Stelvio Pass

The Passo dello Stelvio at 2,757m is one of the highest paved passes in the Alps and a monument of cycling history. It has featured in the Giro d'Italia over 20 times, producing some of the race's most iconic moments.

The eastern approach from Prato allo Stelvio is the classic route: 24.3km at an average gradient of 7.4%. The 48 numbered hairpin turns are famous worldwide, each one marked with a stone monument.

The climb is relentless but rarely extreme — the gradient stays between 7-9% for most of the ascent, with occasional kicks to 12% on the steeper hairpins. The final kilometers above the tree line are exposed and spectacular.

At the summit, you're rewarded with views of the Ortler glacier and a panorama that stretches across three countries. The Stelvio is a climb every serious cyclist dreams of conquering.