From May 27th to June 1st, Morbegno and Lower Valtellina will be the stage for numerous cycling-related initiatives. The program includes the start of Stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia, the closure of the San Marco Pass to motorized traffic, the Pink Night with music and open shops, and the Winery Tour along the Costiera dei Cech.

Morbegno prepares to welcome the Cycling Week, almost an entire week - from May 27th to June 1st - dedicated to the world of bicycles in all its forms: sporting, cultural, and experiential. In a period when Valtellina is painted with spring colors, the calendar is enriched with events capable of involving cyclists, families, and visitors. The goal is to offer a unique opportunity to explore the territory with tranquility, among legendary climbs, historic villages, original initiatives, and moments of celebration and leisure.

"Lower Valtellina and the northern area of Lake Como have much to offer cycling enthusiasts," says Camillo Bertolini, Director of the Porte di Valtellina Tourist Consortium. "From the San Marco Pass on road bikes, to cycle paths and easy routes on the Costiera dei Cech, to the paths of alpine pastures in the Bitto Valleys and more challenging mountain bike trails. The Cycling Week is a test edition of an event destined to grow and enrich itself in the future, aimed at enhancing the routes this splendid territory can offer."

Among the week's events, two unmissable appointments stand out for enthusiasts: the Giro d'Italia and Enjoy Stelvio. On Thursday, May 29th, Morbegno will be the protagonist with the start of Stage 18, which from Piazza Sant'Antonio will take the riders towards the Costiera dei Cech and Valsassina, then continuing to the finish line in Cesano Maderno. This is a unique opportunity to experience the energy of the Pink Race up close and breathe the atmosphere of great cycling competitions, also thanks to the village that will be set up throughout the morning.

On Saturday, 31st, the appointment is with the Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina on the San Marco Pass, with the road closed to motorized traffic from Albaredo per San Marco from 9 am to 1 pm, giving exclusivity to bicycles and hikers. Interested parties will thus have the opportunity to tackle the climb without haste, enjoying every glimpse of the Bitto Valley of Albaredo and breathtaking landscapes.

For true road cycling enthusiasts, the day marks the start of the Strava Challenge Passo San Marco that, starting from Morbegno, will lead to the 1,992 meters of the San Marco Pass. To participate, simply activate the app and test legs and heart on this beautiful 26 km route with 1,772 meters of elevation gain towards one of Valtellina's great passes. The challenge will end on September 30th, and the winners will secure wellness experiences offered by Agriturismo La Fiorida.

The Cycling Week calendar does not end with these two major events but also includes a series of other proposals related to bicycles and more. From May 27th to 29th, an exhibition titled "The Evolution of Cycling in the 20th Century" will be set up at the Chiostro di Sant'Antonio, featuring numerous historic bicycles and informative panels curated by È Valtellina - Pedale Morbegnese. Also at the Chiostro, two events are scheduled for Wednesday, 28th: "Rays in History", a storytelling by Gianfranco Busi, and the presentation of the book "The Illustrated Giro d'Italia" by Albano Marcarini.

Moreover, on Friday, 30th, the streets of Morbegno's historic center will come alive with the Pink Night, with shops open and live music until midnight, offering an opportunity for leisure and entertainment for everyone. Finally, for the first Sunday in June, the Winery Tour is planned, a free eBike excursion on the Costiera dei Cech along an incredibly scenic route that crosses vineyards, historic villages, clearings, and woods with panoramas embracing the entire Lower Valtellina up to the upper Lake Como. The excursion presents no technical difficulties and is suitable for e-bike owners (bike rental is not provided) up to a maximum of 30 bookings.

A week between sport, culture, entertainment, and territory discovery: the Cycling Week prepares to transform Morbegno and Lower Valtellina into a reference point for two-wheel lovers and all visitors. For the complete program and all event details, visit the website www.portedivaltellina.it.

The event is realized with contributions from: Municipality of Morbegno, Mountain Community of Valtellina di Morbegno, Province of Sondrio, BIM, Morbegno Traders Union. With the participation of: Pro Loco Morbegno APS, APS Albaredo Promotion, È Valtellina, 360 Valtellina Bike, Costiera dei Cech, Ski Stop Sport Service, Agriturismo La Fiorida.