There’s a moment, in every ultra cyclist’s journey, when you stand at the foot of a legendary climb, staring upwards and quietly thinking: “What if I just kept going?” That’s exactly where I find myself right now—mentally preparing, physically training, and emotionally obsessing over one of the wildest ultra cycling challenges I’ve ever set out to complete: climbing all three sides of the Stelvio Pass… twice. A total of 9,050 altitude meters in one epic day.
Yes, you read that right. That’s more elevation than Everest. Twice over every leg: Prato, Bormio, and the Umbrailpass. And I’m not doing this on a whim—this challenge has been brewing in the back of my mind for years.
The Ultra Cyclist Within
I’ve always been drawn to the long haul. Ultra cycling isn’t just about strength—it’s about grit, obsession, and learning to dance with discomfort. I’ve had my fair share of mad rides. I’ve earned my Bicinglé de Ventoux, climbing Mont Ventoux six times in one day, three times up each side. I’ve completed a full 10,000-meter Everest on the Ballon d’Alsace in the Vosges, grinding up and down until the mountain became part of my soul. And I have completed a few virtual everesting attempts or e-veresting on Zwift.
But this? This Stelvio Ultra Cycling mission feels different. There’s something mythical about this mountain. Maybe it’s the sheer beauty of the hairpins, the thin alpine air, or the whispers of past Giro d’Italia legends echoing off the rocks. Whatever it is, it’s calling me—and I’m ready to answer.
The Three Faces of the Stelvio
Let me take you through each side of this iconic climb. Each has its own flavor, its own rhythm, and its own way of humbling you.
1. The Classic: Prato allo Stelvio
This is the climb everyone dreams about—the one with 48 numbered hairpins. From the village of Prato, you ascend for 24.3 kilometers with an average gradient of 7.4%, topping out at 2,757 meters.
This side is a test of patience and pacing. It starts relatively gently, winding through forests and pastures. But don’t be fooled—once you see those numbered switchbacks, it becomes a mental game. You count them down like milestones, watching the valley drop away below you. The last five kilometers, above the tree line, are raw and rugged, with views that almost distract you from the burn in your legs.
2. The Wildcard: From Bormio
This is a completely different beast. From Bormio, it’s a 21.5 km climb averaging 7.1%, with long stretches of consistent gradient and dramatic cliffside tunnels. It’s the most scenic side—carving through narrow gorges, past waterfalls, and into the heart of the Alps.
It’s also mentally deceptive. The lack of sharp hairpins early on can make pacing tricky, and those tunnels? Cool in temperature, but dark and slightly unnerving after 10 hours in the saddle.
3. The Silent Killer: Umbrail Pass
Starting from Santa Maria in Switzerland, the Umbrail is the “easiest” in stats—but don’t underestimate it. It’s 13.4 km at an average of 8.4%, topping out at 2,501 meters. But it’s relentless. There’s less fanfare, fewer landmarks, and a steady, punishing grade that doesn’t let you settle.
The climb merges with the Bormio side near the top, just before the summit of the Stelvio. It’s quieter here, both literally and mentally, and that solitude is part of what makes it so hard—especially when it’s your sixth ascent of the day.
Ultra Cycling Training for the Stelvio: More Than Just Legs
Preparing for this has taken months of base-building and careful climbing-specific workouts. Long rides with big elevation have been my bread and butter, often with tired legs to simulate the final hours of the challenge. But training isn’t just about the legs—it’s about mindset, recovery, and perhaps most crucially: nutrition.
The Role of Nutrition: Fueling the Madness
When you’re on the bike for 14+ hours, riding up mountain passes over and over, nutrition isn’t just important—it’s survival.
My Fuel of Choice: Maurten 320
I’ve tried countless products over the years, but nothing comes close to Maurten 320. Why?
- Tasteless – when you’re ten hours in, sweet gels and sugary drinks can become nauseating. Maurten just works, without turning your stomach.
- Acid-free – crucial for long efforts where digestion is delicate.
- 80 grams of carbs per 500ml – almost the maximum your body can absorb per hour. That’s real efficiency.
It keeps me going steady, with no crashes or sugar spikes. I take a bottle every hour or so, like clockwork.
Salty Intermissions
But let’s be honest: after a few hours, your body starts screaming for something salty. That’s where salted nuts, chips, or even a savory sandwich come in. It’s not just about sodium—it’s a mental reset. Something that breaks the sweetness and reminds your body you’re still grounded.
Mental Preparation for the Stelvio Ultra Cycling challenge
Ultra challenges aren’t conquered with watts alone. You need to prepare your mind for the long haul. For me, this means visualizing the route, breaking the day into sections, and respecting the suffering. Because it will come. Doubt will creep in, especially on the fourth or fifth ascent when your body is depleted and the summit still looks so far.
But I’ve learned that those low moments pass. You just have to ride through them, knowing the next corner might bring a second wind—or at least a reason to smile.
Why the Stelvio? Why Twice?
- Because I can’t get this mountain out of my head.
- Because it’s beautiful and brutal in equal measure.
- Because I want to prove to myself that the limit is further than I thought.
- Because riding all three sides of the Stelvio, twice, isn’t about bragging rights—it’s about experiencing one of cycling’s greatest climbs from every angle, and truly earning the summit.
The Ultra Cycling Stelvio Road Ahead
As the challenge date approaches, my nerves grow—but so does my excitement. My legs are ready, my bike is dialed, my nutrition plan is solid, and my mind is open. Nine thousand and fifty meters of elevation. Six ascents. One mountain. This is what ultra cycling is all about.
Wish me luck—and if you ever find yourself at the foot of the Stelvio, don’t just ride it. Climb it like it’s your last mountain. See you at the top.
Feel free to share your own Stelvio stories or ultra cycling advice in the comment section.
