Road to the Stelvio Bike Day | Car-Free Cycling Epic

Leaving Treviso, a scenic transfer has you saddling up in picturesque San Vito di Cadore. From here, a dedicated bike path leads to the mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, where a quick Espresso on the Corso Italia will get you ready for the main challenge of the day, the Passo Falzarego. One last effort up to the Passo Valparola and you'll enjoy a spectacular downhill into La Villa for the last gentle uphill stretch into Corvara.

The mountain goats have the option of bypassing the Falzarego and taking on the 'easier' side of the Passo Giau before continuing to Arabba and climbing the Campolongo into Corvara.

Today is your day to experience “the most beautiful bike ride in the world”, the Sellaronda, the ride around the Sella Group mountains. Whatever direction you choose, clockwise or anticlockwise, you will cover many of the most recognized climbs in the area, including the Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Campolongo (this would be the anticlockwise direction, the "Classic" Sellaronda from Corvara).

There is also the option to combine the Sellaronda with the Passo Falzarego or the Passo Giau, whose challenging ascent is rewarded by some of the most breathtaking views to be had in the Dolomites.

After the exhilaration of race day, today is one of transition and relaxation. An early climb out of Corvara soon gives way to a long descent to the tranquil bike paths that wind through South Tyrol’s vineyards and river valleys. Your final destination is the charming spa town of Merano, once the capital of the County of Tyrol and still radiating in its past Habsburg glory.

Unwind with a stroll through the pedestrian old town, take a soak in the fantastic thermal baths, or down a well-earned Pils at the local Forst brewery. You’ve conquered the Dolomites, now it’s time to recharge before tomorrow’s epic Alpine challenge.

Today is all about one thing: the Stelvio Pass, one of the most iconic climbs in the cycling world. The ride begins gently, following the Adige River Valley from Merano through endless apple orchards and alpine villages, a relaxed prelude to what lies ahead.

From Prato allo Stelvio, things get real and the road begins its legendary ascent: 48 perfectly coiled switchbacks that rise to the summit at nearly 2,800 meters (9100 ft). Pace yourself, enjoy the rhythm of the climb, and let each turn of the pedals bring you closer to the sky.

At the summit, take a moment to absorb the view and the accomplishment: you have tackled a true cycling legend, featured in countless Giro d’Italia battles. Finally, the reward for your hard work: an unforgettable descent into the buzzing mountain town of Bormio, framed on all sides by pure alpine spectacle.

For some inviting switchbacks and great views, how about a loop out to Laghi di Cancano? Alternatively, a more challenging option is to take on the Gavia Pass from its easier side via Madonna di Campiglio. Of course, you can always just give your bike a bit of a rest and get a massage or take a gondola ride up the mountains and explore the area on foot.

It's Stelvio Bike Day! On this special day you will have the opportunity to ride the Stelvio pass not just once, but TWICE on closed roads. Starting from Bormio, follow the procession of two-wheeled enthusiasts up to the turnoff for the Umbrail Pass, where you will cross into Switzerland and a beautiful descent down to the Val Müstair. A peaceful valley ride brings you back to Italy and through the charming town of Glurns before arriving in Prato allo Stelvio. A small bike festival in the main square of Prato will put you in the right mood for a last push up the Stelvio and the rewarding descent back down to Bormio.

If twice up the Stelvio sounds a bit too ambitious, you also have the option of just riding the Stelvio from Bormio on closed roads and returning back the way you came, joining the party atmosphere of tired but contented cyclists on the Piazza Cavour.

Your final day in the saddle lets you choose how to write the last chapter of this adventure. From Bormio, several options await, each offering its own reward.

Take it easier with a short scenic spin up to Laghi di Cancano, with its serpentine switchbacks and turquoise lakes. Or, step it up with the ride up the Bormio side of the Passo Gavia, a high-mountain classic that embodies everything about Italian alpine cycling.

For those chasing a truly heroic finale, the ‘Queen Stage’ combines the brutal Mortirolo and Gavia from the legendary Ponte di Legno side, a route that defines the word epic. 

Back in Bormio, celebrate your journey over a well-deserved meal and a toast to conquering Italy’s most iconic mountain passes, CyclingHero-style.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Bormio as you take in the last mountain views of this unforgettable Dolomites to Stelvio cycling challenge. It’s time to pack up the bikes and say arrivederci to the Alps, and perhaps start dreaming of your next CyclingHero adventure.

Our team will assist with departure logistics and transfers. Until next time, keep exploring, keep climbing, and keep riding like a Cycling Hero.