Checkpoint:10
VILLABASSA / NIEDERDORF
Campo sportivo Clubhaus
Zona artigianale – Handwerkerzone
39039 Villabassa / Niederdorf (BZ)
Opening Hours
From 6:30 on 25 May to 5:00 on 28 May
The route in short
Still on the charming SS52bis, we ascend to the Monte Croce Carnico / Plöcken Pass (km 11), and then down to Mauthen (km 22). Entering the beautiful Gailtal valley, we meet Sankt Jakob im Lesachtal (km 31), Sankt Lorenzen im Lesachtal (km 45), and then enter Maria Luggau (km 49). After Untertilliach, we pass through Obertilliach, and up a little further to the Kartischer Sattel (km 65). With a beautiful descent, we pass Kartisch, and return into the Drau valley at Tassenbach (km 74). In short, to the state border at Prato alla Drava (km 81), then San Candido / Innichen (km 89), Dobbiaco / Toblach (km 94), and Villabassa / Niederdorf (km 100).
Attention
This is the most demanding stage of the 1200 km. The climb to the Passo di Monte Croce Carnico / Plöckenpass is very even and on a state road with little traffic. Pay attention to the descent, which is steep in places, on the cold Austrian side. There are several tunnels, the first in particular is long and steep. The road through the Gailtal Valley, with several ups and downs and a few hairpin bends, is the main road, but has light traffic.
The route may be subject to change. The final tracks will be sent 15 days after the event. The elevation data are automatically taken from the Outdooractive software.
Environment and Landscape
From Timau, you continue on the SS52bis, traffic is now lighter. Suddenly, we begin to climb the border rampart thanks to a daring complex of hairpin bends and tunnels. After reaching the Passo di Monte Croce Carnico / Plöckenpass, we enter Austria again and, with a fast descent, the Gailtal valley at Mauthen. After crossing the Gailtal stream, we begin the long ascent of the valley, enlivened by short ups and downs. The alpine and rustic environment is extraordinarily pleasant. On our left runs the very long border ridge with Italy. We pass through several small hamlets, the villages of Sankt Jakob and Sankt Lorenzen and then reach Maria Luggau with its famous pilgrimage church; finally Obertilliach. After crossing the Kartischer Sattel, we quickly descend towards Sillian.
Along familiar roads, we return to Italy: Innichen / Innichen, Toblach / Toblach and finally back to Niederdorf / Villabassa.
