The 2026 Giro d’Italia stage 18 once again features one of the Vneteo’s steepest climbs ever attempted by me. It’s called the Muro di Ca’ del Poggio, and runs through the lush vineyards of the Prosecco region – where Italy’s answer to French champagne is produced. But hidden in there is one of the steepest climbs I’ve ridden – – here’s my on-bike look at this climb.
The 2026 Giro stage 18 holds the Muro as the sting in the tail.
I discovered riding in Italy’s Prosecco region in the Veneto as part of the Prosecco Cycling gran fondo in 2019. Vineyards, lush rolling hills, and a 19% climb of the MURO di ca’ del POGGIO that has featured regularly as an major obstacle in the 2020, and 2022 Giri. Luckily I had the GoPro rolling for some stunning on-bike video of the climb, the ride, and the prosecco & scampi rest stop.
Watch the video below to see gorgeous scenery from the roads on this ride, or see the full PEZ Youtube channel here. And more links at bottom.
I rode the 19% grades of the Muro di ca’ del Poggio as part of the Prosecco Cycling gran fondo, and survived to enjoy the prosecco & scampi rest stop at the top. This climb is the only obstacle in the 2022 Giro d’Italia’s stage 17, (but was also used in the 2020 Giro stage 14 time trial from Conegliano to Valdobbadiene), and here’s my first look from on-bike video of the climb, some of the roads in this gorgeous region, …and the rest stop.
The Giro stage itself is rolling terrain through the lush vineyard covered hills of the Prosecco region – itself recently named a World Heritage site. It’s hardly enough time to scratch the surface on the amazing riding to be found all through the region, which is bordered by the famous Monte Grappa to the west, the Dolomites to the north, and just an hour’s drive northwest from Venice.
The 2020 Giro’s Stage 14 ITT map.
The start of the climb transitions from flat to bottom-gear steep in about the first ten meters.
The climb ramps up to 19% just after the start.
The prosecco & scampi stop near the top offered some pretty sweet views.
The top of the climb at the Prosecco Cycling gran fondo was easy to find – but every one of the 1200 meters was paid for with sweat, pain and effort.
This mid-stage prosecco is served only at the gran fondo.
The area is peppered with scenic roads and great riding.
• Ride it: https://www.ProseccoCycling.it
• See more PEZ Travel Videos here
• PEZ Giro d’Italia 2026 Route Guide: Read it here.
The post PEZ Rides the Muro di Ca’ del Poggio: Veneto’s Steepest Prosecco Climb? appeared first on PezCycling News.
