In the heart of the Valtellina Alps, the queen road of outdoor experiences turns 200 years old: the Stelvio Pass, with its legendary hairpin turns that climb up to 2,758 meters in altitude, celebrates in 2025 a bicentennial that tells not only the story of an extraordinary engineering work, but also the evolution of a symbol that has rediscovered itself as a privileged destination for sports and nature enthusiasts.

Born for commercial and administrative needs as the only connection between Italy and Northern Europe, in its 200 years of history, the Stelvio road has seen its vocation transform towards 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 Alto Adige - but also the Canton of Grisons in Switzerland, thanks to the 13.3-kilometer road inaugurated in 1901, which connects Val Monastero to the Giogo di Santa Maria (also known as Umbrailpass). The result is a bridge between cultures, traditions, and different landscapes within the splendid scenario of the Stelvio National Park. From the first half of the 20th century to today, the pass has been a witness to historical events such as World War I fought above 3,000 meters in altitude, until becoming the theater of legendary sporting feats.

AN ICON FOR TWO-WHEEL LOVERS

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. From that moment, the climb became a symbol for cyclists worldwide, earning the title of Cima Coppi 12 times in the race's history, marking the highest point of the entire route.

Since the '80s, the road has seen an exponential increase in enthusiasts attempting to conquer its 40 hairpin turns (from the Lombardy side), transforming Bormio and the entire Valtellina into a privileged destination for two-wheel lovers. The Stelvio challenge, with its 21-kilometer climb and breathtaking panoramas, 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 race that made it famous: on Wednesday, May 28th, the Giro d'Italia will arrive in Bormio for the 17th stage, starting from San Michele all'Adige. Although not scaling the giant due to seasonal reasons, the Giro's arrival in the pearl of Alta Valtellina is a tribute to the history and significance of Stelvio, in a stage where great climbs and elevation changes will certainly not be lacking.

After starting from the Rotaliana Plain, the riders will face 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 to then tackle the feared Mortirolo, a 13-kilometer climb with gradients that will put the group to a hard test.

Decisive in the final of the race could be the Motte climb, a few kilometers from Bormio's finish line, which will provide spectacle and uncertainty until the last meter. The pink caravan will stay in Valtellina the following day, with the stage start from Morbegno towards Cesano Maderno, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience the emotions of great cycling in the context of the bicentennial celebrations, which will also be protagonist of the collateral events program.

GREAT EVENTS ON THE ROADS OF MYTH

After the Giro Rosa's great festival, the Valtellina summer will continue to offer opportunities and emotions to two-wheel lovers. From the end of May, the now customary appointment with Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina returns, a non-competitive event with a calendar of motorized traffic closures on the most famous and beautiful mountain roads of Valtellina, starting with the mythical passes of the Bormio territory.

The closure calendar will extend until September: starting May 25th with Campo Moro, continuing with Passo San Marco (May 31st), Laghi di Cancano (June 12th, July 11th, and September 1st), Passo Gavia (June 13th, July 10th, and August 31st), Mortirolo (June 14th and August 29th), Spluga (June 29th) and culminating with the special event of the Cima Coppi Climb at Stelvio Pass on August 30th, not forgetting the fascinating night climb to Campo Moro on August 2nd.

Alongside this calendar, two international prestigious competitions will attract thousands of athletes from around the world. On June 8th, 2025, the spotlight will be on the Granfondo Stelvio Santini, which will start from Bormio to tackle the legendary ascents of Mortirolo and Stelvio, offering three routes to satisfy every fitness level: from the most challenging 130-kilometer route with 4,270 meters of elevation gain, to the intermediate 108-kilometer itinerary with about 3,050 meters of elevation gain, to the more accessible 64-kilometer variant with 2,280 meters of elevation gain. All roads will ultimately lead to the 2,758 meters of Stelvio Pass, a symbolic finish that evokes the epic feats of champions who have written the history of these mountains.

On July 13th, 2025, it will be time for the Re Stelvio Mapei, a historic multidisciplinary event celebrating its 40th anniversary and 20th year of partnership with the prestigious sponsor: an event that will attract over 3,000 participants between runners and cyclists, ready to tackle the 21 kilometers and 1,533 meters of elevation that separate Bormio from the Stelvio peak. A competition that, in its unique and inclusive formula, includes the half marathon, an open race for all enthusiasts, a non-competitive gathering 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 emotion of following in the footsteps of great champions, immersed in a context that is a true symbol of Alta Valtellina.

For further information: https://www.bormio.eu/it