The Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025. The legendary pass road, which leads to an altitude of 2758 metres, has developed over two centuries from an important trade route to a dream destination for cyclists. With a length of 46.5 kilometres, 88 hairpin bends and 7 tunnels, the road connects the regions of Lombardy and South Tyrol as well as the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Several major cycling events are planned to mark the anniversary, which should attract thousands of cyclists to the region.
Giro d'Italia visits Stelvio Pass
The celebrations will kick off with the Giro d'Italia, which will stop in Bormio on 28 May 2025 with the 17th stage. Although the 154-kilometre route from San Michele all'Adige to Bormio does not lead over the Stelvio itself, it still promises a challenging profile with climbs to the Tonale Pass and Mortirolo. According to the organisers, the final climb to the Motta could provide a preliminary decision in the battle for the pink jersey. On the following day, another stage starts in Morbegno in the direction of Cesano Maderno.
Road closures for amateur cyclists
From the end of May to September, the "Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina" event series offers amateur cyclists the opportunity to ride the region's most famous passes on roads closed to motorised traffic. In addition to the Stelvio Pass, the programme includes the Mortirolo, the Gavia Pass and the San Marco Pass. The highlight is the "Stelvio Bike Day" planned for 30 August.
Everyman race on the Stelvio Pass
Big races for everyone round off the anniversary programme. The Granfondo Stelvio Santini starts in Bormio on 8 June 2025. Participants can choose between three routes: - 130 kilometres with 4270 vertical metres - 108 kilometres with 3050 vertical metres - 64 kilometres with 2280 vertical metres All routes lead over the Mortirolo and end on the Stelvio Pass. The stage race TOUR Transalp stops in Bormio on 17 June and crosses the Stelvio Pass. The third stage is considered the queen stage of the TOUR Transalp 2025, covering 102 kilometres and 2818 metres of altitude difference from Pfunds over the Reschen Pass to South Tyrol and finally up to the Stelvio Pass at 2757 metres above sea level. The ascent to the Stelvio begins in Prad and overcomes 1808 metres in altitude over 24.3 kilometres. A total of 48 hairpin bends wind their way up the road to the highest tarmac Alpine pass in Italy. After the descent, the participants reach the stage finish in Bormio. The fourth stage (91 kilometres, 2246 metres in altitude) leads from Bormio over the Mortirolo Pass to Aprica. The Mortirolo is considered one of the steepest and most difficult climbs in professional cycling. These two stages are the highlight of the tour and demand everything from the participants.
The Re Stelvio Mapei, which celebrates its 40th anniversary, will follow on 13 July. The multidisciplinary event includes a half marathon for runners and cycling races for amateur cyclists, e-bikes and racing cyclists. The route covers 21 kilometres from Bormio to the Stelvio summit and covers 1533 metres in altitude. The organisers are expecting over 3000 participants.
Significance for cycling
The connection between the Stelvio Pass and cycling goes back to 1953, when the route was part of the Giro d'Italia for the first time. Fausto Coppi celebrated a historic victory back then. Since then, the pass has been honoured twelve times as the "Cima Coppi", the highest point of the tour. Since the 1980s, the number of amateur cyclists tackling the climb has increased significantly. The most popular route is from the South Tyrolean side: the north-east ramp from Prad offers around 1,844 metres of altitude difference spread over 24.6 kilometres. This is also the ascent that can be seen in most photos: the hairpin bends from Franzenshöhe wind spectacularly between the rocks to the top of the pass.
But the 21-kilometre ascent from the Lombardy side with its 40 hairpin bends is also a dream destination for ambitious cyclists. There are around 1540 metres of elevation gain on the south-west ramp. Bormio and the entire Valtellina have become a popular destination for cyclists thanks to the climb. The least well-known ascent is the variant from Santa Maria over the Umbrail Pass. This route is usually used as a descent to incorporate the Stelvio Pass into a round trip.
With its varied programme of events to mark its 200th anniversary, the Stelvio Pass is underlining its importance as a pilgrimage site for cycling. In 2025, both professionals and amateur athletes will have numerous opportunities to experience the legendary Pass road and follow in the footsteps of the great champions.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
