The La Stelvio Santini Alpine Marathon is the ultimate endurance test for climbers. If you love climbing steep roads and only really enjoy it when you can see the sky ahead, you will be happy in Bormio. Whether you can really climb becomes clear when the gradients reach double figures - anyone who has ridden the 130-kilometre route knows the answer. La Stelvio Santini is an insider tip in two respects: the ascent from Bormio is not quite as tough as from Prad, but hardly less beautiful. And the cycle marathon is not yet as crowded.
La Stelvio Santini: Climbing until your legs burn
1553 metres in altitude, spread over 21.7 kilometres, make the Stelvio from Bormio a manageable task - the north-east ascent from Prad has around 300 metres more altitude. But the real test of endurance comes before that. A narrow road leads over the Guspessa to the Mortirolo, which has it all: 11.5 per cent average gradient over 10.7 kilometres. A narrow ribbon of tarmac runs through the forest and culminates in 14 per cent steep sections before a relaxed ride to the Mortirolo. As the time is only measured on the climbs, you can catch your breath in between.
The most important information about La Stelvio Santini
- Date: 8 June
- Start location: Bormio
- Route: 130 km/4270 m (alternative: 108 km/3050 m or 64 km/2280 m)
- Costs: from 130 Euro
More cycling events in 2025
22 June: Alpenchallenge Lenzerheide (SUI)
Albula, Maloja and Splügen are the euphonious names of the Alpenchallenge Lenzerheide. The cycling marathon in Switzerland owes its popularity to the magnificent Alpine scenery and the friendly organisation. Where else can you find a barista at the top of the pass like on the Albula? With 189 kilometres and 4400 metres of altitude, the caffeine boost is gladly taken!
3 August: Arlberg Giro (AUT)
At 150 kilometres and 2500 metres in altitude, the Arlberg Giro is a comparatively manageable challenge. Perfect for all those who prefer to go fast but still love metres in altitude.
7 September: Kitzbühel Cycle Marathon (AUT)
The event has quickly become one of the most popular Alpine marathons. This is due to the sporting challenge with the Kitzbüheler Horn as the final climb. The flexible option is great: if you don't want to ride the final climb, you can turn off at the finish in Kitzbühel and be classified in the KRM Kitz category.
