Possibly the most challenging tour we offer.  You will surmount dramatic elevations, gorgeous vistas, and extreme gradients, as we ascend the most brutal climbs Italy has to offer:  Passo dello Stelvio, Passo di Mortirolo, Passo di Gavia, and Monte Zoncolan!  

 

Day 1, Sunday:  We will meet at our predetermined pick-up location, and we will transfer you to Bormio, a drive of less than 3 hours.  In Bormio, we will assemble and fit your bike.  We will embark on an afternoon ride to check equipment, adjust, and get the legs moving.  The ride will be less than 50km and involve some moderate climbing.  We will share an early dinner, get to know staff and guests, and prepare for the coming days.

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Day 2, Monday:  Today we will climb the 48 hairpin turns of the famed Stelvio climb.  The Stelvio can be climbed from more than one side, but today we will ascend from Prato allo Stelvio and descend back into Bormio.  The Stelvio Pass is the highest paved pass in the nation, so we will regroup and refuel at the cafes at the top.  The route distance is approximately 54km with an elevation gain of almost 1900 meters!

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Day 3, Tuesday:  The Mortirolo is one of our favorite climbs, and one of the most challenging in pro racing.  We will ascend from Mazzo di Valtellina, the most famous of routes.  The road is narrow, with reasonable pavement, and is very quiet.   Made famous by Marco Pantani, it features 32 switchbacks with an average gradient of over 10%.  The grade will top out at over 18%!  After a rest and refueling at the top we will continue riding along the Passo di Gavia made famous by Andy Hampsten riding through blizzard conditions on his way to victory at the Giro!  The route distance is 112km with over 3240 meters of elevation gain.

 

Day 4, Wednesday:  Today we will climb the Stelvio from the Bormio side.  The gradient hovers around 7.1, and 22km.  We ascend to a flat section during the climb and the last few kilometres spike up to 12%.  Now is the time to look back down the climb at your mates that you have put some distance into!  At the top, we will rest and enjoy some food and drink before we descend back down into Bormio—that is, unless you decide to take the Umbrail Pass and ascend the complete loop!  54 km and 1474 meters in altitude gained.

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Day 5, Thursday:  After our morning transfer, our ride in the Sella Ronda will climb Passo Pordoi and Passo Sella, and more if desired, as we enjoy the breathtaking views with many hairpins.  The gradients are moderate, with a few steep spikes, but the ability to settle into a rhythm and look upon the gorgeous peaks will be well worth your efforts.

 

Day 6, Friday:  :  Monte Zoncolan is one of the most feared climbs in Italy, and was raced in the 2018 Giro, and won by none other than Chris Froome.  This ride takes us on a quiet loop through quaint farm towns and villages, retracing some of the Giro route.  Zoncolan will test your resolve on the bike possibly more than any riding you have done.  It features over one kilometer at over 22%!  Each hairpin is marked by a sign dedicated to the most famous riders, a small distraction from your pain cave, but slightly helpful nonetheless.  The loop will cover just over 70 kilometers, and we will climb 2400 meters.

 

Day 7, Saturday:  We will enjoy our last day of cycling with some scenic riding around Lake Garda.  If you have an early morning departure, we can transfer you to the airport area this evening or after breakfast in the morning.