Ride Review #3: Gran Stelvio 4800 – “A Stelvio Legend”

Ride Review #3: Gran Stelvio 4800 – “A Stelvio Legend”

by Nick De Marco in News

A Ride Through Legends and Landscapes

From the early morning start in the quiet alpine village of Valdidentro, your wheels rolled with determination into one of cycling’s most iconic terrains — a high-mountain epic that stitched together Italy and Switzerland’s towering peaks.

I tackled three sides of the mighty Passo dello Stelvio — the Bormio ascent, the legendary 48 hairpin Prato climb, and the less-travelled but breathtaking Umbrail Pass, crossing into Switzerland and back. This wasn’t just a route — it was a declaration of endurance.

Here's a guide based on my own adventure up this mythical mountain.

Route Overview: Gran Stelvio 4800

  • Starting Point: Valdidentro, Italy
  • Finish Point: Passo Dello Stelvio (2,758 meters)
  • Total Distance: ~130 km  
  • Elevation Gain: +4,980 metres
  • Average Gradient: ~7.5% (but expect much steeper sections later)
  • Max Gradient: ~14%
  • Switchbacks Climbed: 244
  • Surface: Perfect for road bikes; good quality tarmac, some narrow stretches higher up.

📍 Route Map suggestion: Komoot Route Example - Gran Stelvio 4800 - Check out my ride link here on Komoot! 

Performance Highlights
Metric                    Value
Avg Speed             17.1 km/h
Max Speed             81.5 km/h (you were flying!)
Avg Heart Rate      119 bpm
Max Heart Rate     146 bpm
Avg Power              137 W
Max Power             458 W
Calories Burned     4,414 kcal
Relative Effort       901 (Herculean!)
Intensity                 64%

Every switchback I cleared, every vertical meter gained, was driven by steady cadence and strong legs. My power output and heart rate show a disciplined pace, and my descent speeds suggest I handled the technical downhills like a pro.

Conditions
•    Weather: Clear skies, cool alpine air
•    Temperature Range: 10°C average, felt like 12°C at altitude
•    Wind: Mild breeze from the NNW
•    Humidity: 73%

Perfect high-altitude riding weather — crisp, thin air with sweeping views across the jagged alps. With the sun shining and conditions calm, it was an ideal canvas for one of my greatest rides.

Legend Made
This ride was not just a test of strength — it was a rite of passage. I’d just climbed nearly 5,000 meters, battled 244 hairpins, and completed the iconic Gran Stelvio 4800 Challenge. That’s the stuff of cycling lore. You’ve joined the elite few who’ve tamed this beast of a route.

“Awesome day – I'm now a Stelvio Legend!”
Le Mountain Goat!

 

Why I Love this Climb

Gran Stelvio 4800 🇮🇹 - 244 switchbacks. 4,980m of climbing. Infinite emotion.
Somewhere between the forest and the sky, the Stelvio stops being a road and becomes a pilgrimage.
Every hairpin hurts a little — but gives a lot more back. The higher you climb, the quieter it gets… until it’s just you, the mountain, and the sound of your heartbeat.
At the summit? Espresso, cowbells, and that grin you can’t fake.

📸 Final Thoughts

Bring layers. Bring your best legs. Bring a camera.
You don’t just ride the Stelvio — you become part of it.

See you on the road! 🚴♂️✨
Le Mountain Goat



🐐 #BikeyTours #PassoDelloStelvio #RideWithPassion #CyclingItaly #granstelvio4800 #MountainGoatMoments #SwitchbackHeaven #ClimbConquerCelebrate #BellaItalia #lemountaingoat69



Tags: Epic Climbs Mountain Passes Ride Review Road Cycling The Goat
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