Epic Cycling Climbs Route Across Italy - Conegliano to Sondrio
Multi Day ride across Italy from Conegliano (Venice) to Sondrio (Milan): This route through Italy starts in Conegliano just north of Venice and ends in Sondrio, north of Milan. This is a 500km route climbing around 12,100 meters over 11 mountains. A suggested 5 days riding with a rest day in Merano.
Stage 1: Conegliano to Dont, 97km, 2730m elevation gain, Climbs: Passo San Boldo, Forchella Franche, Passo Duran -
Starting in the Venetian low lands and steadily rising, Passo Duran at 1604 and 994m climbing is the first stern test. Before we get there, we pass Passo San Boldo which is a very special road. At 751m it is a low lying pass but the way the switchbacks are built through the rock and are hidden in rickety little tunnels is totally unique. This stage ends in Dont which is a small village and depending on your accommodation, the end of day 1 and start of day 2 might be flexible between Passo Duran and Passo Staulanza. See route here
Stage 2: Dont to Arabba, 74km, 2670m elevation gain, Climbs: Passo Staulanza, Giau, Falzarego -
Riding superlative in the Dolomites. What a day this will be. Passo Staulanza provides an easy entry into the Dolomites and Passo Giau provides the pinnacle of road riding in these parts. This is the true King of the Dolomite Passes. The downhill to Pocol is gem. The road then continues to Passo Falzarego and follows on a ride to Arabba which stays high above the valley floor. Just wonderful. Arabba is a great little stopover place for a multi day ride. See route here
Stage 3: Arabba to Merano, 107km, 1410m elevation gain, Climbs: Passi Pordoi, Passo Costalunga.
The day starts with climbing the wonderful Passo Pordoi which is gentle giant amongst the Dolomite passes and offers monster views on the Sella before descending on an excellent road to Canazei. After a valley ride through the Val di Fassa, the route climbs the Passo Costalunga and descends on a quiet road to Bolzano. After crossing the city, cycle paths along the river Adige go all the way to Merano. See route here
Rest day in Merano
Merano is a historic spa town and a great place for a rest day as the next two days will be challenging. Check out the Merano Thermal Bath for recovery and relaxation.
Stage 4: Merano to Bormio, 96km, 2570m elevation gain, Climbs: Passo Stelvio
This is going to be a tough but memorable day riding your bike. The valley ride form Merano rises steadily for around 50km from 300 to 900 metres to Prato and has a relentlessness about it due to its length. At Prato, the ascent to the Stelvio starts. Iconic 48 hairpins later, the pass arrives at 2759 meters altitude. Riding the Stelvio pass is a unique experience and not to be rushed. The descent to Bormio cover the last 25km and is fast and furious on great roads. See route here
Stage 5: Bormio to Sondrio, 127km (50km downhill at the end), 2490m elevation gain, Climbs: Passo Gavia, Passo Mortirolo.
The last push with Gavia and Mortirolo on the menu. Passo Gavia is a wonderfully remote climb with exquisite views and a road that has been resurfaces around 2023/24. Once down again through the magical Valle di Messi and past Ponte di Legno, the valley goes to Mono and then up the very steep Passo Mortirolo. Legendary for its leg-breaking nature, it is especially steep from Mono. If that is too tough, you can stay on the road and ride over Passo Aprica to Sondrio. From Sondrio, public transport takes you to Milan and onwards. See route here
Riding all of the Italian Alps - East to West:
This route through the Italy Alps starts in Conegliano just north of Venice and ends in Bourg Saint Maurice in France, just off the Aosta Valley. Overall the route covers around 1,250 km and 31,000 m climbing. Based on around 2,000 m climbing per day, there would be around 15 stages plus around 4 rest days.
I cut this route into three section:
Section 1 from Conegiano to Sondrio as outlined above. This is a 500km route, climbing around 12,100 meters over 11 mountains and 5 - 6 days of riding. The route traverses the Dolomites and the high passes of the Lombardy. Possible stages are detailed above.
Section 2 from Sondrio to Pella on Lago di Orta.
This is a 319 km route, climbing 6,390m and 3-4 days of riding. The route covers the Northern Italian lakes: Lago di Como, Lugano, Maggiore and Orta, crosses into Switzerland at times and climbs 4 mountains.
Section 3 from Pella on Lago di Orta to Bourg Saint Maurice in the French Tarantaise valley.
This is a 436 km route, climbing 12,250 m over 10 mountains (some of them lower lying) and 6 days of riding. The route covers the lower lying Pientmonaise Alps and the high passes in the Aosta valley before ending in France in Bourg Saint Maurice.
