Cycling the Col de la Lombarde

The Col de la Lombarde has made its mark in both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, each time showcasing the rugged beauty and difficulty of this iconic climb. In the 2008 Tour de France, Stage 16 featured the Italian side of the pass for the first time, which, with its steeper gradients and wilder nature, is considered the more challenging approach to the Lombarde.

Eight years later, in 2016, Vincenzo Nibali claimed a memorable victory on the Giro’s Stage 20, after climbing the Lombarde from the French side, via Isola 2000, and finishing at the Sant'Anna di Vinadio Sanctuary after a grueling ascent.

- From Pratolungo di Vinadio -

Once you turn off the main Stura Valley road, just after the town of Vinadio, the environment changes abruptly, marking the start of the climb. You’re immediately greeted by 12 hairpin bends in less than a mile.

After tackling these first switchbacks, the road continues its relentless ascent, with ramps reaching up to 13%. Another 2 switchbacks await couple of miles further along.

Then, a series of 10 more switchbacks with varying gradients provide a real challenge before the road flattens out slightly. This section, about halfway through the climb, offers a brief respite and prepares you for the final push to the summit. At about 3 / 4 of the way up, the road opens out, making the last few miles feel like a celebration as you conquer the summit.

Shortly after the halfway mark of the climb, you’ll come to a fork that leads to the St. Anne of Vinadio Sanctuary, the highest sanctuary in Europe at 2,035 meters above sea level. This steep 2.3 km detour is definitely worth it on your way back — we recommend stopping to admire the Sanctuary, take in the beautiful views, and maybe treat yourself to a gelato.