Passo di Gavia
Passo di Gavia
As far as memorable moments go they don’t come much more epic than when the Giro crossed the Gavia Pass in 1988 amidst a raging snowstorm. On that occasion American Andy Hampsten opted for ski wear just to make it to the finish and in doing so he set up victory for the overall race. Many riders didn’t fair so well, freezing on the slopes of the Gavia with no other choice but to abandon.
Even with the weather on your side the Gavia is an ascent that needs to be ridden with respect. From Ponte di Legno in the south it’s a gradual start until the road really turns the hurt screws as it ramps up to 14%. Often little wider than a single lane there’s little respite, rarely dropping below 10% gradient. From Bormio the ascent is longer at 25.6km with a slightly more undulating profile – giving it an average gradient of 5.5%. Despite the myths, the Passo Gavia is a truly stunning and rewarding climb that will undoubtedly work up an appetite, which is just as well as the giant paninis are equally as impressive as the view!
South from Ponte di Legno
Length: 20.7km
Average gradient: 6.6 per cent
Maximum gradient: 14 per cent
Start elevation: 1,255m
End elevation: 2,621m
Elevation gain: 1,366m
North from Bormio
Length: 25.6km
Average gradient: 5.5%
Maximum gradient: 11%
Start elevation: 1,217m
End elevation: 2,621m
Elevation gain: 1,404m