VITTORIA BUSSI

TheItaliancyclistwhobroketheUCIworldhourrecordin 2018–riding48.007kmatMexico’shigh-altitude velodrome–takesusonatourofherfavouriteroute...

DYNAMITE DOLOMITES

“There’s very little flat when cycling the Dolomites, and the world famous Stelvio Pass is on the doorstep. Cycling mountain climbs is exciting but don’t let that blur your focus – from the start you should use a neutral aid to measure your pace, such as a heart-rate monitor, to ensure you don’t burn out too soon with the excitement.”

BUSSI PASSI

“My favourite climb is Passo Falzarego because it’s also do-able on a TT bike. The slopes are constant, the rise is gradual and the trick is to sit back in your saddle and recruit your glutes – giving you more power but without exhausting all your energy. If you do climb out of the saddle, switch to a bigger gear to keep a lower cadence.”

WATER WAY TO GO

“The Dolomites offer excellent cycling weather from May to October (November to March is winter sports time and best avoided). But the temperature, breathing effort and demands of riding at altitude require more fluids to be taken – be sure to take plenty of water and snacks and use the flatter sections to fuel up.”

GET IN GEAR

“I don’t have specific bike modifications for riding in the Dolomites, but I recommend a 50-34 front gear and 32 on the rear. Amateur riders may find on these long, steep and challenging climbs that it’s better to fit a bigger rear cassette so that you have a lower easiest gear.”

WEAR IT WELL

“May is the wettest month in the calendar, but temperatures (on the valley floor) vary from 19 to 29°C from April to October – and so spending time out of the saddle is also great. If you are riding, even in season, remember this is part of the Alps and so the weather can change dramatically – rain, sun and snowy peaks all in one ride – so pack an emergency jacket. The toughest thing about cycling the Dolomites is altitude – you will be over 2000m – so it takes time to get used to.” The Dolomites with Vittoria Bussi tour is scheduled for 13-19 July 2019: www. tourissimo.travel/dolomites-bike-tour