The Stelvio Pass in northern Italy, at 2757 m, is the highest mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps. The orginal road was built in 1820-25!

Every year the road is closed to motorised traffic for a day, leaving this amazing pass free for thousands and thousands of cyclists to torture themselves with the climb of their lives.

A friend and I chose to ride up from the northern side, a route made famous by its inclusion in several Giro d’Italia’s in the past. The climb is 25km long, includes 48 hairpin turns (which are numbered with signposts) and rises over 1800m from the valley floor. The decent down the other side was fun too!

The number of cyclists on the road was pheonomenal and made for a great atmosphere which, along with the breathtaking views, was enough to distract me from my screaming legs! It was one of the most brilliant experiences of my life. Can’t wait for next year! Who’s coming along?

Interested cyclists can see our route here.

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