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The most beautiful bike climbs

It's time to discover the charms of high-altitude cycling: 9 bike climbs in Lombardy

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT
Automatically translated

For lovers of two wheels, Lombardy is full of more or less challenging routes that wind along tourist routes in the region.

In fact, it is not difficult to meet during the year large groups of cyclists who on the weekend
weekends they ride the most characteristic routes.

The best time to visit Lombardy by bike? Whatever!
Spring and summer, with the arrival of good weather and the lengthening of the days are the ideal periods to enjoy a long ride, autumn gives the pleasure of moving in solitude appreciating the magnificent hilly landscapes that can be encountered along the routes. Finally, true enthusiasts also move in winter, so there is no risk of being completely alone during the ride.

Get on your two-wheeler to discover the bike climbs to ride in Lombardy!

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Cover image by Ig: @albi88325
Ghisallo Pass
Described as mystical for its historical and religious value, a symbol of the Giro in Lombardy and the Larian triangle, the Ghisallo is a climb that a cyclist must tackle at least once in his or her lifetime. It is a climb that starts in Bellagio and reaches the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. In addition to catching a fantastic view of the Lecco branch, it is possible to visit the Cycling Museum and the monument to the cyclist. The Ghisallo Pass is a 9-kilometer route with an average gradient of 5.5 percent.
Photo by Ig: @ray.cycling.

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Sormano Wall
Located in the Larian Triangle in the province of Como, the Muro di Sormano has entered the legend of international cycling as one of the most challenging climbs of the past. Known to cyclists for its impossible and extreme gradients that put even champions to the test. Two kilometers of the course with an average gradient of 15.8 percent with peaks of 23 percent.
Photo by Ig: @giordanacycling

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Cuvignone Pass
Between Valcuvia and Luino, just a few kilometers from the Swiss border is Cuvignone, the mountain of the Varesotto cyclists. It is the climb where two great champions trained: Alfredo Binda and Ivan Basso. Almost 800 meters of elevation gain in about 9 km of ascent with a gradient of 8%. A magical place, surrounded by a wild and sparsely inhabited valley.
Photo by Ig: @ferrarosimone84

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Gavia Pass
The Gavia Pass is one of the highest alpine passes that joins the Camonica Valley to Valtellina and has seen Giro d'Italia riders pass through several times. The climb begins north of the village of Ponte di Legno and reaches the Gavia Pass with a constant gradient of around 8 percent.
Photo by Ig: @bandofclimbers.

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Mortirolo Pass
The Mortirolo climb, from the Valtellina side, is considered by many to be the toughest in Europe. It represents, with its meadows, pastures and forests, a rewarding place for sight and spirit. Making it famous was the solo escape of the up-and-coming Marco Pantani, who in '94 made it a coveted destination for racing bike enthusiasts, earning him victory in the race. The average gradient of the climb is 10.4 percent.
Photo by Ig: @elena.ferrus.

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Stelvio Pass
A legendary climb so much so that it is considered the "Mecca" of cycling, the road to the Stelvio Pass is nestled in a natural park in an area steeped in history. There are three alternatives to reach the pass: from the Lombardy side starting in Bormio, from the South Tyrol side starting in Prato allo Stelvio, and finally from the Swiss side starting in Santa Maria. The average gradient of the climb is 8 percent.
Photo by Ig: @chris.avila.74.

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Pass Note Tremalzo
Tremalzo is one of the most popular destinations for two-wheel enthusiasts capable of attracting cyclists from all over Europe. Drawing the slopes of the area are the beautiful views and intertwined roads that form the route from where you can admire Lake Garda and hairpin bend after hairpin bend you get closer and closer to the imposing Tremalzo Mountain. The average gradient of the climb is 7 percent.
Photo by Ig: @tremosinesulgardaproloco.

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Mount Penice
A pleasant bike route with no extreme gradients, starting from the Po Valley atta crosses vineyards and arriving through mountain forests, toward the southern borders of Lombardy. The road to the pass, from Varzi, is a progressively more challenging climb that measures an average gradient of 5.5 percent, although the final five to six kilometers are more severe.
Photo by Ig: @marcodeepsub

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Vivione Pass
The Vivione Pass is a wonderful place in all seasons where nature is master. A charming bike route that crosses the Scalve Valley. The route consists of about 21km with gradients touching peaks between 9%-10%, while the average gradient is around 5%.
Photo by Ig: @marmaz

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