2019 Tour of Italy – Day 7

When we threw back the curtains today we saw something that had been unsighted on tour. Pure and unadulterated blue sky. That really set a buzz amongst the group. In fact 4 people arrived at the breakfast table in shorts. Yes shorts. After yet another hearty breakfast, one that would require a long ride to burn off the kilojoules, it was time for a brief. Stelvio is 21kms in length and climbs approximately 1550m to an altitude of 2758m. Its a solid day out, but I was offering the climb to Forte Cancano in the afternoon. More to come on that later.

We headed down to grab our bikes and the air was very crisp in the garage. Jackets and arm warmers were applied, but as soon as we were in the morning sun, off they came. It was time to ride.

We rolled through town, strutting on our bikes (if that is thing), with many of the locals giving us a good looking up and down. Fairly soon we had commenced the climb, and once everyone had reached the 4km mark, where the barrier shuts the road, it was time for photos. Never have I seen a group that loves a good photo like these guys. It was here that my 2IC announced herself to a new nickname as Corporal CatFlap. This is one you will need to ask Dale yourself!

The group stayed reasonably together, with only Paul off the back a little as the early gradients were biting his legs. Others pushed up the road a little but never got terribly too far away. Through the initial switchbacks, and then on through the tunnels to reach the upper switch backs we climbed. A few more turns and it was photo time. In fact you could stop on each corner and take photos the views are that impressive.

We climbed a little higher and were above the switchbacks and into the upper valley. The guys were amazed as marmottes frolicked in the snow, taking absolutely no notice of 10 lunatics on bikes climbing in their snow fields. Another quick stop at the Italian WW2 war memorial for those that lost their lives defending this strategic pass.

Fairly soon we figured we would be stopped by snow. Our contacts in town thought the turn off to the Umbrail pass would be it. We could see some snow plow and tractor work being done in the distance. We thought that we would be done. We encouraged them to continue on as far as we could. We moved around the heavy equipment and reached the Umbrail turn off, turning towards Stelvio – the road was clear!

We continued on thinking every turn would stop us in our tracks. We reached 2km to go. Still clear. We reached 1km to go. Still clear! We rounded the second to last turn at 500m to go with thoughts of reaching the summit only to be stopped just 250m from the summit. We could go no further and while it was a great ride in perfect conditions. We would have loved to finally tick it off.

Photos taken and stories a plenty we descended carefully back into town. There was a few little rocks and the like on the road so we had to be extra careful descending. We rolled back into Bormio for a quick spot of lunch in the early afternoon sun. All fed and watered, I encouraged everyone to join me on the afternoon ride up Cancano. I think this is an underrated ride.

We rolled back out of Bormio toward the town of Valdidentro, where we would commence climb number 2 for the day. I had explained the numbers at lunch (and at breakfast) but the numbers seem so much bigger after you had a large climb such as Stelvio in your legs. We reached the base and slowly (except Leeten) we commenced the climb.

By this stage the sun was really baking. After the initial switchbacks the group really spread out. The road then meanders across the mountain side until Forte Cancano comes into view. At this point there were a few, ‘we are not going up there are we?’ going through the group. Absolutely and they would not be sorry. The last 3kms is a series of short switchbacks that allow you to ascend quickly to the summit and man what a view.

Another easy descent back into Bormio for a quick recovery snack, cleaning of bikes and then out for dinner. We suspect there will be a fair bit of sleeping in the bus to Valdobbiadene tomorrow.

This brings our time in beautiful Bormio to a close. This is a beautiful little town, that has so much character. If you travel to climb the big climbs of Italy, come with us to Bormio.