Colle Fauniera - Italy's Best Kept Secret - Cycling Inspiration & Education

Today we're exploring the Colle Fauniera, one of the toughest and most beautiful climbs in northern Italy that you may never have even heard of. While the legendary Stelvio often steals the limelight, in contrast the Fauniera is a wicked and wild silent giant, and one for those that love to go deep into the unknown. With steep pitches, huge views and a road as raspy as a cow's tongue, this is a climb that's definitely for the purists and one of Italy's best kept secrets!
Start: Pradleves
Length: 21.9km
Summit: 2,481m
Elevation Gain: 1,657m
Average Gradient: 7.6%
Max Gradient: 15%
Thanks to Wahoo, Exposure Lights and Ultimate Components for helping to make this video possible. If you enjoyed this vid then please do me a solid and like, comment, share and subscribe to the channel. Funding for content is pretty low so if you'd like to make a donation then hit the heart under the video and become a superfan. Every little helps, and is sincerely appreciated, to try and keep this content coming.
Thanks for tuning in, until the next time, ride safe!
Mike
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[@torbenfrlund5964]

So nice that you have started to produce these beautiful videos again, i't's a great inspiration for everyone who likes to ride in the mountains! Only problem is that my backlog of climbs to do is getting longer and longer :D

[@TheColCollective]

Glad you enjoyed it. Sorry for the backlog you’re building up! 🙄

[@KennethMesser1]

From all of us - keep the backlog coming!! @@TheColCollective

[@terjemyller6573]

Superb addition to the library! I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Mike and his team for inspiration for many years. Watching these videos on KZbin has meant a lot for me and my journey as a cyclist. Getting old but still climbing!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so very much, your message and support means so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SimonKirk-cj4mh]

Great work Mike. Another inspirational video. It’s climbs like this that make me ride my bike. Keep up the good work

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks so much, you’re very welcome! 🐮

[@magicknight8412]

That is a beautiful climb, what stunning scenery. Really want to dive into that crystal clear water in that river!

[@TheColCollective]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SuperBoxer1975]

Deine Filme habe ich wirklich vermisst!😊

[@stuartguy4479]

What a stunning road to ride, glorious weather helps but the views are something else. Great video 👏🏻

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks so much!

[@joseotero82]

Just to clarify, Pantani was not the first at the top of Colle Fauniera, it was actually Gabrielle Missaglia who was the last man standing of the breakaway that was later on caught by Savoldelli after that kamikaze descent. That stage and the fact that there was no TV images that day made the Fauniera a true myth. Thanks for bringing it to the channel!

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for the info! Hard to find reliable information so thanks so much! 🐮

[@rpierrelouis86]

What a beautifully crafted video capturing a wonderful climb.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you kindly 🙏🏻

[@jean-marietop1451]

You're back. One of the best bike video production. I'm planning my trip.

[@fernandolemos2823]

Very happy to see these kind of videos again. Great job. It is truly a beautiful climb.

[@TheColCollective]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. More to come! ☺️

[@scottwaddell7442]

Tough climb and definitely one of my all time favourites. Beautiful video of it and brought back memories of the agony of the middle section! Ridden several great ones in that area north and west of Turin: Agnello, Nivolet, Finestre, Cenis, L'Iseran. Always check to see if there's a Col Collective video before I organise a trip and go!

[@TheColCollective]

Great list you have there! Slowly working my way through making videos on most of those. Angello & Iseran coming soon(ish) 🤫

[@timmelsjoch1]

Thank you for this wonderful video...the road is raspy like a cows tongue...great expression about the tarmac there...clearly one of the wildest and most romantic climbs in the alps.

[@TheColCollective]

One of the very best! 🙌🏼

[@garyjones6519]

Yet another stunning video clip, beautiful road, beautiful climb. Good to see you back Mike

[@TheColCollective]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Good to be back!

[@Check-it-out]

Awesome, Mike ! Another one written down on my wishlist 👍🏼👍🏼. Colle del Nivolet coming up this summer. They’re not crazy far apart… 🤔

[@TheColCollective]

Nivolet 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@gemsandlasers269]

Just fantastic. Your videos are incredible. I wish you'd make more. If you are ever in Switzerland, I can recommend a great "undiscovered" climb, up to the Alpe Galm in the Wallis region. An amazing experience worthy of a video.

[@TheColCollective]

Cool! I was in Wallis last month for some bike packing. Video coming soon and I definitely plan to return. It’s so incredibly beautiful there!!

[@malcolmjcullen]

Another beautiful climb to add to the list*. *the list of climbs I'll never get my finger out to ride! Thanks for allowing us to share your experience. Looked absolutely beautiful. Bet the descent was fun!

[@TheColCollective]

You’re welcome Malcolm. Descent was a blast, although I did puncture as I was trying to get back before dark. Should’ve taken it a bit easier 🤦🏼

[@79delmo]

..its simple:watch a mike video and then jump on the bike and ride wherever you can!thank for all your work,its nice to have you back!!

[@TheColCollective]

That’s what I LOVE to hear!! ☺️

[@guypressault22]

Merci Mike. Encore une fois, un itinéraire d’exception et surtout des images à vouloir s’y retrouver.

[@TheColCollective]

Merci pour votre appréciation. 🙏🏻

[@simonporter4150]

I was there watching in 1999 when Pantani was first on this climb but in the end he didn't win the stage. I was also there a couple of years later when they should have done this climb again but a police raid in the early hours in the hotels meant that the giro never arrived. I think that's why they've never used it since but it is a beautiful climb and for lovers of italian food the castelmagno cheese made in this valley is fantastic.

[@TheColCollective]

Wow, how cool!!! I believe Savoldelli won the stage in ‘99, apparently hitting over 100kph on the descent to Demonte. Pure bonkers!

[@rheu373]

I really appreciate the work you put on your videos. I'm serving as a navy at the moment So watching your videos make me dream that one day I'll be cycling one of those hills in the future 🎉

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your message. Huge respect for what you are doing. One day you’ll get to cycle these peaks I hope. Until then I’ll keep making videos for you! 🙏🏻

[@julianassange71]

I climbed it in July this year from the same side as you did. utter beast of a climb, the road surface is very rough, especially at the top section which is also very exposed, the central section from Campomolino to Castelmagno is relentless in gradient. Very rewarding climb thoguh

[@TheColCollective]

Well done! Couldn’t agree more. A true beast but so rewarding! 🙌🏼

[@danielt3214]

Love your videos, thx so much ❤.... Hope I will be able to get to ride this Beauty in 2024. All the best, greetz

[@TheColCollective]

Hope you can make it happen!! 🤞🏼

[@timmatthews117]

Absolutely wondrous video, beautiful. I watch such videos like this and it’s why I love climbing 🚴‍♂️🇮🇹

[@TheColCollective]

Incredible. This makes me so happy!! 😀

[@ChrisThompson-dh7mv]

Magnificent as always. Your videos not only bring back fantastic memories of doing such climbs, but also entice us to do more.

[@TheColCollective]

Super cool! Really happy about that. Thank you for your support 🙏🏻

[@rickstein6091]

Thank you. Another lovely video to vicariously experience the joy of mountain riding.

[@TheColCollective]

So happy to hear it Rick! ☺️

[@nicholasc.niggli6307]

Wonderful addition to your inspiring video collection, dear Mike! Warm congrats! I did quite a few of the superb passes in this region, including some of the gravel passes towards the top of the magnificent Fauneira Pass in 2016, with a great friend. Your amazing work brings back so many fabulous memories and reminds me that I have to find an opportunity to get back to this extraordinary climb. Thanks a lot and keep doing fantastic! Nicholas

[@TheColCollective]

Fantastic to hear Nicholas! I’m glad it takes you back those precious times. It was my first visit and I have to say I was blown away by the beauty. Can’t wait to return one day. Ride safe 🐮

[@nicholasc.niggli6307]

@@TheColCollective 🙏🏻

[@HansComyn]

Superb. Getting a even better FEEL for the mountain than before ...

[@TheColCollective]

🐮🙏🏻

[@CEB_80]

Climbed from this side 7 years ago along with the Lombarde. It’s a nice hidden area. I remember the small villages, tiny roads and the Pantani statue at the top. It’s also called colle delle morti. It refers to some skirmishes that took place in the napoleonic wars between the Italian and French armies. That’s what I heard.

[@TheColCollective]

Absolutely right Carlos. I can tell you it’s still a beast 7 years later! 😅

[@kenblair2538]

Another great production, Mike. Your videos are great inspiration, thanks. KB

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation. It means a lot 🙏🏻

[@tomashjartstrom3305]

Did it from Demonte back in the days. That was NOT a walk in the park. Nice video, again!

[@TheColCollective]

Totally, it’s a monster from that side as well!

[@JackSheahan2012]

Still the absolute best... inspirational even. Thanks for what you do. Jack NYC

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@derrickllewellyn1465]

Another great video Mike. I was in the Dolomites earlier this week and although it rained for 1 day, the cycling was excellent.

[@TheColCollective]

Super to hear. Dolomites are 🤩

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Surely an inspiration to travel and climb more, just stunning. On an editorial note: "milestone landmark" is redundant (5: 39). Other than that great production as always.

[@greghart6310]

Stunning scenery and an epic climb! The European mountains certainly put our hills here in South Africa into perspective. New sub for you, keep up the great work.

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for watching and subbing Greg. Need to get beck to SA, it’s been 41 years! 😮

[@davidwatson6610]

Hi Mike! Great choice for a climb. I rode it in 2012 during La Fausto Coppi, possibly the toughest day I’ve ever had on a bike but so worth it!

[@TheColCollective]

Big respect David!! It sure is a toughie!!!

[@stihldavebergen3469]

Looks like an amazing ride. Couldn't ask for nicer weather.

[@TheColCollective]

Definitely got lucky with the weather this time!

[@LGB2764]

Best wishes Mike!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your support Lance 🙏🏻🐮

[@markokitzing4291]

Awesome images! Thank you so much, Mike!

[@TheColCollective]

You’re welcome! 🐮

[@rosorio23]

Marvelous! A stunning view! Hey, Mike, when are you going to put out the video about the trip to Serra da Estrela in Portugal? 😄 Continued good rides and excellent videos!

[@TheColCollective]

Gonna have to make another visit to Estrela as I only rode it (sorry) 😢

[@ukaszolejnik2057]

Mate ...this is insane place😍😍 definitely on list if i was going to alps

[@TheColCollective]

100% such an incredibly beautiful mountain.

[@johnsaint577]

you make such beautiful films..glad to see you back...

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much John 🙏🏻

[@Mububban23]

Another beautiful video. Some feedback though - please drop the music volume. I had to constantly turn the volume up for Mike's dialogue, and down a notch or two for the music.

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for the feedback, that’s really weird as the levels are normalised and I checked it on two laptops and my phone, that said I’ll triple check in the future 👍🏼

[@gianfrancoballoch4082]

L'ho già fatto da ponte marmora, ma dopo questo video lo voglio fare anche da Pradleves! Grazie per l'idea

[@TheColCollective]

Do it, it’s amazing!!! 🏔️

[@FrankFiorentino]

Great video. This is one of my local climbs.

[@TheColCollective]

Whoaaa!! Such a beauty, you’re very lucky to have it on your doorstep!!

[@AdamJStoryDC]

Do you do all this video by yourself or have a team to do it? Seems like you're just using a GoPro or DJI handheld with a tripod, but then there are drone shots. I couldn't imagine setting the camera, then riding down the hill only to ride up again. You probably parts of the mountain twice if that's what you do.

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Adam. Everything is self filmed from start to finish. 3 different cameras (including drone). Definitely takes a lot of time and energy setting up and going up and down for each shot, that’s why it takes me until sunset to reach the summit! 😅 Thank you for watching and your support 🙏🏻🐮

[@Ian56279]

Amazing. Awesome video.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you very much! 🐮

[@zeuszuki6698]

Thankyou athlete 2677994, I was wondering what happened to you. Another fantastic vlog to keep myself motivated now the southern hemisphere is rolling into summer 👍 Take care and all the best 🍻

[@TheColCollective]

Enjoy summer!!!! 🍻

[@mdk9495]

Seems you still got the power Mike. Well done . . .

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks buddy!

[@raykleiner3151]

Really nice video. I live in Italy and have done so many amazing climbs off the radar but not this one! Its harder than it looks!

[@TheColCollective]

You’re gonna love it when you do do it! Definitely a tough one but so worth it!

[@cyclechatlive4959]

Brilliant film of what looks like a stunner of a climb - thanks Mike. Although it's a worry when Mike Cotty looks like he's having to work hard 😂

[@TheColCollective]

😅 wait until you see the next video (filmed today) I needed a 52t cassette to make it up it!! 😵‍💫

[@cyclechatlive4959]

@@TheColCollective I look forward to it! Btw you will be glad to hear I took the advice given in your Col d'Iseran film, & set off from Val d'Isere when I did it this July. Good advice as that road from Bourg is an absolute nightmare for cycling.

[@Phaidrus]

Thanks Mike! Since *The Road to Mont Blanc* your videos have been a source of inspiration, the stuff of dreams. Looking forward to the next one. Passo San Boldo?

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks so much. More on the way!! Haven’t filmed San Boldo……yet 😏

[@joseraz-guzmancastro6946]

¡Gracias!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your support 🙏🏻🐮

[@davezzzz172]

Beautiful video, as always. Although I have to say, the statue of Marco Pantani makes him look like Nosferatu (on a bike).

[@TheColCollective]

😅

[@orbifold4387]

Beautiful climb and one the of the 7 majeurs (Vars (2108 m), Izoard (2360 m), Agnel (2744 m), Sampeyre (2284 m), Fauniera (2481m), Lombarde (2350 m), Bonette (2715 m)).

[@TheColCollective]

Absolutely! Conquering the 7 Majeurs in one go would be quite the challenge!

[@steveng5107]

Love your videos! Thanks for making them!

[@TheColCollective]

You’re very welcome. Thank you for watching! 🐮

[@olywolle]

I am very divided about this video. On the one hand, because it's a shame when a "best kept secret" now becomes public after all and on the other hand, because I find the loud music annoying and always sit at the volume knob to turn it loud and again quiet between your report and the music . The Colle dei Morti and the surrounding area are fantastic and have been our vacation area for several years now. I've gone up there many times and on all three possible climbs to it. The one via Chiappi is the best. The other two roads are narrow, twisty and in very bad condition and that might be the reason why the Giro d'Italia doesn't come here anymore. Thank you for the video, which I could never have done so perfectly and yet reflects all my happy feelings about this region.

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for your feedback! I’m pretty sure it’s still going to remain a hidden gem 💎 For the music volume that’s really strange. I’d like to get to the bottom of that as the levels sound ok on my end. What device are you watching it on? Thanks again! 🐮

[@olywolle]

@@TheColCollective Hello Mike, I now tried it on other devices, Smartphone and my laptop and that is better in so far that both have not really a good sound ;-) On my PC with good speakers the music is much too loud compared to the spoken parts. But I must admit, that is my very personal experience, I generally don't like loud music. So when I tune it down in your film I cannot understand any more what you are saying. Don't mind, I think you have done it okay for most of the other people.

[@sumbacycling2013]

Thanks for new Video. My first inspiration KZbin cycling channel.

[@sheen675]

As always one of the most beautiful and inspirational cyclist video out there.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@sierraseb3311]

Spectacular ! Grazie!

[@TheColCollective]

You’re welcome! 🐮

[@WowRixter]

Another great video! Thanks Mike

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for watching! 🐮

[@AdiGaskell]

This and the Nivolet are on my bucket list of climbs to do, but they're not easy to get to.

[@TheColCollective]

Agreed, both quite remote but well worth it if you can!!

[@RobertSmith-cv1cu]

Thank you. Fabulous.

[@patrikkmet2907]

My tip for your next nice unknown climb : Kitzbühler Horn, difficulty index the same like Monte Zoncolan

[@TheColCollective]

Whoaaaa! Awesome! Aiming to film another “unknown” from Germany tomorrow. Utter beast!!! 😬

[@GoBikin]

Thanks!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for helping keep the wheels turning 🙏🏻

[@CoachNealF]

You picked the right day to video that climb, Mike. Absolutely gorgeous and really sold me on wanting to ride up it. Curiosity question for you before I do that--how does it compare to the Galibier route from Briancon? I've ridden up that one and really liked it. Thanks so much for producing these epic videos.

[@TheColCollective]

Glad you liked it. Very different to Galibier from Briançon, mainly because the road is much narrower and more remote, oh and it’s steep!! 😬 You’ll love it!! ☺️

[@frankfrohmann1504]

No comparison at all to Galibier.

[@CoachNealF]

@@TheColCollective Ha hah! "much narrower and more remote, and it's steep!!". Oh yeah. You can really sell that route. 🤣

[@CoachNealF]

@@frankfrohmann1504 Thanks. Good to hear from other riders who have done those routes.

[@frederikziebell]

Another climb I would like to see a video about, but not a col though, is the 60km ascent from Lago Maggiore to Lago del Naret. I guess you know about the "100 Cycling Climbs Better Than Alpe d’Huez" list. Lot's of inspiration for nice climbs!

[@TheColCollective]

Whoaaaa! That would be a big one to do, and probably taken me 4 days to film!! 😅

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

... Lots* of (plural, no apostrophe)

[@markrushton1516]

Stunning. Have we seen better on here? Going like a train up there. Can you list the gear range you use?

[@TheColCollective]

I was on a 36/52 up front and 11/34 out back…..and needed those low gears!! 😅

[@prawhn]

Hi Mike, if you leave some numbers on that handlebar would be appropriate! Looks great and practical for a climb but be honest hard to find a practical size and shape on handlebars because of bike clubs usually marketing for their own sponsored brands which doesn't come with varieties.

[@iancrichton]

Lovely video, well done.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@mikeanders7885]

Another beautifully done video. Thanks for taking us along.

[@TheColCollective]

You’re very welcome! 🙏🏻

[@delivrance3961]

epic one!!!

[@TheColCollective]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@marekw9442]

Good to się you again

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for tuning in Marek 🐮

[@derekkuhl]

Hey Mike, I know you are not doing tours anymore, but how about a guidebook of climbs. You are likely on of the foremost experts of the undiscovered climbs and routes in France, Spain and Italy. If you are not going to lead us there, how about telling us where to go. I would pay for that for sure.

[@TheColCollective]

Great idea Derek. I’m a bit of a one man band right now but I’ve often thought about writing some sort of mountain inspired book. 🤔

[@derekkuhl]

@@TheColCollective Time is always a problem. Keep the notes now. You could even do it bit by bit and post it as a subscriber only online blog. That would allow you to get reimbursement for your efforts and as many revisions as you want. You would also not have the hassle of pounding your thoughts into a final form for publication (which always seems to take 90% of the time and 0% of the joy. Just thoughts... Keep up the good work, the new videos are stunning!

[@Niala8419]

Thanks

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your support Allan 🙏🏻

[@chuongma3773]

Love it.

[@TheColCollective]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🐮

[@mikebaczkowski3373]

Thank you Mike and God Bless

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you for your appreciation 🙏🏻

[@struanmills5710]

Spectacular

[@TheColCollective]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@alistairtravels]

YOu had me @ Colle dei Morti

[@TheColCollective]

A tough climb with deep history too.

[@frankfrohmann1504]

one of the greatest cols in the Alps.

[@TheColCollective]

Agreed!

[@questroyal8650]

Hope, will be again in Giro this awesome climb

[@TheColCollective]

Absolutely!!

[@questroyal8650]

@@TheColCollective ..and maybe giant Gavia

[@questroyal8650]

But a real challenge is to see someday in Giro or Le Tour an asscent on the Colle de Sommeiller..almost 3000 m with 19km of gravel

[@questroyal8650]

Of course, the orgnizers to give the sprinters a break that day 😂

[@chekolino88]

@TheColCollective what's that tape around your left upper arm? An HR strip?

[@TheColCollective]

Yep HR monitor. Prefer it there than around the chest.

[@paulrichards6521]

Really appreciate the effort that you put into your videography - it must take a lot of time. And it's killing your VAMs 😁, not that you care anymore I'm sure...

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for your appreciation. My VAM is at an all time low! 😅

[@willshaughnessy8515]

GRande Mike.. Fausto country.. Good wine too..

[@TheColCollective]

Certainly is! 🍷

[@kingyodah5415]

There are too many beautiful climbs for one lifetime

[@TheColCollective]

There certainly are!!

[@JürgenGrusdat]

0:14 Am I wrong or is your chainlink mounted the wrong way around?

[@TheColCollective]

Thanks for making me double check. Fortunately it’s all good. 😮‍💨

[@JürgenGrusdat]

Looks like a KMC chainlink, right? KMC claims they have a non directional design, but I would still recommend installing it the other way round. The latch (weakest point) should point away from the rotation of the chain. And that is not the case.

[@miroslavcmiko9266]

hi Mike, what bottom bracket do you have on your Cannondale?

[@TheColCollective]

I’m using a standard threaded Shimano BB 👌🏼

[@peny79133]

Thanks come back ❤

[@willeigo8468]

second to comment, that's a first, I'm usually months behind. this was sublime and superb. Grazie ! have a big plate of pasta. Massa if you can .

[@TheColCollective]

Will do! 🍝

[@willeigo8468]

2300 meters into video, not even done watching and still climbing and you already gave me a feedback heart. have a great Sunday evening.

[@MrCyclist]

I give thanks to the road builders.

[@TheColCollective]

100% the roads are a work of art!

[@domenicoalessandrosilvestr7829]

Marco ❤

[@TheColCollective]

Forever 🤍

[@draganciricfox]

This is the dream of every cyclist 👏

[@TheColCollective]

Absolutely!! 🙌🏼

[@marcoracca2183]

The col's real name is another. Fauniera was just a local name for a meadow. Ask the local peasants, not the tourists, be them on a bike. The original name reports historic memories, so its less commercial.

[@TheColCollective]

Good knowledge! 👌🏼

[@questroyal8650]

Colle della Morte

[@imranyuce6648]

Thanks!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your support. Really appreciate it 🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻🐮