Trips > The Dolomites & the 2021 Stelvio Day

The Dolomites & the 2021 Stelvio Day

$7,950

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Taking full advantage of our local knowledge this trip takes in all the charm and savage beauty of the Dolomites and the Italian Alps. We’ll begin by exploring Bressanone and the mountains that surround it, while also getting a taste of some local culture and cuisine from Eros Poli, who went on to win Olympic gold and one of the most famous Tour de France stages of all time.

The second part of this adventure will take you north, right into the high mountains. At 2,758 meters, the Stelvio is the highest paved road in Italy and along with its neighbors, the Gavia and the Mortirolo, it has shaped bike racing since being introduced at the Giro d’Italia in 1953, when the race organizers pitted their greatest champion, Fausto Coppi, against the greatest challenge anyone could imagine. There are higher roads, but none compare in terms of history and for racing fans, these remain the purest and most exciting climbs in the world. And because you’re with inGamba, you’ll experience all of this with the kind of equipment and support that normally only professionals can enjoy.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F12 Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • One custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included

**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

Trip at a Glance

Start Location:

Milan

Finish Location:

Milan

Days Riding:

6

Group Size:

8 – 12

Total Distance:

393km

Total Elevation:

11,238m

Longest Day:

Day 2. Val Pusteria. 94km

Biggest Climbing Day:

Day 6. Stelvio Day. 2,981m

...

Day by Day Breakdown

1

test ride

Our first day in South Tyrol involves a gentle spin, but there is no such thing as a flat road in this special part of the world, so expect some fun descending and a gentle climb to test your legs – and to make sure that your bike is working perfectly. If it isn't quite right, or you'd like to fine-tune something, now is the time to speak to your mechanic.
2

Val Pusteria

Some say that the Passo delle Erbe is a love it or hate it climb, but we don't think there's any debate – it's awesome. The scenery is ever-changing, and there are several charming towns along the route, not to mention incredible views of the Sass de Putia, one of the tallest mountains in the region, which separates the Val Badia and Funes. Most of the day's hard work comes at the tail end, so save your strength early on.
3

Luson

Starting out to the north on flat roads, this route changes personality after the opening 14 kilometers, just as we reach the town of Luson. There, the climbing begins, and it's all uphill for the next 14km in the direction of the Sass de Putia, but on a totally different road to before. With 12km to go, the climbing finishes and we can enjoy a technical, fun descent most of the way home.
4

Umbrail Pass

After a transfer, this adventurous ride begins just outside the town of Merano, heading to the east and our next base near the Stelvio. The day's main challenge starts around halfway through, as we work our way toward the Umbrail Pass, also known as the Giogo di Santa Maria. It might not be as famous as some of its neighbors, and it's only actually been fully paved in 2015, but those in the know will tell you that it's among the best climbs in the region.
5

Lago di Cancano

Setting out from Bormio, this figure-of-eight loop will treat you to one of the region's hidden gems: The climb to the Torri di Fraele. The route begins by rolling through several picturesque little towns, giving you plenty of time to warm up for the main event, an 8.4km climb up tight switchbacks at an average gradient of 7.1%, before a gravel finish that arrives at the stunning Lago di Cancano. After that, we'll descend and head south along the Adda river before returning back to base.
6

Stelvio day

This is our Queen Stage. It's less than 100 kilometers long – but comes with 3,500 meters of climbing. We'll have a 2km warm up through the center of Bormio before beginning our ascent of the infamous Passo dello Stelvio. On our first ascent from the west we actually don’t quite reach the summit, but take a left turn to Switzerland and the descent of Passo dell’Umbrail. Then it’s up again for the full ascent of the Stelvio from the east, 24km long and climbing 1,800m to the summit, the highest paved road in Italy.
7

Departure

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. 

YOUR Guide

Eros Poli

The Champion

The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day's stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.

BIKE OPTION

PINARELLO DOGMA F12 DISK

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F12 Disk

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

PEDALS:

Speedplay (or your own)

SADDLE:

Selle Italia

WHEELSET:

Zipp 302 Carbon Clinchers

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa CX

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 820