Through the Stelvio National Park with the Mountain Bike

Pine-scented woods, picturesque lakes and the high-alpine landscape of the Stelvio National Park – that’s what’s in store for mountain bike fans during the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon. The “ultimate challenge” will take place in the Bormio region in the Valtellina valley on July 29. Across a distance of 92 kilometers / 57 miles and with an altitude difference of 3,500 meters / 11,883 feet, adrenaline junkies will be shredding spectacular trails and battling demanding climbs. Even for well-trained athletes, the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon is a really heart pumping adventure. Curious? Then check out https://youtu.be/m3nP4cAvOS0 and https://youtu.be/5_2k1T6SqFc

huge mountains such as the Ortler-Cevedale are almost as important as the actual mountain biking itself when the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon is on the agenda. On Saturday, July 29, the unpaved, but well maintained route will take athletes to an altitude of 2,350 meters / 7,710 feet. There are two routes to choose from: the marathon distance will challenge the participants with 92 kilometers / 57 miles, an altitude difference of about 3,500 meters / 11,883 feet and three mountain passes. On their way through the Stelvio National Park, the athletes will ride past the towers of Val Fraele and the Cancano lakes and up the Trela Pass (2,300 meters / 7,546 feet). Before arriving at one of the highest points of the bike marathon, the Passo Alpisella (2,350 meters / 7,710 ft), riders will experience flowy single trails and gravel roads on their way to the Livigno lake. On the way down, the bikers will hit the the downhill trails towards the reservoir dam of San Giacomo. After crossing the reservoir, riders can relax their muscles a bit before the climb up to Bocchette di Trela (2,350 meters / 7,710 ft).

After the descent from Bocchette di Trela, the athletes can look forward to some technically demanding ups and downs through the diverse landscape of the valleys Val Vezzola, Val Viola and Val Verva. From there on, the route leads continuously uphill to the Alpe Boron (2,057 meters / 6,749 feet) and along the new created trail towards the Alpe Prei (2,210 meters / 7,250 feet). The last big climb of the race is very demanding, but from here, riders only have 16 kilometers / 10 miles to go.

The remainder of the route, which is mainly descending, features gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding valleys that are sure to please the riders’ eyes. Shortly before the finish line in Isolaccia, bikers will follow a flat section through dense woods before heading down a breath-taking descent towards Forte di Oga, a historic site from World War I and II. After a few kilometers, the participants will reach the finish line in Isolaccia. The 65 kilometer / 40 mile long classic distance is the more moderate alternative during the “Ultimate Challenge”. It also leads the mountain bikers through the stunning landscape of the Valtellina, but does not go via the Trela and Alpisella passes.

The Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon kicks-off with two shorter tours on Thursday and Friday before the race. The “Bike Adventure” has two spectacular routes in store for those who wish to experience new sections. These additional trails focus on historical and natural aspects of the region. Special highlight: For the first time, e-bikes are allowed to participate. The MTB event in and around Bormio ends on Sunday with the “Kids Marathon”, a race for children between 4 and 12 years of age.

Immersed in the beautiful nature of the Stelvio National Park, you can choose among more than 600 km (372 miles) of trails of varying difficulty and beauty, cycling through the dense woods of pine and fir trees, crossing bridges over rivers, and riding alongside lakes and through alpine pastures in the high mountains. The only noise you will hear breaking the silence of nature, will be that of your mountain bike.

Find out more about the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon 2017 here: https://www.altavaltellinabike.it/