Cycling the Colle Fauniera

At the top of the Fauniera climb a stone statue of Marco Pantani celebrates the legendary stage of the 1999 Giro d’Italia, when "Il Pirata” - "The Pirate" conquered the pink jersey.

The Fauniera Pass connects two of the main valleys of the Cuneo Alps, the Val Grana and the Valle Stura. Secluded and protected from the main transit arteries, the loop from one valley to the other provides a sense of remoteness and delivers a genuine alpine experience.

The Fauniera Pass represents the main landmark of the historical Granfondo "La Fausto Coppi" as it is the highest point of this epic amatorial competition - 2481 metres above sea level. Climbing along the Grana Valley and descending into the Stura Valley is a beautiful and fulfilling adventure, high on the priority list of all ambitious Italian cyclists.

Details

Length

21.8km

Base Elevation

810m

Summit Elevation

2,481m

Elevation Gain

1,660m

Gradient (avg)

7.6 %

Max Gradient

20.8 %

Gearing Suggestion

34/28

The Climb

- From Predleves -

The climb from the Val Grana -“Valley of the Grana River”- is steeper and slightly more challenging than the Valle Stura side, which in turn offers an exhilarating descent with open wide stretches of road through idyllic green pastures populated by cows, sheep and fleeing marmots.

From Pradleves you will be climbing towards Castelmagno, a cute small mountain village famous for its unique local cheese. Starting relatively mellow, the road progressively steepens with a few sections well over 10%. Past Castelmagno, the gradient is mostly double-digit, with ramps at 20%. The stunning landscape will help you to keep distracted from the pain: at every pedal stroke all around you will suddenly become wider and wilder. Above the tree line on clear days, the views seem to go on forever.

On the summit, at 2481 metres above sea level, make sure you spare some time to breathe in the crisp and high-altitude air and take in the outstanding panorama. Get ready to launch yourself downward towards the Stura Valley, one of the most breathtaking downhills you will ever experience.

Cyclists encounter very little vehicle traffic on the Colle della Fauniera. As you climb in the silence of the mountain you’ll have time to enjoy every single pedal stroke and take in the sheer beauty of this idyllic place.

Points of Interest

Castelmagno

This charming mountain village offers much to explore. Notably, the 18th-century sanctuary, built on the site of a 1475 chapel, and the Castelmagno DOP cheese, a flavorful product steeped in centuries-old tradition.

Marco Pantani

The Pantani statue at the summit commemorates his 1999 Giro d’Italia victory, when "The Pirate" claimed the pink jersey. His class and determination continue to inspire fans of all ages.

Sambucano Lambs

The Sambucano is a unique sheep breed native to the Stura Valley, well-suited to high-altitude pastures. Thanks to a successful protection program, its population has risen from just 80 in 1985 to over 5,000 today.

The Ghironda

The "hurdy-gurdy," an ancient string instrument dating back to the 10th century, produces sound via a hand-cranked wheel rubbing against the strings. It’s key to Occitan music and symbolises the southwestern Alps’ traditions.

Col di Morts

The Fauniera, also known as Col di Morts or the "Pass of the Dead," is named after an ambush in 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748). In this event, Savoyard forces killed many French and Spanish soldiers.