Brenner Pass approach (Innsbruck side)

The Brenner Pass at 1,370m is the lowest crossing of the main Alpine divide and one of the most historically significant mountain roads in Europe — the route used by Roman legions, medieval merchants, and now the primary motorway between Germany and Italy. The cyclist's approach on the old road (B182) from Innsbruck avoids the motorway entirely and climbs through Patsch and Gries am Brenner on a quiet secondary road that has been used for cycling since the earliest road races. At 4.6% average it is not the hardest climb in the region, but the historical resonance and the views from the summit into the Italian Südtirol are remarkable. The Brenner has appeared in the Giro d'Italia and was used in the 2018 World Championships route.