In our series Classic Rides We take in mythical climbs and classic routes. We tick off the Mont Ventoux, Mortirolo, Alpe d’Huez and Angliru Out of the blue, along with other places that really belong on a bucket list. In this episode we come to one of the places that speaks to the imagination the most: Stilfersjoch, or ‘The Stelvio’. The climb up the Stelvio is a real classic. Many of us have driven it and may have regretted this choice. Others will feel like a kind of hero once they have reached the top. On the family anniversary, this name certainly does well. For our platform, explorer Djowin went up from Prato or Prad. The classic variant, and therefore firmly in this list. Read on and enjoy!
25 long kilometers
25 kilometers of climbing and a height difference of no less than 1846 meters. That’s 25 long kilometers. For many cycling enthusiasts, this climb ranks high on the list and not without reason. The pink cavalcade of the Giro d’Italia rode over this mythical mountain eleven times. I’d like to take you to the top! Cycling up the Stelvio from Prato is also a dream for me.
The Stelvio is not just any climb. The 25 long kilometers have an average gradient of 7.4% with peaks reaching 12%. The last 15 kilometers are the steepest of this monster. The steepest part comes when you ride into the forest.
Text and photos: Djowin Meijerink (unless otherwise stated)
Starting early
At 7 a.m., the alarm goes off at camping Trafoi. After two weeks of cycling fun in Italy Today the queen’s tour is on the agenda. Today we’re cycling the legendary Stelvio from Prato! No matter how you twist it, this pass exudes awe. So much so that I had to put the beers aside the night before. Today it must happen after a good breakfast (in my case a bowl of quark, bread and a strong cup of local ‘caffè’). After having oiled the bike well yesterday, it’s also ready for the big day.
While we were joking and laughing at the start, the nervousness became noticeable at the start of the climb. Because let's be honest: where I come from (the Salland Heuvelrug), we have some altitude meters, but 300 meters is already the best mountain stage there.
Tight legs
The day before, we climbed Montecampione and that still leaves us with some tight legs. The fact that this mountain is on the bucket list is quite clear quite quickly. We bring in Italians, Swiss, Belgians and Spaniards. The diverse company of nationalities also takes on this challenge with a diverse collection of bikes. One on a mountain bike from 1980 and the other on the all-new Pinarello Dogma F12. All with the same goal in mind: reaching the top of the Stelvio. After three kilometers of climbing, I take the first sip from my water bottle. At the same time, I think: have I brought enough water? Two water bottles, a total of one liter for a ride of over two hours in the blazing sun. Still, it’s nice that we left those Bira Moretti’s behind yesterday.
Own pace up
We agree to ride up at our own pace and wait for each other at the top. After all, talking less results in a lower heart rate. After the village of Trafoi, we reach the first hairpin bend. The number (48) on the sign doesn’t appeal to me at all. For the connoisseurs: there are still 47 to go. I have to swallow it for a moment.
Fortunately, I am starting to get into my rhythm: the tight legs and the lazy sweat are gone. With a grimace that Thomas Voeckler would be jealous of, I pass many cyclists. The reaction of some takes a while to come. When you are engaged in a strenuous effort, you have to time it well. I never thought I would have to think about it: do you greet someone at the moment of inhalation or at the moment of exhalation? Life questions that you will get answers to during the 48 turns of the Stelvio.
Turn 24 and then on
In good shape, I drive through turn 24 and the landscape around me begins to change. The forest behind Trafoi is behind me, and on the other side of the valley a gigantic glacier comes into my field of view. At this point, I start to feel less and less of my legs, and the euphoria takes over. Training in wind and weather is finally paying off. This is what it’s all about. After a long false turn to the right, the top of the pass comes into view. A bizarre feeling overwhelms me. I feel like a small David fighting against the big Goliath. What a huge thing! Focused on putting as much power into every step and staying in perfect rhythm, I try to enjoy as much as possible the beautiful nature around me. No need for a bike computer now. I don’t have one either.
Upshifts
The lowest gear is approaching and I really can’t shift back any more. With a 1×12, it’s really tight in the mountains so I decide to take back the gas on the relatively flat sections. Just drink some more and work the last gel into my system before I start the final climb with an incline of almost nine percent. After almost two hours on the bike, I still have some left for a small gear change. Against all (cycling) rules, I shift up and get off the saddle. I’m really exhausted and fortunately the top is already near. There I see my cycling buddy enjoying a cold can of cola. I’m there (just in time).
The view is amazing and there are several places to eat and drink. You are surrounded by people with wide grins, because everyone has come up the mountain. It is also noticeable that everyone dresses warmer as well in the summer because the road down is wonderfully cool. After all, you are at over 2700 meters. The descent takes more than half an hour and you really have to be on top of your game. A mistake with the steering is fatal, and this is also clearly indicated by the signs. You are in top form yourself, but expect this from your bike as well. Check your brakes and make sure everything is securely fastened before you start the journey. If that is all in order, then the real enjoyment can begin.
Bormio or Prato
The Stelvio has two sides and the most classic one is that from Prato (or Prad). However, many riders will head for their base camp from here. Bormio Choose. This gives you a few more options to explore the surroundings and, among other things, to Livigno But if you want to tick off your bucket list, then the Stelvio bike ride from Prato is definitely a must-do.
Where is the best place to sleep?
The best bike hotel in Bormio? We don't know that, but we have had very good experiences with La Funivia, a perfect place to recover after your climb of the Stelvio. You have all the facilities there, spacious rooms, and in Bormio there is no shortage of various spas, saunas, and other ways to recover well.
This route is one of the best routes for cyclists in Italy
Like Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux and Angliru, the Stelvio is on many people’s bucket lists and is in the top 5 climbs in the world. It is a tough climb, it is long, but all 48 turns are more than worth it. Here is the classic route from Prato. You can also take the other side, but this is the only real one.
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Stelvio Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world, known for its endless hairpin turns and dramatic Alpine scenery that makes every kilometer unforgettable.