Gavia da Ponte di Legno

Description

The ascent of Gavia can be classified as a long alpine ascent, with a significant difference in height, with a high elevation and with medium-high slopes from the Ponte di Legno side, which has only been completely asphalted since the nineties. The Valtellina side is longer, but with less steep slopes. Today, together with the nearby Stelvio Pass and Mortirolo Pass, it represents one of the most popular alpine destinations for cyclists. The Pass owes its fame to the Giro d’Italia, as it represents one of the historic climbs of the Corsa Rosa, despite the fact that it represents a secondary road little frequented by vehicular traffic. The pass was in fact included in the route of the Giro fourteen times, and in eight of them it was Cima Coppi. The first ascent dates back to 1960 when the road was still unpaved in many places. In 1988 the Giro passed through it again, with a stage that has become legendary, a race under a sudden and unexpected snowstorm.