The Stelvio Pass road celebrates its first 200 years this year: the perfect time to discover and experience it on two wheels, from the Giro d’Italia to Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina, Stelvio Santini, and Re Stelvio Mapei
In the heart of the Valtellina Alps, the undisputed queen of outdoor experiences turns 200: the Stelvio Pass, with its legendary hairpin turns climbing to 2,758 meters in altitude, celebrates in 2025 a bicentennial that tells not only the story of an extraordinary engineering feat but also the evolution of a symbol that has reinvented itself as a premier destination for sports and nature enthusiasts.
Built for commercial and administrative purposes, as the only connection between Italy and Northern Europe, in its 200 years of history, the Stelvio road has seen its core shift toward tourism and outdoor activities. With its 46.5 kilometers in length, 88 hairpin turns and 7 tunnels, this Alpine artery connects not only two regions – Lombardy and South Tyrol – but also the Canton of Grisons in Switzerland, thanks to the 13.3-kilometer road inaugurated in 1901, which links the Münster Valley to the Santa Maria Pass (also known as Umbrailpass). The result is a bridge between cultures, traditions and diverse landscapes within the splendid setting of Stelvio National Park. From the first half of the 20th century to today, the pass has witnessed historic events such as the First World War, which was fought above 3,000 meters, and has become the stage for legendary sporting achievements.
AN ICON FOR CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS
The bond between Stelvio and cycling has deep roots dating back to 1953, when the pass first appeared in the Giro d’Italia route with a historic victory by Fausto Coppi. Since then, the climb has become a symbol for cyclists worldwide, earning the title of “Cima Coppi” (the highest point of the entire race) 12 times in the Giro’s history.
Since the 1980s, the road has seen an exponential growth in the number of enthusiasts challenging its 40 hairpin turns (from the Lombardy side), transforming Bormio and the entire Valtellina into a premier destination for cycling lovers. With its 21 kilometers of climbing and breathtaking panoramas, the Stelvio represents the dream of every cyclist, from amateur to professional.
THE GIRO D’ITALIA RETURNS TO BORMIO
The first to honor the Stelvio’s anniversary will be the very race that made it famous: on Wednesday, May 28, the Giro d’Italia will arrive in Bormio for the 17th stage, departing from San Michele all’Adige. Although not climbing the giant due to seasonal constraints, the Giro’s arrival in the pearl of Upper Valtellina pays homage to the history and significance of the Stelvio, in a stage where major climbs and elevation gains will certainly not be lacking.
After starting from the Piana Rotaliana, the riders will tackle an extremely challenging 154-kilometer route that, after Val di Non and Val di Sole, will lead them to climb first the Tonale Pass at 1,882 meters, entering Lombardy and Val Camonica before facing the dreaded Mortirolo, a 13 km climb with gradients that will test the group.
The Motte climb, just a few kilometers from the finish line in Bormio, could be decisive in the final part of the race, providing spectacle and uncertainty until the very last meter. The pink caravan will also remain in Valtellina the following day, with the stage starting from Morbegno toward Cesano Maderno, giving fans a unique opportunity to experience the emotions of great cycling in the context of the bicentennial celebrations, which will also be featured in the program of side events.
MAJOR EVENTS ON THE ROADS OF LEGENDS
After the great celebration of the Giro, the Valtellina summer will continue to offer opportunities and emotions for cycling enthusiasts.
From the end of May, the now traditional Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina returns, a non-competitive event featuring a calendar of closures to motorized traffic on the most famous and beautiful mountain roads in Valtellina, starting with the mythical passes in the Bormio area.
The closure calendar will extend until September: starting from May 25 with Campo Moro, continuing with Passo San Marco (May 31), the Cancano Lakes (June 12, July 11, and September 1), the Gavia Pass (June 13, July 10, and August 31), the Mortirolo (June 14 and August 29), Spluga (June 29), and culminating with the Stelvio Bike Day on August 30, not forgetting the fascinating night ascent to Campo Moro on August 2.
Alongside this calendar, two internationally prestigious competitions will attract thousands of athletes from around the world. On June 8, 2025, the spotlight will be on the Granfondo Stelvio Santini, which will start from Bormio to tackle the legendary ascents of the Mortirolo and the Stelvio, offering three routes to satisfy every level of preparation: from the most demanding 130 km course with 4,270 meters of elevation gain, to the intermediate 108 km route with about 3,050 meters of elevation gain, to the more accessible 64 km variant with 2,280 meters of elevation gain. All roads will, in any case, lead to the 2,758 meters of the Stelvio Pass, a symbolic finish line that evokes the epic feats of champions who have written the history of these mountains.
On July 13, 2025, it will be time for the Re Stelvio Mapei, a historic multidisciplinary event celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 20th year of partnership with the prestigious sponsor: an event that will attract over 3,000 participants among runners and cyclists, ready to tackle the 21 km and 1,533 meters of elevation gain that separate Bormio from the summit of the Stelvio. A competition that, in its unique and inclusive format, includes the half marathon for runners, a race open to all enthusiasts, a non-competitive gathering reserved for e-bikes, and the traditional competitive cycling race.
The Stelvio Pass thus confirms itself not only as a natural monument celebrating its first 200 years but also as a living stage where every enthusiast can experience the thrill of following in the footsteps of great champions, immersed in a setting that is a true symbol of Upper Valtellina.
