{"id":25235,"date":"2025-12-02T15:39:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=25235"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:44:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:44:53","slug":"bormio-is-the-starting-point-for-the-stelvio-gavia-and-mortirolo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/bormio-het-startpunt-voor-de-stelvio-gavia-en-mortirolo","title":{"rendered":"Bormio: the starting point for the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hidden behind the screens of our phones, we are increasingly disconnected from reality. Sometimes we forget what it really is like. Life sometimes seems to play out online. My trip to Bormio has once again made me realize what we really get on that bike. The feeling of camaraderie, a shared passion and beautiful mountain passes \u2013 all on the race bike. This is my experience with Bormio, at the foot of the Stelvio. But Bormio is more than the Stelvio! It is also the gateway to the Mortirolo, Gavia and Torre di Fraele<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Text and photos: Dennis Knuist <\/em>\u2013 (The text continues below the photos)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Stelvio
Stelvio in optimal condition (C) Roadbike Andy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"View
View of Bormio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stelvio\u2019s birthday<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Stelvio Pass is 200 years old. The mythical mountain pass originated originally for economic reasons \u2013 to connect neighboring provinces together. Nowadays, it is a region-wide route. South Tyrol<\/a> To the region of Lombardy, both in Italy. Back then it was different \u2013 On the one hand was Austria, the other Italy. Frontlines ran right through the mountains. Everything changed after the First World War, except the mountains themselves. Today, the Stelvio may have less economic value, but it is certainly a goal and a dream for many \u2013 like me \u2013 who love cycling but also love cheering and being fans. The Giro d\u2019Italia made this mountain pass iconic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These 200 years form a period for the local tourist agency Bormio Tourism<\/a> A great opportunity to invite a group of journalists and content creators from various countries. The group consists of Andreas, a Swiss who loves the mountains, Adam, an American who still publishes a paper magazine, Oscar, a Spaniard with a golden heart, Jamie, a Brit with sprinting qualities, Grzegory, a Pole who has lost his heart mainly to gravel, and myself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the occasion of the 200th anniversary, Bormio decided to further promote the region by jointly conquering the Stelvio again. This gave rise to the idea for the Stelvio Epic Rides<\/strong> \u2013 because there are more mountain passes in the region. If you are even a little interested in cycling, you have probably already heard of the Gavia and the Mortirolo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
The Gavia top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"That's
That's what you want, right?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Mortirolo\"
Mortirolo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stelvio Epic Rides \u2013 a new cycling project from Bormio begins in the 2025 season <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stelvio Epic Rides, Bormio, Wellness Mountain | Official Website<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program is simple: one mountain pass every day, one climb from the Stelvio Epic Rides list. You have to conquer nine of them to earn the trophy. This week I have already conquered six of them. Oscar, he probably will climb eight \u2013 maybe even all of them \u2013 although he will also stay a day longer. Next to the well-known iconic passes, I will also climb the Torri di Fraele, Bormio 2000 and the Monte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While climbing all these mountains, I feel genuine admiration for the cyclists who normally only cheer on from TV \u2013 because now I myself am experiencing something that is difficult to put into words. As a rider in the peloton, in a race like the Giro d\u2019Italia \u2013 which often comes through the Bormio region \u2013 it takes 55 minutes to climb a climb, and a very good amateur another hour and a half. How can that then be compared? It becomes clear that they, the professional cyclists, are really doing something extraordinary. I, as an amateur, do the same climb in one hour and 40 minutes\u2026 and I certainly am not at the very bottom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(The text continues below the photos)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Creating
Creating content is an art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"On
On top of the top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Top
Top of the Stelvio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suddenly you feel smaller, because everything around you becomes bigger. Beautiful mountains rise high above you. Climbing doesn\u2019t take five minutes anymore, but an hour, two, or even three. The descents are also tough \u2013 20 km downhill can be just as tiring as the uphill climb. If there\u2019s anywhere where you can feel how insignificant you are in the face of nature, it\u2019s on a mountain bike. Although it still remains a true pleasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there is a reward. The views. The immense mountains. The landscapes that stay with you for a long time. And the satisfaction of reaching the top on your own. In principle, you don\u2019t need a Strava or power meter for that. You can conquer that climb on your own power and hearing your heavy breathing is enough rhythm to get you over the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(The text continues below the photos)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"At
At the top: a quick photo with the sign anyway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bormio:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The mini Stelvio: Torre di Fraele<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Mortirolo:
Mortirolo: a murder plot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Above
Above Torre di fraele<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bormio itself is a charming town with an authentic atmosphere and a lively center. You\u2019ll find nice shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars there, and there\u2019s also a beautiful old town with cobblestone streets. In addition, Bormio is known for its thermal baths, which are a wonderful way to relax after a day on the bike through the mountains. I\u2019ve had the opportunity to experience all of these aspects and they are a wonderful addition to your stay here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spas and hotels in Bormio | QC Terme Bagni di Bormio<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(The text continues below the photos)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"In
In Bormio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Typical
Typical Bormio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Food
Food is always well-organized<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"wine
The essence of life \ud83d\ude42<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The climb to the Stelvio starts literally in the town of Bormio itself. You can start it from Bormio or from Prato dello Stelvio\/Prad am Stilfersjoch. The ascent from Prad\/Prato is also known as the classic<\/a> named<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passo dello Stelvio<\/a>, Prato allo Stelvio, Italy<\/p>\u2022 Distance: 24.5 km, Elevation difference: 1824 m, Average gradient: 7.5 %<\/blockquote>