This route starts and finishes in the town of Oulx and takes in one outrageous hill then another little bump for good measure.
Leaving Oulx NE on the SS24, provides a good warm-up for what is to come. Initially the road is fairly flat leading into a small climb after 7 Km. The next 10Km are undulating, but it's never too taxing, before a steep descent brings you to Susa. This is where you leave the SS24 and begin the climb of the Colle delle Finestre. The climb doesn't pull any punches. A short introduction on a gentle gradient soon rises to 12% as you climb the initial slopes through Campo del Carro. Once you reach the trees the switchbacks begin one after another some 26 in 3Km, climbing up what seems to be a cliff face. Glimpses through the trees just show how much you've climbed in such a short time with views to Susa a long way below. 10Km up the climb and after one long switchback section the road ends! Yep that's right the tarmac stops and the climb continues on a forestry track, the gradient has now eased as you climb into a hanging valley, but it doesn't feel any easier. The track itself is a pretty good surface compact with not too many rocks. The exception to this are the hairpins, where the cars that also use the road have churned things up, which require a bit of care to avoid puncturing. The trees thin out as the climb continues and eventually disappear. Then you can see the road (track) snaking away above you...a long way above you and you think. bloody hell! The views open out as you meander up and around rocky outcrops, with the occasional cheer from picnicking Italian families. There's no easy end to this climb the gradient steepens in the last 2Km and the track deteriorates, which hurts the legs and lungs. The final switchbacks come in quick succession and you crest the top, where you can look down on the absurd route you have just taken. There is a spring at the top so you can replenish your water. The other side of the pass is a complete contrast, pristine tarmac descending through pastures to the valley floor. It's a narrow road, but it's worth backing of and taking in the scenery. After the tranquility (apart from the heavy breathing) of the Finestre. You now join the main SR23, which carries traffic and tourists to Sestriere and beyond. You start climbing straight away, but you'd hardly notice. There's often a tail wind and the first 7Km rarely rises above 2%. After Granges the gradient steepens up a section of switchbacks before the long straight road to Sestriere. The descent, which follows is truly wonderful. Hopefully you work get stuck behind a truck. Fast and open in the main, with few switchbacks to contend with, you arrive in Cesana Torinese in a blink of an eye. You now rejoin the SS24 again for the 10Km back to Oulx, The road generally descends, however the headwind can sometimes make it feel otherwise.