Cycling the Stelvio Pass
The Stelvio Pass is probably the most iconic climb in cycling because of it’s setting, beauty, difficulty, and history. It makes the Alpe d’Huez look like kid’s stuff. To be honest, Alpe d’Huez is the most overrated climb there is. The Stelvio is a real climb. The numbers:
Stelvio Pass
- Length: 24.3 km
- Average grade: 7.4%
- Height: 2758 meters
- Climb: 1808 meters
- Turns: 48 (Prata) or 40 (Bormio)
Alp d’Huez
- Length: 13.2 km
- Average grade: 8.1%
- Height: 1815 meters
- Climb: 1071 meters
- Turns: 21
The view from the top of the Stelvio down toward Prata.
This was an out-and-back ride, both sides, starting in Bormio. In 60 miles it was almost 11,000 feet of climbing.
Turn 40 at the bottom of the Stelvio in Bormio, the first of 40 turns on the Bormio side
The view from turn 33 on Passo Stelvio, Bormio side.
The long straight stretch on the Bormio side.
One of the tunnels on Stelvio, Bormio side.
Very old road sections, Bormio side.
Another shot of old road sections, Bormio side
The old road to the top of the Stelvio, Bormio side
Turn 48 at the bottom of the Stelvio. This is the first of 48 hairpins.
Typical hairpin on the Stelvio.
Weird art at the bottom of the Stelvio, Prata side.
The Ritchey with Stelvio Art
Glacier on Stelvio’s Prata side
Me at Stelvio sign at top.
To Ride or Not to Ride
Yes! Duh!
