In late autumn 2018, I reached the Stelvio Pass on a bicycle for the first time. As a consistent non-athlete, this was a special project for me and arriving at the top of the pass was an unforgettable moment. How did it come about?
Before you read, please note: this post was translated with the help of Deepl.
If you find any errors – please have fun first and then give me a hint.
In the mist of my plans, a ride up the Stelvio Pass on a bicycle, had always existed. The enthusiasm for the racing bicycle heroes that I constantly encountered on my motorcycle rides was too present, the memories of my bike tours in my youth, which took place on steep climbs until my knees no longer cooperated, were too vivid.
Omar di Felice gave me the final motivation to finally tackle the endeavour with his ‘Italy Unlimited’ project. Seeing how irresistibly he was still pedalling at night on the Stelvio after more than 2000 non-stop kilometres made me think: ‘You can do it too’. At least one ramp …
I quickly discarded the original idea of using my racing bicycle from my youth: only 10 gears, a heavy steel frame and the even heavier wheels (not that this would have played a role, looking at my own weight) as well as a poor state of maintenance said ‘leave it’. Refurbishing parts for the old Atala were quickly found, but the assembly has not yet taken place. Maybe something will come of it in 2025, the 200th anniversary of the Stelvio Pass road?
So I put the racing bicycle on the home trainer and agonised for half an hour every evening, hoping for an effect. Those were the most boring and pointless half hours of my life. I didn’t build up my muscles or feel any improvement in my fitness. At least I got used to the hard saddle and over the course of the summer I had no complaints in sensitive areas.
Stelvio on a bicycle –
Let’s go!
In spring-like temperatures, I rode my new Bionicon outdoors and with immense pride through the neighbourhood. I also suffered immensely on the first climb, as the MTB built for the descent was even heavier than my 40-year-old racing bicycle. Nevertheless, after a few days, the first effects in terms of muscle building became apparent and I was climbing 50 metres higher every week. And: it was great fun to race back down into the valley.
Not the perfect bicycle
I quickly realised that I would only be able to do it with bicycle number 3, a hardtail MTB, if at all. So I changed bicycles regularly: on Mondays, I would take the Bionicon up the mountain for strength and on Wednesdays, I would ride the Cube down the valley for fitness. On Fridays, I rode a mix of both, gaining metres in altitude on the hardtail.
This worked so well that I was able to enjoy ‘summit victories’ during training, for example on the Albula Pass. On the endless forest trails around my village, I explored unfamiliar areas and experienced sporting joy – every effort was worth it for that alone. However, I didn’t make it to the top of the Stelvio Pass for a long time; I exceeded my physical limits trying to reach it via the Umbrail. I almost had to be picked up from Switzerland.
I learnt with every metre of altitude. I found the threshold between a heart rate that was still bearable and one that was already painful, and I was able to estimate the amount of water and bananas I needed better and better. At some point, I even got into a kind of meditative pedalling trance that allowed me to climb in a relaxed manner up to well over 2000 metres above sea level.
Goal
achieved!
In late autumn, on the last day before the winter lockdown, I drove over the pass in the freezing cold. I pushed myself up the last few metres with sheer willpower, ignoring my exhaustion and burning legs. The emotions that washed over me and the joy of having made it are still very present seven years later.
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Stelvio Pass road, I have revised and republished my cycling texts from 2018. Have fun reading them again!
- Ultracycling – Go further than the rest
- Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: 100 vertical metres
- Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: 1000 vertical metres
- Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: The last 4 bends
Perfectly matching:
Ultracycling – Go further than the rest
Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: 100 vertical metres
Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: 1000 vertical metres
Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: The last 4 bends
Let’s climb the Stelvio together!
Stelvio – Count from 1 to 10!
Have fun looking at them!
What a stellar breakdown of tackling the stelvio pass. One tip I’d add for anyone gearing up for this climb is to start early in the morning to beat both traffic and unpredictable weather, stunning views in peace are worth the early alarm.