Sportive

Five ‘must ride’ climbs in Italy

The greatest ascents in Belle Italia with sportive guru, Mike Cotty

The climbs of Italy are among the toughest and most beautiful in the world. pic: ©Cyclefilm
The iconic Passo dello Stelvio is likely to feature on the 'must ride' list of any cyclist. pic: ©Media24
The Passo di Gavia is inextricably linked in the minds of most cycling fans with Andy Hamptsen's heroic ride in the 1988 Giro d'Italia. pic: ©Mike Cotty
A monument to the late Marco Pantani, the troubled but brilliant Italian climber, has been erected on a section of the Passo di Mortirolo eight kilometres from the town of Mazzo di Valtellina. pic: ©Mike Cotty
The Passo Giau is set in a landscape that can accurately be described as stunning. pic: ©Sirotti
The Zoncolan demands a 34 x 27 gear ratio

The Dolomites and Eastern Alps have a charm that’s unmistakable.

Breathtaking views and equally breathtaking gradients have given this collection of hard hitting mountains a character all of their own.

If you’ve ever wondered why the Giro d’Italia is often referred to as the toughest and most beautiful Grand Tour in the world then a swift trip to these peaks will certainly answer all of your questions and leave you with your own unforgettable memories on the bike.

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