WHO’S IT FOR

 

This tour is for any rider who wants to experience the beauty of the Dolomites & Stelvio National Park, ride the famous giants of the Italian Alps. There’s no doubt it’s a toughie, made in part by the steep gradients and long ascents that each region offers, but our routes and hotels have been carefully selected to enable riders of ALL abilities to join in and enjoy the tour.

Don’t be nervous at the number of climbs on a day, if you just fancy taking it a little easier, then you’ll be able to take a shorter Route and then head back and relax in the idyllic mountain setting with soothing wellness facilities aplenty.

Likewise, if you’re looking for a challenging week in the mountains then this tour definitely won’t disappoint!

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These are some of the climbs that will be included during your fantastic week of cycling…

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We start our stay in the Dolomites 

 

 

 

Passo dello Stelvio (Bormio side) 

 

The epic Stelvio… This is one of the ultimate challenges for amateur and professional cyclists alike and has been made famous by the legends of the Giro d’ Italia.

The climb rises from 1225m to the ‘Cima Coppi’ at 2758m, the second highest paved road in Europe.

 

For me, my love of Stelvio was instant. The winding roads, spectacular views and of course the whole grandness of it all. I ride this every week but it is something I will never get tired of.  I love it! This climb is one that you will remember for the rest of your life.

 

As you set off from Bormio you will see a small wooden sign with the number 40 on it… The countdown begins. Only 39 more tornante (switchback/turns) remaining…

 

You immediately begin your climbing journey, at first not so steep but soon working its way up to around 8% which it then stays at for the majority of the climb. Five tunnels, a short 14% kick then up the tighter switchbacks… What a view!

 

At 16km you are rewarded for your hard work with a 1.5km flatter section but this rest is short lived as you must then make the final three leg sapping kilometres to the Cima Coppi.

 

The feeling you will have once you have reached the top is one of relief, fatigue but most importantly the extreme sense of achievement.

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Passo dello Stelvio (Prato side)

One word… Spectacular. This side of Stelvio is slightly longer and at first you are thinking.... hmmm this is nice but not that amazing… Don’t be fooled, it is just getting started.

 

The first 8km are relatively cruisey as you wind your way around the valley towards the Stelvio. Like the other side, every tornante (switchback) is numbered starting at 48. Time to begin your countdown…

 

Once you reach the small village of Trafoi the fun begins. The road through the trees is increasingly steeper and challenging. After 15km you will be greeted with some spectacular panoramic views. As you marvel at the views of the amazing road, switchback after switchback that seemingly rises vertically up to the top it dawns on you…. Oh bugger, I still have to go up that!

 

The final 6km / 20 switchbacks are hell. Spectacular but still hell! Once you have reached the top you will feel a huge sense of achievement. Now to go down…

 

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Passo Gavia (Bormio Side)

situated in Lombardy. This climb belongs to the Alps. The Passo Gavia via Bormio is ranked number 249 of the Alps. This Passo Gavia approach starts in Bormio. The Passo Gavia climb is 25.6 km long. You gain 1404 heightmeters, so the average gradient is 5.5 %. The climb is ranked 699 in the world.

 

Passo di Gavia is a beauty of a cycling climb. It’s got the immense scenery and grandeur of the Passo dello Stelvio but less of the traffic. At 2,621m it’s not quite as high as the Stelvio, but it’s still the tenth highest paved mountain pass in Europe and with testing 8% average gradients the Gavia Pass profile is undoubtedly challenging.

 

It's difficult to pick a favourite in a region of legendary climbs, but if we had to, Passo Gavia (from Ponte di Legno in the south) would be it. It’s challenging, spectacular, tranquil and rewarding in equal measure.

 

If you haven’t done it, get it on your must-do list!

 

 

 

  

Passo Mortirolo (Classic Giro ascent from Mazzo past the Pantani memorial)

 

When you reach the top of this climb you will be ecstatic. You have joined the legends that have made this climb so famous and also so feared... It was once described by Lance Armstrong as the toughest climb in the world!

 

Whilst being steep from the very beginning the first 500m – 1km lead in into a false feeling of “Hey, this isn’t sooo bad.. What’s all the fuss about?” After the next couple kilometres I am guessing you will have figured that out – so don’t take off too fast!

 

With an average of 10.9% it is relentless and never seems to end. As you wind your way up through the trees, counting down the switchbacks (which are marked by numbered signs) you pray for the end… but it’s nowhere to be seen.

 

When you finally reach turn 11 you will pass by the Pantani memorial – time for pic? A good excuse for a rest if you need one.

 

From there you have another few steepish ramps before you reach tornante 8 (a junction of the road leading up from Grosio – also the best way to descend) where you will welcome what seems like a flatter section. It feels like heaven on the legs, the rest that they so dearly needed to help you carry on, despite it actually still being 8%!

 

After a nice rest for the legs you will soon reach tornante 7. From there the swichbacks are fairly close together, some steep, some not and you can almost smell the finish. Keep spinning and leave enough for a little sprint to the top where your celebration begins!

 

There are many more climbs that are within the Lombardy area that can be reached during this fantastic week of Cycling.

 

 

Still interested, then take a look at what’s included, below is one tour can offer, but we are a bespoke Cycle Tour Company that can design any tour that you are interested in….in most parts of Europe.

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

 

COST - fr £1350:00

Minimum 8 Persons Needed  

 

• 2 Centre 7 nights traditional Bormio 4* hotel accommodation based on a twin share basis. (single supplement applies)

• Personal airport collection and transfers from  (Flight TBC)

• HB - Energetic continental buffet breakfast and 7 evening meals including Table Wine.

• Energy Food, snacks and drinks on the road during rides.

• Fully guided: Rider & Van

• Mechanical Support

• Words of wisdom, help, advice and education throughout the week.

• Free wifi

• Bike deposit, washing corner and area for minor repairs

• Free access to the hotel wellness center and gym

• Discount for Bormio spa center

                  

                     NOT INCLUDED

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• Extra services:

• Flights laundry service for sportswear

• massages at the hotel spa for a quick recovery