FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE TUE 30 MAY | WELCOME
A morning group airport transfer to our Alpine base in Bormio. On arrival check-in, make yourself comfortable and we'll confirm your bikes are all set-up. Enjoy a light, Welcome Lunch and Tour Introduction, followed by an easy afternoon ride to get the body moving again after travelling. There is a climb, of course, but we'll spin up for the impressive view from the top. Welcome to the Italian Alps!
DISTANCE | 30KM | 19MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY TWO WED 31 MAY | BORMIO LOOP
Today you have the choice of one climb or two! First is the solid climb to Bormio 2000, the ski resort conveniently located 1952 metres above the town which regularly hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup. This is followed, if you choose, by an out and back to Passo Gavia, a strikingly, scenic climb with a mirror lake at the summit.
DISTANCE | 35KM & 53KM | 22MI & 32MI
ELEVATION | 1650M & 1400M | 5400FT & 4600FT
DAY THREE THU 1 JUN | BORMIO LOOP TO LIVIGNO
Excellent day out as we ride both sides of the Foscagna and Eira passes on our visit to Livigno. This little town enjoys duty-free status so we'll give you time for shopping after lunch. Even a ride home in the van if you go overboard, and want to rest before tomorrow!
DISTANCE | 75KM | 48MI
ELEVATION | 2000M | 6500FT
DAY FOUR FRI 2 JUN | PASSO DELLO STELVIO!
It's all been leading up to this! A truly magnificent loop, with the challenge of riding all three sides of the Stelvio. We'll support you all the way. Pace yourself up the 'easier' side from Bormio, and then relish the descent down the Umbrail Pass into Switzerland. A scenic valley downhill, before we commence the deceptively, gentle start to this long ascent beside a bubbling stream and alpine pastures. It then get serious as you count down the legendary 48 hairpins to the ski station at the top. After lots of photos, descend into Bormio and soak in the thermal baths of this spa town.
DISTANCE | 102KM | 63MI
ELEVATION | 3200M | 10500FT
DAY FIVE SAT 3 JUN | BORMIO TO SONDRIO
Almost a rest day - it's all downhill. Well, except for the Passo Mortirolo. The stage of epic battles to win the Maglia Rosa in the Giro d'Italia, Marco Pantani still holds the record for the fastest ascent. You can put all your energy into this fabled climb, before enjoying the last kilometres with panoramic valley views of the vineyards in the Valtellina.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 54MI
ELEVATION | 2000M | 6500FT
DAY SIX SUN 4 JUN | SONDRIO TO BELLAGIO
Definitely an easier day, as it really is all downhill to Lake Como, and even includes a ferry ride. Enjoy the flat, tempo riding and gorgeous lake views as we arrive at our final destination, bella Bellagio.
DISTANCE | 70KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 500M | 1650FT
DAY SEVEN MON 5 JUN | GHISALLO LOOP
Epic day for our final ride. Not necessarily because it's long or high, but because this is hallowed cycling territory. The last big pro race of the season, the Tour of Lombardia always climbs the Colle del Ghisallo. It is an interesting ascent, with sections that are short and steep, downhill, undulating and fast. The tiny chapel of the patron saint of cyclists, Madonna del Ghisallo, has notable memorabilia of fallen cyclists and there is a very good cycling museum to wander through. If you're up for it, you can also test you mettle on the daunting Muro di Sormano. Celebratory dinner to wind up a brilliant week of cycling.
DISTANCE | 75KM | 47MI
ELEVATION | 1800M | 5900FT
DAY EIGHT TUE 6 JUN | GOODBYE
Morning group airport transfer to Malpensa. Time to say farewell, until next time.
Ride safe, Punto's!