Passo Sella 2,244m
The Passo Sella is the 3rd climb of the Maratona dles Dolomites and is named after the majestic Sella Massif group of mountains that you ride around when completing the Sella Ronda circuit. At 2,244m the Passo Sella has twice been the Cima Coppi or highest point of the Giro d’Italia.
Whilst the Passo Pordoi is the mountain owned by Fausto Coppi – after he was the first to summit the Pordoi in the Giro no less than five times – the Sella holds a more intriguing history for Il Campionissimo. In the 1940 Giro d’Italia Coppi faded so badly that he needed teammate Gino Bartalli to stuff snow down his neck to revive him in his fight to defend the Maglia Rosa.
In the Maratona the Passo Sella comes just at the right time to warm you up after the chilly descent from the Passo Pordoi and just before Passo Gardena, the final climb of the Sella Ronda circuit.
Maratona dles Dolomites Cycling Holiday
Maratona dles Dolomites Course Profile
Passo Giau Profile
In the Maratona you will be attacking the Passo Sella from the southern side, climbing 436m over 5.5km at an average gradient of 7.9%. Whilst on paper this isn’t the hardest of climbs it is one that can damage your chances of claiming a Maratona medal. Pacing yourself up the Passo Sella, Gardena and Campolongo is essential if you are to have enough energy for the Passo Giau.
Passo Sella Profile:
- Starting elevation: 1808 m
- Final elevation: 2244 m
- Length of ascent: 5.5 km
- Elevation gain: 436 m
- Average gradient: 7.9 %
- Steepest gradient: 12 %
Maratona Fact File:
- Climb 3/6
- Cut off time: 09:39
Climbing the Passo Sella
What is it like to climb the Passo Sella in the Maratona? Brevet guest Jennifer lets us in on her Maratona adventure:
Did Jen save enough energy to get up the Passo Giau? Find out in Jen’s Riders Eye View account of the Maratona dles Dolomites.
Passo Sella Descent
The descent from the Passo Sella is fun and fast with flowing bends and a few tight technical corners to keep you focussed.
Check out this recon video of the Passo Sella descent:
Maratona dles Dolomites Cycling Holiday
Guests on our Maratona dles Dolomites Cycling Holiday benefit from our first hand knowledge of cycling in the Dolomites, including our tactics for making that vital Passo Giau cut off time of 11:40 at Cernadoi in order to be allowed to climb the Passo Giau.
If you would like to holiday like a Pro with knowledgable and friendly guides, Brevet Team Car support and guaranteed entry to the Maratona dles Dolomites then book your place on the Maratona starting line today.
Maratona dles Dolomites Cycling Holiday
Brevet guest Kate approaches the summit of the Passo Sella in the Maratona dles Dolomites
Maratona dles Dolomites Climbs
Take a closer look at the climbs you will face if you take on the challenge of the Maratona dles Dolomites with Brevet:
Image Credits: Maratona dles Dolomites, Brevet