La Stelvio Santini, one of the best-known granfondos in the Italian Alps, is adding a gravel event to its programme for 2026. The 14th edition of the The event takes place on the weekend of 6 and 7 June 2026 and offers a two-day programme for the first time. While the road race with the legendary climb to the Stelvio Pass will take centre stage as usual on Sunday, participants can enjoy a new gravel experience in the Alta Valtellina on Saturday. Registration for both events is already open, with various participation options available - there is also a combined ticket.
Stelvio Santini with gravel trails in the Alta Valtellina
Like the road race, the new gravel event starts and ends in Bormio. The route leads along the gravel paths of the Alta Valtellinafrom Valdisotto to Valfurva and on to Valdidentro and the Cancano lakes. Participants can choose between two route variants: A shorter route with a length of 44 kilometres and an altitude difference of 1400 metres and a longer route over 70 kilometres with an altitude difference of 2000 metres. According to the organisers, a highlight of the long route is the ascent to the Cancano lakes via the Boscopiano gravel climb, which is described as challenging but scenic.
"This new form of cycling is currently growing strongly in our region," explained Mario Zangrando, the driving force behind La Stelvio Santini. "We are delighted to be able to offer participants a gravel experience that is probably unique in the discipline, as it develops entirely at high altitude."
Stelvio Santini Format and timekeeping
The gravel event follows a format already established in the gravel community. Participants can choose their own pace and preferred riding style, while selected timed sections determine the rankings and reward the best performances on both climbs and rolling sections. The long course includes two timed sections, while the short course has one timed section. This format allows both ambitious riders and leisure cyclists to experience the event in their own way.
Stelvio Santini Granfondo
The traditional Granfondo La Stelvio Santinin on Sunday, 7 June 2026, will continue to offer three different route options to suit the different fitness levels of the participants. The long route covers 130 kilometres with 4270 metres of ascent from Bormio via Rogorbello and the Mortirolo back to Bormio and finally up to the Stelvio Pass. The medium route covers 108 kilometres with an altitude difference of 3050 metres and leads from Bormio to Rogorbello, back to Bormio and then to the Stelvio. The short route covers 64 kilometres with an altitude difference of 2280 metres from Bormio to Sondalo, back to Bormio and then to the Stelvio Pass.
Registration and participation options
Registration for both events is already open. Those interested can choose between different participation options: Road Race only from 100 euros, Gravel event only from 60 euros or a combined Road and Gravel package for the special price of 120 euros. The road race will also once again offer the popular "couple registration", which makes it possible to share this challenge with a partner, friend or family member.
The event attracts thousands of cyclists from all over the world every year, all with the aim of conquering one of cycling's sacred mountains, the Stelvio Pass. From the 2026 edition, they can now immerse themselves even deeper in the wonders of the Alta Valtellina by also exploring the region's gravel trails.
Information on
Granfondo La Stelvio Santini:
- Date: 7 June 2026
- Long route: Bormio - Rogorbello - Mortirolo - Bormio - Stelvio > 130 kilometres (4270 vertical metres)
- Medium route: Bormio - Rogorbello - Bormio - Stelvio > 108 kilometres (3050 vertical metres)
- Short route: Bormio - Sondalo - Bormio - Stelvio > 64 kilometres (2280 vertical metres)
La Stelvio Santini gravel event:
- Date: 6 June 2026
- Long route: Bormio - Bormio > 70 kilometres (2000 vertical metres)
- Short route: Bormio - Bormio > 44 kilometres (1400 vertical metres)
Registration and prices:
- Road race only: from 100 euros
- Gravel event only: from 60 euros
- Combined package (road + gravel): 120 euros
- Pair registration available for the road race
- Website: www.lastelviosantini.com
Kristian Bauer
Editor
