Bormio, May 17th 2016 – The wait is over: Bormio is ready to open its gates to all cycling enthusiasts. Historic climbs, such as the Stelvio, the Mortirolo and the Gavia passes in northern Italy have been on the bucket list of many road-racing cyclists for quite a long time. By the end of May however, the Stelvio will open for the summer season. The queen of panoramic views with its winding roads will be accessible to all professional and hobby cyclists. The first cycling event is the Granfondo Stelvio Santini, a race for all ages and skill-sets. However, not only cyclists are looking forward to the summer. Mountain bikers like Bormio’s testimonial Nadine Rieder have already started to prepare for great trails through the spectacular alpine countryside and events such as the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon and the Bike Transalp. Can’t wait for the season to start?
All brave cyclists will have to master 151.3 kilometres / 93.9 miles and an altitude difference of 4.058 metres / 13,313.6 feet in order to complete the long distance race Granfondo Stelvio Santini on June 5th. This physically demanding route through the Italian Alps includes the famous Mortirolo with its most impressive incline. There is however an alternative for those, who prefer to take it a bit easier: The middle distance covering 137,9 kilometres / 85.7 miles of alpine beauty or even a short distance route of 60 kilometres / 37.3 miles. 3,000 sports men and women are expected to challenge themselves on this adventure at the start of the season. For more information follow: bormio.eu/event/stelvio-santini-2016
The Valtellina Extrême Brevet will be a brutal test for cyclists and bikes. From June 18th to June 19th participants of the Randonnée will not be competing against the clock but against themselves. All must try to overcome 454 kilometres / 282.1 miles and an altitude difference of 12.118 metres / 39,757.2 feet in 40 hours on the four routes through the mountains surrounding Bormio. bormio.eu/event/veb-valtellina-extreme-brevet
Following this grand event, Bormio welcomes cyclists to join the Stelvio Challenge 2016 from June 21st to June 24th. This is a charity event in cooperation between Italy and the Netherlands. The race itself starts on June 24th in Bormio and finishes on the mountain pass of Stelvio. On the preceding days there will be a variety of tours to take part in. More details can be found here: bormio.eu/event/stelvio-challenge-2016
Welcoming the summer on July 10th Bormio is looking for the king and queen of the Stelvio during the Re Stelvio Mapei 2016. Thousands of athletes will try to conquer the highest mountain pass in Italy on foot or by bike. For more information visit the website: bormio.eu/event/re-stelvio-mapei-2016
There are more first class events to join in August. On August 27th the Stelvio Pass and Umbrail Pass will be quiet, as the meandering roads will be closed for motorised vehicles. On the Cima Coppi Day cyclists can enjoy their ride on traffic free roads. bormio.eu/event/scalata-cima-coppi-3
Bormio also plays a major role during the Haute Route Dolomites Swiss Alps. Three stages will be hosted in the Bormio region. On September 7th, participants reach Bormio on via the Forcola Pass. On the following day, September 8th, the cyclists conquer the Stelvio pass and commence to Bolzano via the Gavia Pass on September 9th. Further details can be found here: bormio.eu/event/haute-route-dolomites-alpes-suisses-2
It is the dream of many riders to ride side by side with a pro cyclist. This dream can come true from September 10th to 11th, when Alberto Contador and his Foundation invite all to join the Contador Day. The scrambling leads to the Gavia Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Alps. More information can be found on the website bormio.eu/event/contador-day
Mountain bikers can look forward to many trails and routes in the Stelvio National Park. Bormio is one of the stage destinations on the Bike Transalp. 1,200 Bikers cover 520 kilometres/ 323.1 miles and an altitude difference of 17,750 metres / 58,234.9 feet leading through 3 different countries in only seven days. The single trail from Livigno takes the participants over the Passo Alpisella and the Umbrail Pass to Bocchetta di Forcola and to Bormio on July 20th. This stage is the highest of the Transalp at 2,768 metres / 9,081 feet above sea level. The fifth and most demanding stage takes riders from Bormio to Mezzana through the Gavia Pass on July 21st and will put everyone to the test. All information on the Bike Transalp can be found under bormio.eu/event/bike-transalp-bormio
There is plenty of opportunity to discover the region without taking part in such a venture. The Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon on July 30th for example presents the indescribable beauty of Bormio’s mountainous panorama, which no rider will ever forget. Both, the marathon route and classic track start in Isolaccia Valdidentro. Before the actual race, two bike adventures will lead the participants to the most beautiful spots in the Alta Valtellina. And even kids can prove their skills during the kids’ race on July 31st. For more Information visit bormio.eu/event/alta-valtellina-bike-marathon-2016
Bormio also offers the required activities to regain strength and to relax from strenuous tours through the mountains surrounding the medieval town. Three spas (Bormio Terme, QC Terme Bagni Nuovi e QC Terme Bagni Vecchi) await to rejuvenate tired legs and minds. Empty batteries can be recharged with regional specialities, such as the Bresaola beef ham and buckwheat noodles called Pizzoccheri.
For more information of the region of Bormio visit our website: bormio.eu
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Photos: Marco Taniolo