The Zoncolan is an absolute brute of a climb. It has 1km on the Ovaro side of around 20%! The Zoncolan is one of the hardest climbs in Europe and is often compared with the Angliru due to the constant high gradient and overall distance. The Zoncolan can be climbed from Ovaro, Sutrio and Priola.
The Zoncolan has been used in the Giro d'Italia in 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2018. In 2003 the Sutrio side was used while all other years used the Ovaro side. The winners of the stages were: 2003 Gilberto Simoni (ITA), 2007 Gilberto Simoni (ITA), 2010 Ivan Basso (ITA) and 2014 Michael Rogers (AUS).
The West side climb, from Ovaro, starts in the Gorto Valley. This side has a maximum gradient of 22%. Shortly after the village of Liariis, 8.5km from the summit, the road enters a forested section and passes through three short tunnels before entering a section of very steep switchbacks just below the summit. The tunnels are lit but it may be a good idea to take your own rear light to be safer.
Country: ITALY
Mountain range location: Carnic Alps
Distance: 9.8km
Elev Gain: 1172m
Avg Grade: 12%
Max Grade: 21.3%
Climb cat: H/C
Min Elevation: 555m
Max Elevation: 1724m
Suggested Airport: Venice Marco Polo
Suggested Train Station: Venice Santa Lucia Train Station
