Stage 4: From Livigno to Aprica
This stage of the TOUR Transalp 2022 is dominated by the Passo Mortirolo, which is a proud legend and takes up half of the altitude metres of the entire stage in just a few kilometres. If you climb it in a year in which the Giro d'Italia was held here at the end of May and it hasn't rained too much afterwards, you may still be able to soak up the many cheering slogans painted on the road by fans - and perhaps elicit a little motivation from them yourself. The Mortirolo is closely associated with Marco Pantani, to whom they have erected a monument in a hairpin bend. This narrow road up is undoubtedly a living piece of cycling history.
The upper Valtellina has a completely different story to tell, even before you reach the start of the Mortirolo. If you leave Bormio to the left on this stage coming from Livigno, the route leads out of the valley towards Tirano. Between the villages of Cepina and Le Prese, it is noticeable that massive earth movements were underway in the valley. On 28 July 1987, a landslide occurred on the eastern flank of Pizzo Copetto, burying a village, claiming lives and temporarily damming the Adda river.
In the lower Valtellina, 20,000 residents had to be evacuated because the dam created by the landslide threatened to burst and the resulting lake to rush down into the valley. Fortunately, it was possible to drain the lake in a controlled manner. The wounds in the valley have now been repaired. But it is noticeable that the valley floor has now been levelled by human hands. However, you can still clearly see the demolition at the top right and get an impression of the force that was at work here.
Pian di Gembro raised bog
But this is not the only geologically interesting spot. Another special feature, less imposing, more tranquil, lies just before Aprica on the side of the road: the Pian di Gembro high moor. The nature reserve is an oasis of peace just a few minutes from Aprica. Next to the road from Trivigno to Aprica, you can immerse yourself in the nature of this ancient peat bog of glacial origin, which is home to extremely rare fauna, including carnivorous plants.
In addition to a themed trail with information boards about its formation and characteristics, in summer you can also observe the smallest inhabitants of this marshland - frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. What you should avoid at all costs, however, is attempting to cross the moor on foot. It is better to fuel the Mortirolo myth with your own efforts than to create a bog body legend on the Pian di Gembro.
You can stop off here
In Valdidentro, after the descent from Passo Foscagno, there are several bars and restaurants along the roadside on this stage of the TOUR Transalp 2022. If you want to fortify yourself before the 1,250 metre ascent to Passo Mortirolo, you should stop off in Grosotto at the latest, e.g. at the Hotel le Corti. There are no refreshment stops on the way up to the pass. If you want to stop for a bite to eat at the top of the pass, you have to leave the road briefly to the left in the direction of Monno. After just 750 metres, you will find the Albergo Passo Mortirolo. Just before Aprica, there are a number of restaurants around the Pian di Gembro nature reserve. There is a good selection in Aprica, such as the Ristorante Pizzeria La Caveja or the Ristorante Francesco on the main street.
Shortcuts / variants to the original route
Shortly before Grosio, a variant turns off up to the Passo Mortirolo, which has around 150 metres less elevation gain. Aprica can also be climbed further down the valley by Cologna via Trivigno, but to skip the Mortirolo would be to rip the heart out of this stage of the TOUR Transalp 2022.
The stage as a short trip
On long days, with enough time in your luggage, you can quickly roll down from Aprica to Tirano and take the railway up to the Bernina Pass, an experience. Then cycle from the Bernina Pass back to Livigno via the Forcola di Livigno (plus 300 metres of ascent). But cyclists are also catered for All Transfers Taxi.
The stage as part of a round tour (2 to 4 days)
The stage from Livigno to Aprica can be combined into a two-day tour in this way. On day two from Aprica downhill into the Valtellina and via Stazzona to Tirano. Now cross the Swiss border and tackle the tough climb of around 1,900 metres up to the Forcola di Livigno, where you leave Switzerland again. Watch out! In Poschiavo there are railway tracks on the road, but they are easy to control on the uphill section.
Marc Schneider's tip
Between Passo Mortirolo and Aprica, the small road leads over the ridge between Valtellina and Valcamonica. Before descending to Trivigno and on to Aprica, the forest opens up to the left and the road runs along a panoramic balcony in front of the glacier world of the Adamello group. You simply have to stop here for a moment to savour the view to the full.
General info
If you want to stay overnight or are looking for other tourist offers, you will find what you are looking for at livigno.eu and apricaonline.com. If you need a bike service, you will find several shops in Livigno at livigno.eu/en/businesses. In Aprica it is the bike shop at the Eni petrol station in the centre on the main road.
The 4th stage from Livigno to Aprica, 107.68 km and 2,441 metres in altitude.
The GPS data will be available for download on the TOUR website after the TOUR Transalp 2022, which takes place from 19-25 June.
If you are still thinking about switching from Touri to Race mode, you can find all the details about the Everyman Race over the Alps at www.tour-transalp.de
