copy by Federico Bassis

La Stelvio Santini 2026 — Road & Gravel Weekend

Some climbs tell their stories on smooth tarmac, others reveal themselves only when the surface breaks up and the line becomes irregular. In 2026, La Stelvio Santini invites riders to experience both: the familiar cadence of the road and the rougher, more exploratory rhythm of gravel riding.

The weekend of 6–7 June 2026 offers two distinct readings of the same mountains. Sunday remains faithful to the iconic road ascent, while Saturday introduces an off‑road format that winds through forest roads, old military tracks and rolling high‑alpine pastures.

Two routes, one ambition: gaining altitude

The gravel course offers a choice between:

• 44 km — 1,400 m elevation gain
• 70 km — 2,000+ m elevation gain

Both routes climb from the valley floor and gradually leave the village behind, pushing into the upper part of the Stelvio National Park — where the tree line thins, the air cools and gradients settle into a steady rhythm.

The Boscopiano climb and the reveal of Cancano

The key feature of the long course is the Boscopiano climb: roughly six kilometres at sustained 8–12% gradients. It’s the kind of ascent that rewards pacing, compact gearing and a steady seated spin rather than brute force.

The payoff comes at the top: the final switchback opens onto one of the most striking high‑mountain lake systems in the Alps — the Lakes of Cancano. Set inside a natural amphitheatre of ridgelines and scree, their glacier-filtered greens and blues shift with light and cloud cover. Many consider Cancano among the most scenic lake basins in Europe.

It’s the kind of place where riders instinctively ease off the pedals, coast for a few metres, and let their breathing settle.

From alpine exposures to sheltered forest

Beyond Cancano, the terrain transitions. The route tips downward and re-enters the treeline en route to Valfurva and Santa Caterina, trading open alpine exposure for the shelter of dense conifers.

The surface alternates between packed gravel, forest access roads and short technical segments — never extreme, but requiring attention and line choice.

The 44 km loop stays closer to Bormio, linking hamlets, side roads, gravel connectors and stretches of cycle path — a more accessible, but still rewarding, introduction to off‑road alpine riding.

Equipment, gearing and realism

Riding above 2,000 m means dealing with altitude, gradient and weather that can shift quickly.

Below is the suggested equipment

Other suggested equipment

• Top tube bag: nutrition access without stopping
• Minimal seat pack: tube, CO₂, levers
• Two bottles (essential in warm conditions; no early refill points)
• Daytime rear light for improved visibility on connectors

Bike rental available

Riders without a gravel bike can access 3T rentals from Friday evening to Saturday morning.
A similar service will be available for the road event on Sunday. Availability is limited.

Info & bookings: info@reverbcycling.cc

Registration

Early Bird registrations are open until 31 January:

• Road → €100
• Gravel → €60
• Combined → €120

Register here