Short ride to Passo Pordoi and Sella

After several demanding days in the saddle, I set off early once again from Canazei with ambitious plans to conquer more iconic climbs in the Dolomiti. But from the very first pedal strokes up Passo Pordoi, I could feel that my legs weren't fully recovered.

The climb to Pordoi is as beautiful as it is demanding: countless hairpins cut across steep alpine meadows with panoramic views of the Sella Group. Yet the unusually cold morning made it hard to warm up, and fatigue from previous rides quickly took its toll.

Reaching the summit of Passo Pordoi (2239 m) was still a rewarding milestone. It’s one of the most legendary climbs in Italian cycling, featured many times in the Giro d’Italia, and home to a monument dedicated to Fausto Coppi, one of Italy’s greatest cycling icons.

Instead of pushing further and risking burnout, I made the wise choice to scale things back. I still took on Passo Sella (2218 m) to complete a loop, enjoying its stunning backdrop of jagged limestone peaks, but this time at a slower, more reflective pace.

With virtually no traffic in the early morning, the descent back to Canazei was peaceful and invigorating. Sometimes the best rides are the ones where you listen to your body and appreciate the moment rather than chasing distance.