Highlight • Settlement
Bormio Old Town
Road cycling
4.7
(316)
Cycling
5.0
(4)
Gravel riding
5.0
(3)
Mountain biking
(2)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Tips
June 5, 2018
Road cycling
•
November 8, 2023
Road cycling
It is a town with a historic pedestrian center with all types of commerce. There are several places to have an aperitif. In summer, it is very lively in the afternoons, before dinner.
I recommend the Enoteca Guanella and its restaurant.
•
August 12, 2022
Road cycling
•
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Bormio Old Town
4.8
(90)
6,695
riders
43.5km
03:06
1,580m
1,580m
Embark on the difficult Ascent to Passo dello Stelvio from Bormio, a legendary road cycling challenge covering 27.1 miles (43.5 km) with a formidable 5186 feet (1581 metres) of elevation gain. This route typically takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes to complete. You will begin with immediate significant slopes and switchbacks, riding through sparse woodland and the Braulio valley before encountering tunnels carved into the rock. As you climb higher, the scenery transforms into lush green pastures, with jaw-dropping waterfalls appearing alongside hairpins in the central section, eventually leading to an austere high-alpine environment near the summit.
Prepare for a sustained test of endurance, as the average gradient is 7% to 7.4%, with sections reaching 14% to 15%. The final 3-4 kilometers are particularly demanding, rarely dropping below an 8% gradient. Given the high altitude of 2,758 meters (9,045 feet), reduced oxygen levels will add to the physical challenge. Always be prepared for unpredictable weather, even in summer months, as snow is possible at the summit, so pack appropriate clothing.
This ascent is more than just a climb; it is an iconic part of cycling history, known as the highest road pass in Italy. It has frequently featured as a decisive stage in the Giro d'Italia, with a monument at the summit dedicated to Fausto Coppi's legendary 1953 performance. The road itself, with its numerous switchbacks, is an architectural marvel. Many cyclists consider riding the Stelvio a spiritual experience and a must-do adventure, embodying the spirit of mastering one of cycling's most revered ascents.
4.9
(41)
5,085
riders
52.5km
03:18
1,450m
1,450m
The Ascent to Passo Gavia from Bormio is a difficult road cycling route, covering 32.6 miles (52.5 km) with a challenging 4746 feet (1446 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 3 hours and 17 minutes. You start on a wide road, passing through villages with some cobbled sections, before the climb truly begins after Santa Caterina Valfurva. The scenery transforms from forests to a more barren, almost moon-like landscape as you gain altitude, with the last 5 kilometers revealing picturesque lakes and towering peaks. Look for the Ponte dell'Alpe as you climb, a notable landmark on this demanding ascent.
While the road surface is generally good in the lower sections, be aware that it can become cracked and bumpy higher up, requiring caution. The route features frequent changes in gradient, with maximum gradients reaching 12% to 18% in some demanding sections. You will find around 10 switchbacks, mostly after Santa Caterina, before a more direct push to the summit. Be prepared for the unpredictability of mountain weather; large snow toppings are often visible even in summer, and sudden, severe changes can occur. Using appropriate mountain gearing, such as a 34/32 setup, is highly recommended for this sustained effort.
This legendary ascent holds a prominent place in road cycling history, often featuring in the Giro d'Italia. It gained iconic status in 1988 when Andy Hampsten famously battled blizzard conditions to secure the pink jersey, an event that etched the Gavia into cycling folklore. As one of the highest paved roads in the Alps, connecting the provinces of Sondrio and Brescia, it attracts cyclists from across Europe. Its proximity to other renowned climbs like the Stelvio and Mortirolo makes it a key component of challenging multi-climb routes in the region.
4.3
(40)
1,605
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,210 m
Weather
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Saturday 27 June
24°C
11°C
89 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h
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