Passo Mortirolo - Italy
Made famous by the Giro, the Mortirolo is a relentless ascent even on the easier road from Tiolo
Cycling the Passo del Mortirolo is an uncompromising test—steep, narrow, and famously unforgiving. The Mortirolo doesn’t offer drama through scenery or scale. Its legend comes from severity. You don’t climb it for beauty; you climb it to find out how deep you can go.
Mixed Bag
From Tiolo, fourteen gruelling km await. This is the easier of the ascents from the Valtellina side and it is totally irregular.
Hard gradients are followed by shallower sections and then by impossible sets of hairpins. If the road is one thing, it is relentless. As this is the downhill section of the Giro climb, the road is in exceptionally good condition.
Shadows and light
Wooded sections are followed by lovely open meadows with great views over the valley below and into the distance. As the road weaves its way up the hill, your legs start to tire and burn.
There is thuggishness but also a loveliness to this road and I don't think anyone is indifferent to this ride. Love it or hate it!
Cows, cows, cows
You arrive at the top of the pass to be greeted by grazing cows. The contrast of your state of exhaustion and the cows grazing with no care in the world could not be greater.
As I arrived, I wondered if anyone would really climb this road if it would not feature so heavily in the Giro.
This little thug to the south of the majestic passes of Bormio is a true challenge for any cyclist. The main characteristic of this climb is its unrelenting toughness.
Famous for its toughness
Relieve is the main emotion when you reach the top.
Passo Mortirolo from Tiolo
Length: 13.7 km
Altitude gain: 1173 m
Max altitude: 1991 m
Average gradient: 8.6 %
Max gradient: 20.2 %
Route Tip: Start from Bormio (or further down the valley), ascending the Mortirolo via the Tiolo route and carrying on for around 5km into the valley to an elevation of 2,100m.
After a short descent after the Mortirolo pass, turn left at the Albergo Passo Mortirolo - great lunch spot - and climb up a rickety road just about passable for road bikes. This is totally remote and lovely views await.
On the way back, there is a great cycle path by the river which takes you away from traffic.
Turn left at the Albergo Passo Mortirolo onto rickety road into the valley.
The road continues along the valley and climb to around 2100m and lovely views open up.
Albergo Passo Mortirolo is great lunch spot.
