The awe-inspiring range of jagged peaks of the Dolomites and large Alpine pastures make Val Gardena in South Tyrol one of the world’s best destinations of all levels of cycling.

Encircled by the Dolomite Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 25km long Val Gardena valley offers great access to the mountainous adventure playground.

Boasting an incredible network of 1000km of cycling roads and trails – climbing from 700m to 2,450m in altitude, Val Gardena offers 30 well-signed routes with challenging levels to suit all cyclists.

Not only that, but it is also a great starting point for anybody considering tackling the Sellaronda – a region-wide mountain merry-go-round of fantastic roads, trails and panoramic views. Those looking for a real challenge can even sign up for June’s Sellaronda Bike Day, a 58km course covering roads, single trails and gravel tracks with an attitude difference of between 3,000m and 3,400m to overcome. If you wish to take it up on your own, there are also cable cars and lifts to make the route a little more leisurely.

South Tyrol also prides itself on being the undiscovered gourmet capital of Italy, with more than 20 Michelin Stars across the region, local wines and local produce to sample.

The perfect antidote after a day in the saddle tackling the mountain passes, there is no shortage of local towns and mountain refuges where you can pick up everything from rustic Alpine fare to sophisticated Mediterranean dishes.

And in addition to top-of-the-range cuisine, the region is also famed for its unique spa culture treatments perfected to soothe tired muscles, fatigued by the mountains.

Location is not the only thing which makes Val Gardena an ideal spot for a cycling holiday either – the region is home to a special collection of a special collection of Bike Hotels where you can find accommodation and specialist packages for every type of biking trip.

South Tyrol’s Bikemobil card, meanwhile, is a combination of train and bus tickets, which even includes a bicycle rental. Day passes, three-day and seven-day tickets are all available, meaning your whole cycling trip can be organised at the click of a button.

Getting there is also easy, with access from any of Italy’s nearby northern airports – for more information visit suedtirol.info/gettingthere.

Sound appealing? You can find more information on Val Gardena or South Tyrol at www.valgardena.it  and www.suedtirol.info and don’t forget to enter this great competition to win a four-night road cycling trip to the region.

WIN a holiday to South Tyrol

You could win a four-night road cycling holiday in the Dolomites for two people, courtesy of Sports Tours International. The prize includes accommodation for two on a B&B basis, with standard road bike hire and luggage transfers between hotels, plus £400 Wiggle vouchers.

Find out more at www.suedtirol.info/win.