A milestone of road cycling enthusiasts. The Gavia was consecrated in 1960 by the Giro d’Italia, with Imerio Massignan’s famous feat. He has since entered cycling history by holding the role of Cima Coppi seven times: 1989, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014. But it is also impossible to forget the 1988 “Wolves Tour,” when a sudden blizzard hit the passage of the legendary Andy Hampsten, Van Der Velde and the rest of the caravan.

The toughest and most impressive side is historically the Ponte di Legno side, where one faces a positive elevation gain of 1400mt in just over 16 km. However, the effort is repaid by the thrills of tackling the picturesque hairpin bends of the narrow forest road and the majestic views of the final kilometers.

The Valtellina side is equally deserving, starting in Bormio and running through Valfurva to the beautiful Santa Caterina, where the most challenging 13 km begin.

Gavia is one of the three major climbs to be found in upper Lombardy; Stelvio and Mortirolo are only a few miles apart and can be tackled in stages of one or more days.