The Monte Grappa is synonymous with the Sportful brand. Describe the location of the headquarters to a cyclist and the general geographical references maybe lost on them. However mention the climbs of Croce d’Aune, Monte Grappa….

A company that’s family owned, still manufacturing, forever innovating. A brand with a rich sporting history and heritage…

Collectively these are special and would define any other company but it’s the location that makes Sportful truly authentic, in its approach to manufacturing / designing cycling apparel.

So working on the basis that all the best bike rides, start from Fonzaso, we’ll take you on one of many ascents up the M.G.

Rather than rolling a couple of km’s to Caupo and beginning the climb, continue onto Feltre, exit the town in the direction of Treviso and onto the small village of Fenner (the Fiume river will be on your left). It might not be the most scenic of roads but it serves as a nice warm up for the gradients to come.

Roll into Alano di Piave and you’ll see signs for the Monte Tomba, the first ascent of the day, it’s approximately 7km in length and serves as stepping stone to the M.G. Once the road plateaus, simply make a right hand turn at the junction and continue upwards, Monte Grappa bound!

Even in the height of summer the road, is quiet with very little traffic to disturb the tranquility. The road climbs up, seemingly getting narrower, ribbon like in its formation, intersected by small, unlit tunnels…

The Rifugio Bassano, is at the summit of the climb and a can of coke won’t taste any better, than one you drink here! On a clear day, the views are spectacular!

Fonzaso is the best place to start a bike ride and you’ll be glad you did, the road and descent down to Caupo is a fun one and a perfect way to finish the ride.

Photo – Pocis.it Sportful 2014 Custom Kit Catalogue.