There is a new challenge for racing cyclists around Bormio in northern Italy, where some of the most dramatic stages of the Giro d'Italia were held and where some of the highest tarmac roads in Europe are located. The "Stelvio Epic Rides" invite you to conquer ten demanding climbs around the alpine hub of Bormio. The challenge combines the region's three world-famous passes with seven lesser-known routes. It is a personal challenge in which participants can conquer the climbs at any time and at their own pace. The reward is a trophy.
The special thing about the challenge: there are no performance requirements, no time limits and no restrictions on the choice of bike - racing bikes, gravel bikes or e-bikes are equally welcome. To master the Stelvio Epic Rides Challenge, participants must complete at least nine of the ten climbs within a calendar year between January and December. Each climb will be validated either with a summit photo on the official Stelvio Epic Rides sign or by submitting GPX data.
Stelvio Epic Rides: Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo
At the centre of the Stelvio Epic Rides are three climbs that define the reputation of the Italian Alps. The Stelvio Pass remains the crown jewel of European road cycling with 40 hairpin bends stretching over 21 kilometres. With a difference in altitude of 1533 metres and an average gradient of 7.1 percent, the top of the pass reaches 2758 metres. The sunrise on the Stelvio, when the surrounding peaks glow in the morning light, is a sight that is etched in the memory of every cyclist.
The Gavia Pass stretches over 25 kilometres and climbs 1400 metres in altitude. It combines wild alpine landscapes with the kind of challenge that puts even experienced legs to the test. The Mortirolo is pure intensity - 12.5 kilometres and 1300 vertical metres with ramps that exceed 18 percent. This climb has humbled pros and crowned champions in countless editions of the Giro d'Italia.
Seven hidden climbs: the untamed side of the Alps
In addition to the famous giants, the Stelvio Epic Rides reveal seven climbs that show the quieter, wilder side of the mountains around Bormio. The Strada dei Forni from Santa Caterina Valfurva leads to the Rifugio Forni at 2176 metres and climbs gradients of up to 20 percent while offering panoramic views of Italy's largest valley glacier, framed by thirteen peaks from Tresero to Cevedale.
The ascent to the Cancano lakes, 9.1 kilometres from 1312 to 1946 metres, winds past the medieval Fraele towers before reaching two alpine reservoirs that mirror the surrounding peaks. The Forcola Pass, culminating at 2314 metres, cuts a dramatic route between Livigno and Switzerland along the historic glacier route.
Cyclists who want to tackle all ten climbs also have to master the ascent to Bormio 2000 - 9 kilometres and 700 metres in altitude to the place where Damiano Cunego won a stage of the Giro d'Italia in 2004. In addition, there is the winding climb to Forte di Oga (7.3 kilometres and 543 metres in altitude through larch forests to a fortress from the First World War), the rough Monte climb from Scleva (490 metres in altitude with a challenging gradient of 9.1 per cent through dense forests) and the quiet climb to Fumero from Le Prese (6 kilometres and 500 metres in altitude via the village of Frontale to a remote finish at 1486 metres).
Stelvio Epic Rides registration
Registration for the challenge is open on the website stelvioepicrides.bormio.eu/en and offers three levels of participation, each linked to clothing from Santini Cycling Wear especially for Stelvio Epic Rides. Bronze registration costs €35 and includes Santini cycling socks. The Silver registration for 60 euros adds the Santini technical jersey. Gold registration for €80 includes the complete Stelvio Epic Rides by Santini kit - jersey, bib shorts and socks - an exclusive package only available through participation and not sold at retail.
All parts can be collected from the Bormio Info Point before the start of the rides. Successful participants can also collect their Explorer Challenge trophy there after completing the challenge. This is made by the local Rasiga-Lab workshop and serves as a lasting memento of a strong climbing performance.
Stelvio Epic Rides as a personal challenge
With thousands of metres of elevation gain over hundreds of kilometres of road, Stelvio Epic Rides is much more than a collection of routes. It is a challenge designed to inspire cyclists and immerse them in the landscapes of the Valtellina Alps. The Stelvio Epic Rides Challenge offers cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to conquer some of the most famous climbs in the world while discovering lesser-known but equally impressive routes. With a flexible structure that allows participants to tackle the climbs at their own pace and in their own time, the challenge appeals to both ambitious cyclists and amateur riders looking for a personal challenge.
The dates of the climbs at a glance:
- Stelvio Pass: 21 kilometres, 1,33 metres in altitude, 7.1% average gradient, summit altitude 2758 metres, 40 hairpin bends
- Gavia Pass: 25 kilometres, 1400 vertical metres
- Mortirolo: 12.5 kilometres, 1300 vertical metres, gradients over 18%
- Strada dei Forni: summit altitude 2176 metres, gradients up to 20%
- Cancano lakes: 9.1 kilometres, from 1312 to 1946 metres
- Forcola Pass: summit altitude 2314 metres
- Bormio 2000: 9 kilometres, 700 vertical metres
- Forte di Oga: 7.3 kilometres, 543 vertical metres
- Monte ascent: 490 metres in altitude, 9.1% average gradient
- Fumero: 6 kilometres, 500 vertical metres, finish altitude 1486 metres
Kristian Bauer
Editor
