Tag: Giro d'Italia

Last week I talked about a granfondo held in France that uses four well-known climbs from the Le Tour de France. Today’s post is similar but focuses on Italy. The Passo de Stelvio and the Mortirolo are two of the most well-known climbs in cycling.

Both climbs are frequently used in the Giro d’Italia, one of three grand tours held during the May/ June timeframe. Just as in France, it’s no surprise that these climbs are also used in one of the most famous sportives (granfondos) in the world: La Stelvio Santini ( also known as the Grandfondo Stelvio Santini).

About La Stelvio Santini

Sponsored by the Italian cycling apparel manufacturer Santini, the Granfondo Stelvio Santini arrived on the sportive scene in 2011. The event takes place in June around the same time as the completion of the Giro d’Italia. It starts and ends in Bormio, the Lombardy region of the Alps in northern Italy.

This sportive is very popular with Italians and sells out quickly once registration opens, which it did in April. The event is capped at 3,500 participants and is open to men, women, and kids. La Stelvio Santini is a one-day event that occurs on closed roads and is fully supported.

About the Stelvio and Mortirolo Passes

If you are a road cyclist, then the Stelvio and the Mortirolo are probably on your wishlist. Italy has many iconic climbs but these are the two that are widely talked about amongst cyclists because of their usage in the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) every year.

The Stelvio Pass (known as the Passo del Stelvio in Italian) was built by Austria in the early 19th century. It is 6,138 feet to the top and has 42 switchbacks. The average grade is around 5%, but there are points where it can kick up to 11%. While the road isn’t horribly long, 25 kilometers (15 miles), all the turns and the gradient can fatigue you.

Mortirolo Pass is another area in the Alps used frequently by the Giro d’Italia. While the elevation is not as high as that of the Stelvio and the ride itself is half the distance at 12 kilometers (7 miles), it is a brutal climb. The average gradient is 11% and can reach 18%. Famously, Lance Armstrong called the Mortirolo the hardest ride he’s ever completed.

Routes for La Stelvio Santini

Cyclists can choose from three routes: the long route, the medium route, and the short route. The Long route is 130 kilometers in length (80 miles) with substantial elevation gain (see the graphic above).

Both the Medium route and the Short route only traverse the Stelvio Pass. The Medium route is 108 kilometers (67 miles) and the Short route is 64 kilometers (40 miles) with less elevation gain.

Registration, Cost, and Inclusions for La Stelvio Santini

Registration started in April and runs until the end of May next year. Early registration is from June 4 to July 31, 2024 and is 90 euros ($94.00). It’s 100 euros ($104) after that from August 1 until December 31, 2024.

Last chance registration is from January 1, 2025 until May 30, 2025 and is 130 euros ($135). There’s no mention on the event website about the “day of” registration. Registration for the event is open to teams and groups with one free registration for group participants.

Just as with most event rides, your registration fee covers these inclusions:

• CUSTOM RACE NUMBER with your name
• TIMING SYSTEM with chip (to be returned at the end of the event)
• RACE PACKAGE including SANTINI CYCLING WEAR premium jersey in the size ordered during registration
• FOOD STOPS during the event: No. 4 refreshments on the route (SERNIO, END OF MORTIROLO DESCEND, BORMIO, STELVIO PASS ) No. 1 refreshment at the finish line
• MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE No. 5 points (TOVO round-trip, SERNIO, MORTIROLO DISCESA END, BORMIO, STELVIO PASS)
• PASTA PARTY from 12 PM at the Bormio Sports Center.

Note: All riders of La Stelvio Santini are required to have a signed medical certificate. That rule applies as well to cyclists from other countries. The good news is that this certificate can be uploaded during or after registration in the form of an E-certificate.

Last Thoughts

La Stelvio Santini looks like a fun event. There are so many cool elements about this ride. It takes place in Italy in the Dolomites, which is considered a national park. It takes on iconic climbs, even if you choose not to ride the Mortirolo. And the fees aren’t terrible.

Plus, you get to pick up a cool jersey to wear around all your cycling friends that shows you did this ride. After the event, you can check out more of Italy, such as Rome, Florence, Lake Como, etc., or even other parts of Europe. So, sign up now, this is one of those events you will always look back on with fondness.