Day 1: Madonna di Campiglio

Sunday | 23km & 728m

Upon arriving, our first ride is our customary opening leg-stretcher, which also leaves ample opportunity for any final position adjustments that may be needed on your inGamba Pinarello Dogma F. But while the opening ride is just under 25 kilometers, it’s still an adventure: We will ride into cycling history with this out-and-back ride from Madonna di Campiglio. 

This historic ski resort town has long been host to World Cup races, but in 1999 it was indelibly etched into the annals of cycling, for it was here where Marco Pantani was expelled from the Giro d’Italia while wearing the pink leader’s jersey. Certainly, it was not the Giro’s greatest day, but it remains one of the most memorable.

The road from Madonna di Campiglio to Val Nambrone is constantly rolling, and while the total altitude gain remains well under 1,000 meters, it certainly suffices to stretch out the legs at the beginning of the week.

Day 2: Passo Durone / Ponte Arche

Monday | 93km & 2,242m

Day two, while not our hardest day, is our longest of the week, as we make our way over the Passo Durone-a frequent climb in the Giro-down to Ponte Arche, named after the historic bridge, that crossed the Sarco River during this 93-kilometer loop.

And while today’s ride does not tackle the biggest climbs found in this corner of Trentino, for those looking for a little perspective, we still climb over 2,000 meters, more than the Mont Ventoux or Alpe d’Huez. 

Day 3: Chorter Malè Loop

Tuesday | 58km & 1,415m

After dropping south on day two, day three makes its way north of Madonna di Campiglio, up the valley towards Bozzana, along the Torrente Noce River. Much of today’s ride is along a newly developed bike path, which in addition to being free from cars, offers simply sumptuous views. 

Consider today’s 58.5-kilometer loop with 1,415 meters of climbing to be the calm before the storm as we approach one of our most-anticipated days of the week.

Day 4: Passo Gavia

Wednesday | 56km & 1,665m

Ever since Andy Hampsten’s historic ride through blizzard conditions during the 1988 Giro d’Italia, the Passo Gavia has been etched in the annals of the sport. Pictures still hang on the wall of the mountain lodge that sits at the summit, forever recording this epic day, which eventually led to his historic victory in the great Italian race. 

Everything about today’s ride points towards the Gavia. Leaving Madonna di Campiglio, we drive to Tonale, where the inGamba support crew awaits with our bikes. A gentle downhill allows us to spin into the ride, before we arrive in Ponte di Legno and start our climb. From here, nearly 1,300 meters of climbing await us over the next 15 kilometers as we make our way up this epic climb. 

Coffee, cakes and a healthy dose of cycling history awaits us at the top, as well as some stunning views. And after a well-earned coffee stop, we can enjoy the long sinuous descent into Bormio.

Day 5: Lago di Cancano

Thursday | 47km & 1,233m

On paper, day five can appear as a sort of transition day between the epic Gavia and Stelvio ascensions, but our ride up to Lago di Cancano may just be our most beautiful ride of the entire week. 

The climb to Lago di Cancano is barely 10 kilometers in length, but it may well be the climb with the most amount of switchbacks per meter of altitude gain. Needless to say, the views are stunning as we climb above the valley below, but really, the climb is just a sort of hors d’oeuvres for what awaits us at the summit. Just after exiting a narrow mountain tunnel that is our gateway to the summit, the road turns and opens out along the first of two mountain lakes, one more beautiful than the next. 

Once at the top, we have a choice of enjoying an extended coffee stop or continuing along the gravel road around Lago di Cancano, and that may just be the most difficult decision you have to make during your entire week with inGamba. 

Day 6: Stelvio Extravaganza

Friday | 90km & 3,220m

What would cycling history be without the Passo dello Stelvio? How many pages have been written about the exploits on this iconic mountain pass that sits at more than 2,700 meters high?

The truth is that every rider writes their own history on this monumental mountain pass, and while it may be our last day of the trip, it promises to be one you will never forget. 

Our hotel is actually situated just a few kilometers up on the climb, just outside of Bormio. As a result, there is no warmup on this day, as the road only goes in one direction: Up. 

Once at the top, the inGamba support crew will be waiting in typical fasion,, and you can enjoy coffee, drinbks and snacks, before returning to Bormio. 

But in case one climb up this legendary mountain does not suffice, our guides offer the option to ride down the other side to Spondigna, the town that sits at the foot of the climb in the valley, before turning around and making our way back up the Stelvio one final time: A true Stelvio extravaganza for those who just cannot get enough. 

DEPARTURE

Saturday

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.