Similar to the Mont Ventoux, three roads lead to the summit of the Colle della Fauniera. There's however one difference: there's no easy side. The east side is one of Italy's toughest climbs - a true adventure. It's still possible: cycling from civilization in the pristine nature in an Alpine country.

South side (Michiel van Lonkhuizen - CyclingCols)

Colle delle Fauniera/Colle dei Morti

Location

The Colle della Fauniera is also known as Colle dei Morti (Col of the dead). This name refers to the bloody battles in this area between the French-Spanish and Piemonte troops in the 17th century. The col is situated in the Italian region Piemonte. The summit can be reached from three sides: north, east and south. Piemonte lies in the northwest of Italy. Turin the capital. The Lago Magiore and the Langhe area are the most popular tourist destinations. The hills east of the city of Cuneo are famous for their wine and truffels. The westerly and northerly parts of the region are formed by mountains. An area with pristine nature and few cars. Famous mountain passes include  the Colle dell'Agnello, Colle della Lombarda, Passo del Sempione (Simplonpass) and the Colle di Tenda (Col de Tende).

The north side 

The east side

A true beast. If we take Vangana as our starting postion, it's 30 km of climbing to the top. The first half is hardly worth mentioning, it's no more than false flat. The last 15 km however, average at 9,2% with gradients up to 15%. There only few climbs with such impressive segments. According to the CyclingCols index this one of the hardest in Italy. 

Like the north side, the road is small. Motorised traffic is rare. It's a real adventure cycling through this stunning surrounding. If you pay attention that is, since this climb is so hard it's going to be a challenge for everyone. If you want to experience this climb in a cyclo: it's in the route of the Gran Fondo Fausto Coppi.

The south side

Demonte marks the start of this climb. Initially the road runs throughs villages and forests. Apart from a few steep sections, this part is fine. Some 12 km from the top the landscape gets rougher and there are no houses anymore. From here, the roads has no mercy. Sections well above 10% more often than not. The surrounding is fabulous. Rough nature, no one else around, suffering. This is cycling in its purest form. 

No matter which side you pick, the Fauniera is one of the most climbs to ride. A real must do for lovers.

Cycling history

The Fauniera's cycling history is limited, but impressing. The col has only been paved in '99 following the passing by of the Giro d'Italia (stage 14). It was in this place Pantani put himself on the map as a super climber (hence the monument). 

In 2001, stage 18 was scheduled to cross the Fauniera. It would have been the Cima Coppi. The stage never took place. The night before, the police literally searched every hotel room for doping. The peloton was furious, and called for the first strike in cycling history. 

The east side was included in 2003's stage 18. The route however didn't surpass the Colle d'Esischie, some 1200 meters from the Fauniera's top.

Gran fondos

• La Fausto Coppi

Profiles

Colle della Fauniera north

Colle della Fauniera east

Colle della Fauniera south

Routes

Click on the images to download the routes.

The highest climbs in Europe, the list

Pictures

South side (Michiel van Lonkhuizen - CyclingCols)

North side

North and east side, last kilometer from the Colle d'Esischie

The statue of the pirate at the summit

Summit