Ravascletto.