The PROS' rave routes - Lago-Triple on Lake Garda
September 2021
Circular route from Lake Garda to Lake Valvestino, Italy - Daniel Oss’s recommendation
Lake Garda is an ideal training area for many professional and amateur cyclists alike. This is partly due to the diversity of the routes. From Monte Bondone in the north, the hairpin bends of which wind their way up to 1,650 metres, to the fast, pancake-flat routes in the south, there is certainly plenty of variety. Another advantage: winter is cold, but usually frost free and with little rain. This provides the ideal conditions for preparing for the race season.
Photocredit:
BORA – hansgrohe / Bettiniphoto
BORA / Stefan Schütz
BORA – hansgrohe / Chiara Redaschi
Daniel Oss from the BORA – hansgrohe team was born just around the corner in Trento and has appreciated the routes near Lake Garda since his early youth. “The area never stops amazing me”, he enthuses. “The animal and plant world is unique. If I’m out riding really early, I sometimes even see a deer.”
One of his favourite routes is located in the climatically mild region to the south-west of the lake, the circular route to Lago di Valvestino (Lake Valvestino). This starts and ends in San Felice del Benaco. Despite being classed as difficult, the route has the advantages of good road surfaces all the way and little traffic in most areas. “When climbing from Gargnano to Lake Valvestino, I enjoy looking at the sailboats far down below on the lake”, says Daniel Oss. “Thanks to the sub-Mediterranean climate, the whole area is dotted with palm trees.” For Oss, the highlight of the route is Lake Idro. “It often sparkles in a stunning shade of light blue like a piece of aquamarine beryl. Sometimes, I get off my bike and take a selfie.” He then continues on the long and spectacular descent down to the lake at Salò. Daniel Oss summarises the route as “perfect from both a training and scenic perspective.”
Route info
Start/finish: San Felice del Benaco
Distance: 89.2 km
Ascent: 2,050 m Descent: 2,050 m
