Monte Zoncolan up its west side from Liariis is the steepest climb on an all-asphalt public road bigger than 1000 vertical meters which goes over a pass in Europe or North America. It's in northeast Italy, and was (at last) included in the Giro d'Italia race in 2007. The climb starts in Ovaro, but the real steep part comes only after going through Liariis. The average steepness from Liariis to the top is around 14%, though much is a bit steeper than that. Not many views until higher up. The road generally faces sort of southwest and there's not too much shade in the lower section -- so unless it's a cool day, try to do it in the morning not the afternoon. Reasons for showing it as a loop: (a) unlike some steep roads that just go up to an end, this one continues over down the other side, so I like to celebrate that; (b) I don't like the idea of riding back down something so sustained steep; (c) the 2nd climb and descent over Ravascletto is kind of pleasant with some sections fun; (d) that's how I actually rode it that day. This route not checked by me since 2008.by AmericanTourist
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