Tour Type
Granfondo
Riding Level
Active
Location
Bormio, Italy
Duration
5 days | 4 nights
Length
20 up to 130 km daily
Climb
300 up to 4,270 m daily
In Italy, a gran fondo is more than just a bike race; it's a celebration of cycling. It’s a mass participation event where thousands of cyclists - from seasoned veterans to ambitious amateurs - come together to conquer an epic challenge. These events are woven into the fabric of Italian cycling culture, renowned for their impeccable organization, passionate atmosphere, and stunningly beautiful routes. And few are as iconic and epic as the Santini Granfondo Stelvio. This is your chance to ride one of cycling's most legendary climbs in the grand tradition of the sport.
Grand Tours Project has designed an experience that goes beyond the race itself, providing you with the support, logistics, and guidance to make this an unforgettable alpine adventure.
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, you will join thousands of passionate cyclists to take on one of three legendary courses, all starting from Bormio:
You have two options for lodging. If you are completely focused on training and preparing, Hotel La Genzianella is a possibility. If your main focus is epic cycling AND also relaxing in a luxurious wellness spa, then the Hotel QC Terme Bagni Nuovi is for you!
This is your chance to be part of an epic challenge. With thousands of entrants competing for a limited number of places, Grand Tours Project can guarantee your entry into this legendary event. Secure your place now to begin your Stelvio journey.
Welcome to the heart of the Italian Alps. Our team will meet you at Milan Malpensa Airport for a scenic transfer that takes you directly into the alpine heart of Italy. After arrival at your hotel, the guides will ensure your bike is perfectly fitted and prepared, and we’ll hand you your official Grand Tours Project kit. In the afternoon, we’ll head out for a gentle welcome ride, a perfect way to stretch your legs and test the bikes. We’ll take a short tour around Bormio, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of this historic town at the foot of legendary climbs.
Back at the hotel, we’ll have a tour briefing to discuss the program and finalize all the details for the coming days. Afterward, we’ll enjoy our first hearty Italian dinner, toasting to the exciting adventure ahead.
Today ride the epic north side of Stelvio – a mountain of endless hairpins that cyclists dream of riding. We’ll begin with a transfer to Prato allo Stelvio, the starting point for the legendary north-east face of the pass. From here, you’ll begin the magnificent ascent of the Passo dello Stelvio. The 24 km climb is an epic journey, with an average gradient of 7.4% and a stunning elevation gain of over 1,800 metres. You will climb through the famous 48 switchbacks, each one bringing you closer to the summit at an elevation of 2,757 metres. Take time for a well-deserved photo at the top before enjoying the spectacular long descent back into Bormio and your hotel.
Today is a shorter but no less spectacular ride, designed to loosen your legs and prepare you for tomorrow’s gran fondo. From Bormio, we will warm up with a gentle 5 km ride, passing through a collection of charming mountain villages before the road begins its main ascent. The 8.4 km climb features an average gradient of 7.1%. As you ascend, the views of the famous switchbacks on the majestic Torre di Fraele will inspire you. The climb is a beautiful mix of tunnels and smooth tarmac, leading you to the dam wall of Lago di Cancano. At the top, we’ll stop for a revitalizing coffee before enjoying a long, easy descent back into Bormio. With the afternoon free, this is the perfect opportunity to relax and recover.
The day you have been preparing for is here. After an early breakfast, we’ll ride to the start line to access our designated grid. The medium and long courses will start at 7:00 am, followed by the short course less than an hour later. The atmosphere will be electric, filled with a sense of anticipation and camaraderie that only a major Italian gran fondo can provide. Your legs are more than ready for this day, having prepared on the climbs of the Stelvio and Lago di Cancano. As you ride, remember to ride smart, stay fueled, and soak in every moment of this incredible alpine journey.
After a final breakfast with new friends, take a moment to reflect on your four days of riding. You truly earned your stripes, conquering the legendary Passo dello Stelvio not once, but twice – the second time during a classic Italian gran fondo. The GTP team will drive you to Milano Malpensa Airport and bid you farewell.
Gran fondos are great events to ride epic routes and cols on closed roads with like minded cyclists sharing the challenges.
The following is also included:
