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The 20 highest road cycling passes in Italy

Photo: Stockr, stock.adobe.com

Italy is a true dream for road cyclists looking for challenging passes and breathtaking landscapes. Here you are presented with the 20 highest road bike passes in Italy, which are among the ultimate challenges for many cyclists. At the top of the list is the legendary Stelvio in the Ortles region, which at 2,758 metres is not only the highest pass in Italy, but also one of the highest passes in Europe. Other notable passes on the list are the Gavia Pass, Umbrail Pass and Colle Fauniera which is often referred to as one of the most beautiful passes in Italy due to its spectacular landscapes. For road cyclists who want to test their limits, these 20 passes in Italy are an unforgettable experience.

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updated on: November 20, 2023
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Road Cycling · Vinschgau
Stelvio Pass 2758 m - from Prad
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 24.9 km
Duration 2:45 h
Ascent 1,849 m
Descent 0 m

Among the numerous challenging road bike routes, one stands out in particular: the legendary tour to the Stelvio Pass. At an impressive 2,758 ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · France
Col Agnel 2744 m - from Sampeyre
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 30.9 km
Duration 3:20 h
Ascent 1,782 m
Descent 0 m

A road bike tour up the Col Agnel from Sampeyre is a real highlight for every road cyclist. The Col Agnel is the third highest Alpine pass and a ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Italy
Gavia Pass 2621 m - from Bormio
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 25.5 km
Duration 3:10 h
Ascent 1,424 m
Descent 0 m

The majestic Italian Alps are not only a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, but also for road cyclists looking for challenges and breathtaking ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Switzerland
Umbrail Pass 2503 m - from Bormio
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 16.8 km
Duration 2:15 h
Ascent 1,206 m
Descent 0 m

If you are looking for a sporting challenge on a road bike, then a tour to the top of the Umbrail Pass is an ideal option.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Italy
Colle Fauniera 2481 m from Valgrana
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 30.3 km
Duration 3:50 h
Ascent 1,844 m
Descent 0 m

Road cycling on challenging routes in the Alps is a passion for many cycling enthusiasts. One such route leads through the stunning Italian ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Meraner Land
Timmelsjoch 2474 m - from St. Leonhard in Passeier
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 29.1 km
Duration 3:10 h
Ascent 1,800 m
Descent 0 m

Between the Ötztal Alps and the Stubai Alps, these imposing mountain ranges that separate the Ötztal from Passeier, stretches a legendary racing ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Pila Aosta Valley
Col du Grand St. Bernard 2469 m - from Aosta
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 34.3 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 1,876 m
Descent 0 m

The pass, also known as Colle del Gran San Bernardo or Great St. Bernard, is located in the Valais Alps and connects the Rhone Valley in the Swiss ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Italy
Colle Valcavera 2416 m - from Demonte
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 22.2 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 1,626 m
Descent 1 m

A road bike tour to the Colle Valcavera pass at 2469 m from Demonte promises a challenging route for ambitious cyclists.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Italy
Colle d'Esischie 2370 m - from Valgrana
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 28.9 km
Duration 3:40 h
Ascent 1,728 m
Descent 0 m

A road bike tour to Colle d'Esischie is a highlight for every ambitious cyclist. The pass is located in the province of Cuneo in the Italian Alps ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · France
Col de la Lombarde 2350 m - from Isola
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 20.5 km
Duration 3:05 h
Ascent 1,489 m
Descent 0 m

A racing cycle route that is very popular with cyclists and is considered one of the most demanding in Europe is the Col de la Lombarde pass.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Province of Sondrio - Valtellina
Forcola di Livigno 2315 m - from Livigno
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 11.5 km
Duration 0:50 h
Ascent 455 m
Descent 5 m

A road bike tour to the Forcola di Livigno pass at 2315 m from Livigno is undoubtedly a highlight for every road cyclist.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Italy
Passo di Foscagno 2291 m - from Isolaccia
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 14.9 km
Duration 1:35 h
Ascent 940 m
Descent 1 m

If you are an avid road cyclist looking for a new challenge, you should definitely try the Passo di Foscagno in Valtellina, Italy.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Italy
Colle di Sampeyre 2284 m - from Sampeyre
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 15.7 km
Duration 2:15 h
Ascent 1,334 m
Descent 14 m

A particularly challenging road bike route leads to the Colle di Sampeyre pass in Piedmont, Italy.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Eisacktal
Sella Pass 2240 m - from Chiusa
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 37.1 km
Duration 2:50 h
Ascent 1,709 m
Descent 2 m

If you are looking for a challenging road bike route in the Alps, then a tour to the Sella Pass from Chiusa is definitely worth a try.

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
Road Cycling · Val di Fassa
Passo Pordoi 2239 m - from Canazei
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 12.1 km
Duration 1:25 h
Ascent 790 m
Descent 0 m

If you are a keen road cyclist, you should definitely try the route to Passo Pordoi in the Dolomites. This mountain pass is the second highest in ...

from Paul Bieber,   Outdooractive Editors
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