The Granfondo Stelvio Santini is a prestigious cycling event held annually in the Italian Alps, primarily for passionate amateur cyclists. This challenging race attracts many riders, from dedicated cycling enthusiasts to competitive amateur athletes, eager to test their endurance on iconic climbs like the Stelvio Pass.
The event especially appeals to those who love mountain cycling and are ready to take on demanding routes with steep gradients. While it’s open to anyone with the stamina and determination to complete the course, it generally draws participants with a high fitness level and experience in long-distance cycling.
Registration to the event is limited to 3,000 riders !
The Courses
There are 3 different courses for the Grandfondo Stelvio Santini and they all get more difficult and longer. The climbs are intense so do ensure that you do not over estimate your fitness levels and also consider the effect of the altitude. There are also requirements to the longest course.
Short Route
64km
Medium Route
108km
Long Route
130km
Who can participate in the Stelvio Santini?
The event welcomes both competitive and non-competitive cyclists.
Participants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the event.
For the long route (151.3 km), cyclists need to be 18 years or older
Regardless of nationality, all participants must have a valid medical certificate for competitive cycling.
Cyclists with a UCI license can use it instead of a medical certificate.
Non-Italian participants can submit a medical certificate from their home country, but it must meet specific requirements outlined by the organisers.
E-bikes are allowed, but only on short and medium routes. Riders must be at least 16 years old.
Race Cycling License = BC
The registration fee includes:
- CUSTOM DORSAL with your own name
- TIMING SYSTEM with chip (to be returned at the end of the event)
- EVENT PACKAGE including SANTINI CYCLING WEAR high end jersey in the size ordered during registration and various gadgets
- FOOD STOPS during the event: No. 4 refreshments on the route (SERNIO, END OF MORTIROLO DESCEND, BORMIO, STELVIO PASS ) No. 1 refreshment at the finish line
- MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE No. 5 points (TOVO round-trip, SERNIO, MORTIROLO DISCESA END, BORMIO, STELVIO PASS)
- PASTA PARTY from 12 PM at the Bormio Sports Center.
Getting There
Bolzano Airport (BZO): Approximately 73 km from Bormio, making it the nearest airport. Please NOTE that this is just a Regional airport with limited direct flights from the UK.
Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): Located about 103 km away, this airport serves mainly budget airlines and has bus connections to various regional destinations.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Roughly 236 km from Bormio, it is a major international gateway with extensive flight options.
Innsbruck Airport (INN): About 115 km away, located in Austria, it also serves as a viable option for reaching Bormio.
Zurich Airport (ZRH): Approximately 207 km from Bormio, it is another major international airport that provides access to the region.
Arrive by train + bus
The closest train station to Bormio is Tirano station, reachable from Milano Centrale station in about 2 and a half hours (for more information, visit the Trenord website).
From Tirano, the Perego bus will take you to the center of Bormio. You can also find the schedules of the Perego buses on Google Maps, in the directions section, by clicking on “public transport”.
Click here for more information and for the indications of additional routes on the Milano Centrale / Milano Porta Garibaldi – Colico route.
The Iconic Hills
Passo del Mortirolo
- Difficulty: Considered one of the hardest climbs in professional cycling.
- Length: 12.4 km from Mazzo di Valtellina, with an average gradient of 10.5% and maximum of 18%.
- Elevation: Reaches 1,852 meters above sea level.
- Giro d’Italia: First included in 1990 and has been a regular feature since.
- Iconic status: Made famous by Marco Pantani’s legendary performances in the 1990s.
- Cyclist quotes: Lance Armstrong called it the hardest climb he’d ever ridden.
Event Details
Official Website
Month
June
Number Of Days
1 day
Country
Italy
Bormio
Entry Costs
From 90 Euros to 130 Euros
Dependant when you register
Currency
Euro: 1 = £0.86 (Check)
Visa Requirements
No
Carnets
What is a Carnet, The ATA Carnet, often referred to as the “Passport for goods”, is an international customs document that permits the tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import of nonperishable goods for up to one year
Hotel Cost
Range: ££ – £££££
Food Cost
££ – £££££
Weather
- Average Temp : 7C (44F) to 19C (66F)
- Hours of Daylight:15h 30″
- Average Rain: 57mm
Flights
- Daily
- Cost: £ – £££ From Under £200
Travel Advice
Useful Info
More Cycling Events
Passo dello Stelvio
- Height: One of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps at 2,757 meters.
- Hairpins: Famous for its 48 numbered hairpin turns on the northern side.
- Length: Approximately 24 km long, depending on the starting point.
- Giro d’Italia: Often featured as the “Cima Coppi” (highest point) of the race.
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.
Why Are They So Iconic
Let’s discuss why the Mortirolo and Stelvio Pass climbs in the Granfondo Stelvio Santini are legendary. These climbs aren’t just challenging—they’re part of cycling history, and taking them on is like stepping into the shoes of some of the sport’s greatest riders.
First off, the extreme challenge. The Mortirolo and the Stelvio are famous for their brutal gradients and relentless ascents. The Mortirolo, in particular, is notorious for its steep slopes, testing even the most experienced cyclists. It’s the kind of climb where every pedal stroke feels like a battle. On the other hand, the Stelvio is a marathon of a climb—long, gruelling, but rewarding in its own way. Even the best professional riders find these climbs tough, which says a lot about their difficulty.
Famous Pro Races
Then there’s their rich history in the Giro d’Italia. These climbs have been the backdrop for some of the most dramatic moments in cycling, appearing in the Giro year after year. Over time, they’ve become synonymous with the race itself, representing the ultimate proving ground for climbers.
While the Mortirolo is feared for its difficulty, the Stelvio offers something extra—breathtaking Alpine views. The climb winds through switchbacks with the snow-capped mountains towering above, giving cyclists something stunning to look at (when they can catch their breath). It’s challenging but also beautiful, which adds to its iconic status.
Cycling Bucket List
Beyond the pros, these climbs have become amateur cyclists’ bucket lists. Every year, thousands of riders come to take on the Mortirolo and Stelvio, eager to see how they stack up against the legends. For many, just completing the climbs is a victory in itself.
But it’s not just about the ascents—the descents are equally challenging. Their technical nature demands focus, skill, and a bit of nerve, making them as thrilling as the climbs.
All of this—the difficulty, the history, the stunning scenery—comes together to make the Mortirolo and Stelvio icons of cycling. They represent the ultimate test for any rider who loves the mountains and wants to push themselves to their limits.
Couple Registration
Join La Stelvio Santini with your partner, friend, relative… or anyone you want!
Register as a couple and reach the finish line together. Remember, the key is to arrive within two minutes of each other. And if you want a little boost, e-bikes are more than welcome on short route!
Couples that cross the Stelvio finish line together will take home a special prize!
Is It Also For Spectators
Absolutely, the Granfondo Stelvio Santini is just as much for spectators as it is for cyclists! If you plan to cheer on participants, here’s what you can look forward to.
First off, spectator access is super easy and welcoming. The event draws a large crowd, with friends, family, and cycling enthusiasts lining the route to cheer on the riders. The atmosphere is electric—people come together to support the cyclists, creating a lively and fun environment.
To make things even better, there’s often transportation for spectators. In past editions, like in 2018, bus services have been provided to take spectators to key spots along the route. Imagine hopping on a bus from Bormio up to the top of the Stelvio Pass, where you can catch the riders in action as they tackle that iconic climb. It’s a great way to be part of the excitement without navigating the route alone.
When it comes to viewing opportunities, you’re spoiled for choice. You can watch the race start in Bormio, where the energy is high, and the anticipation is palpable. Or, if you prefer to see the real action, find a spot on the Mortirolo or Stelvio climbs. The scenery is jaw-dropping, and watching the cyclists push through these gruelling ascents is an experience. (Do note, from experience even though the event is in June the weather in the mountains can be atrocious.)
Atmosphere
The overall event atmosphere is lively, genuinely festive, and community-driven. Local villages get in on the fun with food stalls, entertainment, and celebrations that keep everyone in high spirits. Whether you’re watching cyclists conquer the climbs or just soaking in the beautiful surroundings, there’s plenty to enjoy and feel the excitement.
So, while the riders are taking on the challenge, spectators can have an unforgettable experience, too. The Granfondo Stelvio Santini is an event for everyone, offering an exciting day in the stunning Italian Alps!
Previous Event Riders
Some tales of the riders who have competed in the race from previous years.
Bike Transportation
If you are taking your own cycle make sure it is a Shokbox Bike Box.
