Granfondo Stelvio
petemadoc
Posts: 2,331
I've been treeted to the Stelvio Granfondo this June which is pretty exciting.
Has anyone else done this one? Just wondering what to expect. Looks like a good one for sure. Great value at 45 euro with a jersey included.
Has anyone else done this one? Just wondering what to expect. Looks like a good one for sure. Great value at 45 euro with a jersey included.
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It's a great event but can be subject to some pretty brutal weather conditions so make sure you pack plenty of warm gear and don't underestimate just how cold it can be at the top. This year there was still plenty of snow around.
Obviously the climbing is epic, but there is a killer 10% ramp on the main valley road back towards Bormio which you shouldn't underestimate!http://www.ledomestiquetours.co.uk
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It's a great event.
The 10% incline isn't too bad - the 24% Mortirolo is more concerning.
Enjoy it, take in the atmosphere and good organisation. And make sure you take a compact and 32 teeth on the back for the second climb.0 -
Thanks for the input guys. Fingers and toes are well and truly crossed for the weather.
I'll put some nice low gearing on and try to enjoy the experience.0 -
I just signed up for this one last night. Very much looking forward to it, although it sounds like my switch to a semi-compact 36 52 last summer might have been a mistake... I was originally tempted to take my old Colnago back to Italy for the weekend, but with a 39 - 25 smallest gear, it will be staying at home.0
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Term1te and I are doing this together. Well, I say "doing this together" - actually, we'll start together and then I'll wave goodbye to him when the road starts going up. Really looking forward to it and hoping for good weather.
I was wondering, is the route that we take (i.e. from Bormio to Stelvio) up the valley route that I have a mental image of, i.e. this one:
I ask because I heard that there are two routes up the pass, one either side I guess.0 -
Nope, that's the other side from Prato. I think that's the more usual side to go up, although I think I'm right in saying that the Giro last year went up from the Bormio side.
Cracking climb though. I did it as part of the Dreilander Giro last year and it's hard, but doable (~1h50m of climbing though). I should add however that it was the first climb of that event. Doing it with the Mortirolo in your legs already must be a completely different kettle of fish.
Similar in a way to the Granfondo Giordana, which goes up the Gavia (similar to the Stelvio) and then the Mortirolo (and then Aprica). The Mortirolo was absolutely horrid that day
I'd want at least a couple of gears more than I'd use doing the Stelvio fresh to account for the fatigue. 0 -
Term1te wrote:Can anyone give a recommendation for accomodation in Bormio?
Hotel San Lorenzo.
RIght on the start line. Small family run operation with secure basement for bikes and their maintenance. We had delayed flights and hire car issues getting there and owners daughter stayed up til past 12.30 am to check us in and find us parking.
So easy to walk out and put musette in vans on morning of event and then join in event.
Don't worry about missing out on warming up exercises, the first 25km are all downhill so works a treat for slowly easing legs in.0 -
I stayed here last year:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRe ... bardy.html
It was cheap as chips and pretty nice, more than big enough for 3 people.
I haven't done the Gran Fondo Stelvio, but I have done the individual climbs. Mortirolo is a killer, the others are more normal, just very long with occasional steeper parts.0 -
I haven't done this particular GranFondo so far, although I have been riding and climbing those mountains quite often. It will be a fantastic and hard ride:)
I can recommend very good hotels: this ir our favorite and a very good partner http://www.sottoventobormio.it/
Two more: http://www.reziahotel.it/ and https://www.tablethotels.com/Grand-Hote ... aly/114351
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I'd recommend (if possible) to do the Stelvio on a non-event day as well. With some pretty hilly miles in your legs, doing it on the day will be really tough and will make it difficult to enjoy what is a stunning climb. If you can manage to go up on a more sightseeing type ride I'd really recommend it.0
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I'm hoping I can get down there a couple of days before the GF to enjoy the Stelvio and take in the view.
Thanks for the links to the recommended hotels, I'll see whats available.0 -
I'll have a full day free the day before the Granfondo so was thinking of doing the Stelvio from the "proper" side. Just take it easy and enjoy it, save the legs for the the next day.
There were no takers from my local club meaning I am now officially a billy no mates so if anyone fancies meeting up for a carb heavy meal and a post ride chat let me know.0 -
Term1te wrote:Can anyone give a recommendation for accomodation in Bormio?
Hotel Funivia is very good for cyclists. Have a look at:
http://www.cyclinglocations.com/bormio-alps/0
