For many cyclists, the Dolomites represent the holy grail of climbing. This rugged mountain range of jagged limestone peaks and snaking hairpins offers a mix of beauty and brutality that defines not just the sport but the spirit of cycling itself.
For British hill climb champion Andrew Feather, these roads are a fun challenge! His playground. Known for his record-breaking power that knocks Strava KOMS out of the ballpark and elegant climbing style, Andrew has conquered some of Europe’s steepest ascents. Recently, he took on five of the Dolomites’ most iconic passes, both in real life and on ROUVY.
In this special ROUVY spotlight, Andrew talks about his experience riding in the Dolomites, what drives his passion for climbing, how he approaches training and performance, and what it’s like to experience these legendary Italian climbs both virtually and outdoors.
What motivates you to climb?
- I think it’s cycling in its purest form. It’s only you against the climb and a test against yourself.
When did you fall in love with climbing?
- I’ve always enjoyed climbing. I knew I excelled at it early in my racing days, so I decided to focus on climb time trials.
Are you a professional cyclist?
- No, I’m a solicitor. Cycling, especially uphill, is my hobby.
What is one of your most memorable moments in cycling?
- One memorable experience was an early-spring ascent of the Stelvio, cycling with friends in the cold and dark to witness the sunrise from the summit.
What was your most memorable Strava KOM?
- My most memorable Strava KOM was on Bealach Na Bà in the remote Highlands of Scotland. I was fortunate to have beautiful, sunny weather when it’s usually cloudy and misty. The views across the Hebrides and the coast were just fantastic!
What was your most memorable moment outside of cycling?
- My first child was born during a hill climb weekend in the Lake District, while my wife and I were away from home. It was very special for both of us!
How many Strava KOMs do you have?
- I’m not sure, but there are quite a few. I’m always trying to find new climbs and test myself against other riders. Chasing KOMs has always motivated me to push harder.
What has your experience been like in the Dolomites?
- Fantastic! It’s an amazing place for climbs, scenery, food, and the people.
What is special about the Dolomites for you?
- The unique landscapes and limestone rock formations, with sheer cliffs, are spectacular, offering different and magnificent views around every switchback.
How would you compare the Dolomites on ROUVY to real life?
- Before my trip to the Dolomites, I used ROUVY to recon all the climbs and see what they were like in terms of distance and gradient. It was very helpful for gauging my effort. The scenery on ROUVY gave me a great preview of what to expect in real life.
What is special about riding these routes on ROUVY?
- ROUVY makes these spectacular climbing routes accessible to everyone. You can ride them easily at home without worrying about logistics, traffic, bad weather, or safety concerns.
How can one become a good climber?
- You can first recon these climbs indoors on ROUVY, which may motivate you to ride them outdoors. If you enjoy them and they suit your riding style, you can take them a step further and tackle them in real life once you feel comfortable and fit enough on the virtual climbs.
Do you do special training for climbing?
- The more often you climb, the more you’ll improve. Tackle climbs on your bucket list for motivation, and set a goal to pursue what you wish to achieve. The more you climb, the better you’ll get. Climbs are always a test against yourself, compared to riding in a pack with drafting.
What are your nutrition habits?
- I try not to eat junk food, especially as I get older; it gets harder to keep my weight where I want it for hill climbing.
Do you have a special bike for climbing?
- I have a special hill-climb bike that’s super lightweight, with a light saddle, no handlebar tape, a single 40T chainring, and lightweight tyres and wheels. I’m a weight weenie, so my bike only weighs 5.6 kg. It gets me up the hill fast, which is exactly what I want. Check out his bike on YouTube.
What is your goal for this year?
- My goal in 2025 is to win the British Nationals at the end of October. The climb on the route is short, but I’ll give the race my best shot.
What are your biggest cycling achievements?
- Winning the British Hill Climb Championships four times on climbs of varying steepness each.
What other opportunities has cycling provided for you in various countries?
-_ I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively and work with great people, including ROUVY and GCN, which have allowed me to explore incredible locations across Europe._
How did you prepare to ride the Dolomites, and which climbs did you ride, and which was your favourite?
- My preparation involved riding the climbs on ROUVY for reconnaissance to check the gradients, distances, and landmarks. It was a great way to get familiar with the climbs beforehand. The most enjoyable of the five, though all were fantastic, was Passo di Giau because of its steeper gradients, which let me generate more power—a pure test against myself.
Andrew Feather’s Dolomite Challenge: Five Iconic Climbs
Below are the five bucket list climbs featured in Andrew’s Dolomites challenge, each a masterpiece of elevation, gradient, and scenery that every cyclist should experience at least once, outdoors or on ROUVY.
Passo Fedaia (from Canazei)
- Length: 12.1 km
- Elevation gain: 697 m
- Average gradient: 5.8%
- Maximum gradient: around 10–12%
Starting in the alpine village of Canazei, this climb winds gently at first before pitching more steeply near the Lago di Fedaia reservoir. The road passes through several short tunnels before opening out to beautiful views of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. The upper section is the toughest, with sharp ramps and sweeping vistas across the glacier.
On ROUVY, riders can find the same steady rhythm of the ascent, perfect for practising pacing and consistent climbing power while enjoying dramatic alpine scenery.
Passo Pordoi (from Canazei)
- Length: 11.7 km
- Elevation gain: 740 m
- Average gradient: 6.3%
- Maximum gradient: 9%
A Giro d’Italia classic, Passo Pordoi is one of Italy’s most iconic climbs. It's 33 hairpins winding up the mountain with perfect geometry, offering a steady, predictable gradient that rewards patience and pacing. Near the summit stands a monument to Fausto Coppi, a tribute to Italy’s greatest climbing legend.
On ROUVY, riders can replicate the constant gradient and sweeping turns, an ideal test of endurance and tempo without the distraction of traffic, altitude, or weather.
Passo Sella (from Canazei)
- Length: 11.2 km
- Elevation gain: 830 m
- Average gradient: 7.4%
- Maximum gradient: 13%
Rising between the Sella and Sassolungo massifs, this climb is one of the jewels of the Sellaronda loop. The route ascends through forested slopes before opening into high alpine scenery framed by the dramatic Sella Towers. Each hairpin reveals new views of the valley below and the jagged limestone cliffs above.
On ROUVY, Passo Sella’s realism shines through with crisp, high-definition visuals and gradients that bite just like the real thing, making it one of the most magnificent yet challenging virtual climbs.
Passo di Giau
- Length: 9.9 km
- Elevation gain: 922 m
- Average gradient: 9.3%
- Maximum gradient: up to 15%
Brutal yet beautiful, Passo di Giau is among the steepest and most notorious in the Dolomites. Rising relentlessly from Selva di Cadore, the road tackles 29 tight hairpins with barely a pause for recovery. Near the summit, vast alpine meadows open up to reveal the jagged limestone spires that define the region.
On ROUVY, riders can experience the same sustained gradient without motorbikes and cars, making it perfect for building climbing endurance in a safe, controlled environment.
Passo Gardena
- Length: 8.3 km
- Elevation gain: 550 m
- Average gradient: 6.6%
- Maximum gradient: 10%
Passo Gardena links Val Gardena and Val Badia, offering some of the Dolomites’ most photogenic scenery. The road meanders through alpine meadows before tightening into elegant switchbacks, framed by the Sella and Cir mountain groups.
It’s a more forgiving climb than Giau or Sella, but when ridden as part of the Sellaronda loop, fatigue soon sets in. On ROUVY, Gardena works well as a steady-state endurance or tempo effort.
Top ROUVY Climbing Tips for Tackling the Dolomites
Inspired by techniques used by elite climbers like Andrew Feather, here’s how to approach these legendary Dolomite ascents both on ROUVY and in the real world.
Pace yourself early. Don’t chase watts at the start. On long climbs like Pordoi or Fedaia, pacing separates a strong finish from a painful fade.
Focus on smooth pedalling. Think about turning perfect circles rather than stamping on the pedals.
Stay seated for control. Standing on steeper ramps helps, but staying seated maintains traction and efficiency.
Train your mind, not just your legs. Climbing is as mental as it is physical. Use ROUVY’s realistic video routes to visualise progress, bend by bend.
Use ROUVY for structured sessions. Combine long climbs with intervals to mirror the variability of real ascents.
Prioritise recovery. Progress comes from recovery as much as effort. Include easy spins on gentler routes.
Experiment with gear and cadence. Test different cadences and gearing setups on ROUVY to find your sweet spot.
Enjoy the scenery. Look up and take in the views. Even virtually, you’re riding through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
How outdoor climbing differs from ROUVY
In the mountains, weather can change quickly, temperatures drop sharply at altitude, and road traffic or rough surfaces can add real danger. Riders must stay alert to cars, people, and unpredictable elements. Altitude also plays a part. On ROUVY, you can focus solely on performance and pacing, making it a safe yet authentic way to prepare for real-world climbs.
Climbing Beyond Limits
Andrew Feather’s love of climbing goes beyond speed or records. It’s about embracing the mountain, the challenge, and the solitude that come with testing yourself and pushing yourself skyward. His experiences in the Dolomites, both on the road and on ROUVY, show how cycling connects effort with exploration, and how virtual rides can bring the world’s most iconic climbs within reach of every rider.
For ROUVY users, Andrew’s story is a reminder that every ascent, whether up a mountain pass or on your indoor trainer, is a chance to discover what you’re capable of. Clip in, find your rhythm, and ride towards your next summit.
