Sellaronda Bike Day 2024: Cycling the Car-Free Dolomites
Every year, cyclists from around the world gather in the heart of northern Italy for the Sellaronda Bike Day, a unique event that allows participants to ride through the Dolomites on roads closed to cars.
The 2024 edition was no exception, drawing thousands of riders eager to take on the challenge of cycling through four of the best-known passes in the Alps: Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Campolongo.
In this article, I’ll share my personal experience at the Sellaronda Bike Day 2024, showcasing highlights from my ride and sharing insights into why this event should be at the top of every cycling enthusiast’s bucket list.
Be sure to check out my video of the ride, where I capture the beauty and exhilaration of cycling in the Dolomites!
What is Sellaronda Bike Day?
Sellaronda Bike Day is a non-competitive cycling event held in the Dolomites, a mountain range in northern Italy that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Unlike traditional cycling races, Sellaronda Bike Day is open to riders of all levels and offers a chance to experience the iconic Sella Group mountain passes on roads closed to motor traffic for the day.
Participants can cycle at their own pace, making it a perfect event for casual riders and experienced cyclists looking for a scenic challenge.
The route covers four mountain passes: Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Campolongo. Each one opens up a different view of the Dolomites’ peaks and valleys. The full loop is about 53 kilometers with roughly 1,600 meters of climbing.
Sellaronda Bike Day at a glance
- Next dates: Saturday, June 5, 2027 and Saturday, September 11, 2027
- Road closure: About 9 am to 4 pm, according to the organizers. Some local tourism boards list 8:30 am
- Route: About 53 km around the Sella Group over Passo Campolongo, Gardena, Sella and Pordoi, with roughly 1,600 m of climbing
- Direction: Counterclockwise is recommended
- Cost: Free, with no registration
- Rules: Helmets are mandatory. E-bikes are welcome
- Where to start: Any village on the loop, such as Arabba, Corvara, Selva Val Gardena or Canazei
- Official site: sellarondabikeday.com
My Experience at Sellaronda Bike Day 2024
I began my Sellaronda Bike Day 2024 journey in Arabba, excited to take on the first climb to Passo Campolongo. However, the weather was not favorable at the start. The skies were cloudy, the air was cold, and visibility was poor.
As I climbed higher, the views of the Dolomites were shrouded in mist, leaving us to rely on the thrill of the ride to keep us motivated. Although we couldn’t see much during the climb, the energy from the other cyclists and the anticipation of what lay ahead kept me pushing forward.
Thankfully, as we descended from Passo Campolongo, the clouds began to clear, and the sun broke through, transforming the landscape into something magical.
The sharp contrast between the cloudy, cold start and the sudden appearance of bright sunshine made the descent feel like a refreshing reward. The crisp air and the scenery finally came into view, and the ride became even more exhilarating.
The climb to Passo Pordoi was the highlight of the day for me. With perfect weather, sunny skies, and clear views of the surrounding mountains, it was a cyclist’s dream.
The steady ascent, combined with the spectacular backdrop of the Dolomites, made the climb both challenging and deeply rewarding.
In the YouTube video, you can see me cycling up Passo Pordoi. It captures what makes Sellaronda Bike Day such a special day on the bike.
After reaching the top of Passo Pordoi, the rest of the ride unfolded beautifully. The remaining passes, Passo Sella and Passo Gardena, offered equally striking scenery and a mix of challenging climbs and thrilling descents.
By the end of the day, I felt a sense of accomplishment, having completed the full loop around the Sella Group. The changing weather and the camaraderie among the cyclists made the entire experience even more special.
Why You Should Join Sellaronda Bike Day
If you’re a cycling enthusiast or love outdoor adventures, Sellaronda Bike Day should definitely be on your radar. Here are just a few reasons why this event stands out:
- Car-Free Roads: For one day, the roads around the Sella Group are closed to motor traffic, allowing cyclists to enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted ride.
- Scenery: The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on a bike you take them in at a pace no car allows.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: This non-competitive event is open to cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, you’ll feel welcome and supported throughout the ride.
- Physical Challenge: About 1,600 meters of climbing over roughly 53 kilometers is a real test, even for fit riders.
- Community: With thousands of cyclists from around the world, Sellaronda Bike Day fosters a sense of global community and shared passion for the sport.
Sellaronda Bike Day 2024 was a ride I will remember for a long time. It combined my love for cycling with the beauty of nature. The event is more than just a ride. It is an opportunity to connect with like-minded cyclists, challenge yourself, and take in the landscapes of the Dolomites.
If you’re looking for a unique cycling adventure, I highly recommend putting Sellaronda Bike Day on your calendar. The next editions are on June 5 and September 11, 2027.
Looking for more rides like this? See our list of the best single-day bike rides in the world, or read what luxury bikepacking is and how we travel by bike. If you are extending your trip in South Tyrol, our Castel Fragsburg review covers a quiet base above Merano.
- About the Author
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Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.
