850 riders, a spectacular Alpine course and the iconic Mottolino summit finish: Burke and Van der Moeren triumph in a race defined by technical excellence

Livigno, 28 June 2026 – Sunshine, perfect racing conditions and more than 850 riders on the start line made the 2026 edition of Granfondo Livigno Alè one of the most successful in recent years. For an entire day, the 1816 Bike Zone Livigno once again showcased everything that has made it one of Europe’s premier high-altitude cycling destinations—a place where the pursuit of performance meets the beauty of the mountains, transforming every climb into a test of skill, endurance and determination.

From the opening kilometres to the demanding final ascent to Mottolino, riders tackled some of the most iconic Alpine passes in the region. The altitude, the succession of mountain climbs and the challenge of pacing efforts above 1,816 metres combined to create a course unlike any other on the Italian granfondo calendar, earning unanimous praise from competitors.

The race reached its thrilling climax on the final climb to Mottolino, the same iconic summit finish that hosted the queen stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia. The final two kilometres—steep, unforgiving and spectacular—provided the decisive selection, producing a finale worthy of one of cycling’s great Alpine battles. Earlier in the race, the ascent of Passo del Forno had already begun to split the field, with around thirty riders cresting the third climb together before the bunch divided between the Medio and Granfondo routes.

On the Granfondo course, eight riders reached the foot of Passo Foscagno together, where the relentless pace set by Canada’s Jack Burke, winner of the 2025 edition, steadily reduced the lead group before his decisive attack on the final climb to Mottolino.

Burke ultimately claimed back-to-back victories on roads he knows exceptionally well, having made Livigno one of his preferred training bases throughout the season. His performance combined tactical intelligence with remarkable composure, further strengthening the Granfondo Livigno Alè’s growing international reputation as an event capable of attracting some of the strongest riders on the granfondo circuit.

In the women’s race, Belgium’s Ils  Van der Moeren delivered a commanding performance, riding aggressively from start to finish to secure victory and once again highlighting the increasingly international profile of one of the standout events on the summer cycling calendar.

The Medio course saw two local riders take the honours, both representing Team Fire & Ice Livigno. Manuela Pedrana claimed victory in the women’s event and said:

“I come from a ski mountaineering background, so I know exactly what suffering means. These mountains have always been part of my life, and reaching the finish line at Mottolino—the same climb that crowned the queen stage of the Giro d’Italia in 2024—made an already spectacular course even more special.”

Local favourite Mattia Longa, racing for Livigno Team, also secured victory after making the most of the event’s distinctive format, where only the climbs are timed.

“It was a really enjoyable race because only the climbs counted towards the overall classification. It’s a format that forces you to think differently and race strategically. We made the difference on the Mottolino climb and, on the steepest section, I managed to drop the riders I’d been away with. Winning your home race always feels extra special.”

The Granfondo Livigno Alè closes another highly successful edition, once again confirming the 1816 Bike Zone Livigno as one of Europe’s leading destinations for endurance road cycling. A demanding, spectacular and now truly iconic course that continues to attract top international riders alongside hundreds of passionate amateurs eager to take on one of the most rewarding challenges of the Alpine cycling season.

 

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Following in Pogacar’s footsteps: the breathtaking spectacle of the Granfondo Livigno Alè

Over 1,000 athletes from all over the world challenged themselves on some of the most iconic mountain passes. Once again, Livigno reigns as the cycling capital: Jack Burke and Laura Simenc claimed victory at the Mottolino finish line.

Livigno, 28.06.2025 – Huge success for the Granfondo Livigno Alé, which lit up Livigno’s Saturday by bringing together over 1,000 athletes from all corners of the globe, despite a last-minute change to the program.

Recent bad weather had caused the collapse of a retaining wall, sending debris, rocks, and mud onto the road along a section of the original route. As a result, the Prefecture ordered a road closure, making it impossible to hold the race on the longer course. All participants were therefore redirected to the medium route, which covered 106 kilometers with 2,050 meters of elevation gain.

A truly spectacular route nonetheless, with a highly demanding technical profile. The race began at Aquagranda, the Olympic Preparation Center and future Casa Italia for the 2026 Games, and made its way through Livigno’s town center before climbing toward the Passo della Forcola, crossing the border into Switzerland.

From there, cyclists tackled the breathtaking ascent of the Passo del Bernina, descended through the Engadin Valley, and passed through the Munt La Schera tunnel, setting the stage for the final, decisive climbs. The race was ultimately won by Canadian rider Jack Burke, who conquered the route with determination and strength.

In the men’s race, Jack Burke claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 26 seconds, breaking away with an impressive surge from the group of seven escapees he had reached the base of Passo Eira with. Among the women, it was Laura Simenc who delivered a standout performance, crossing the finish line as the first female athlete. The Slovenian’s triumph further underscored the international caliber of the competition.

Particularly striking was the final double ascent—two breathtaking climbs in quick succession that brought the race to a dramatic close: the Passo Eira, followed by the final push up to Mottolino. These iconic climbs allowed the strongest riders to make the difference and rekindled the excitement of Tadej Pogačar’s solo finish during the queen stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia.

A tribute to the Slovenian champion came in the form of the “Pogačar Segment”—a race within the race that rewarded the fastest male and female riders on the stretch from Passo Eira to the finish line, the very section where Pogačar made his decisive move last year. The prize, a Pinarello racing bike, was fittingly awarded to Jack Burke and Laura Simenc, who not only dominated this segment but also claimed overall victory in their respective categories.

A truly special day, shaped by a simply magnificent course, widely praised by all the athletes at the start line. They were struck by the blend of stunning landscapes and demanding technical challenges, perfectly captured in the words of Zdeněk Štybar—the Czech cyclist, multiple-time cyclocross world medaliststage winner at both the Vuelta and the Tourtwo-time runner-up at Paris-Roubaix, and winner of Strade Bianche 2015.

He remarked: “It was a splendid race, taking us along iconic roads that spark dreams. On one hand, there’s real technical complexity—especially in that brutal final stretch, which really burns the legs. On the other, there’s a constant connection with breathtaking nature. That’s why Livigno is a true capital of European cycling.”…and everyone chooses it—to train, to have fun on two wheels. I’ve spent at least three weeks a year here for the past 25 seasons, and it was on the Stelvio Pass that I proposed to my wife.”

The Granfondo Livigno Alé 2025 thus comes to a close with tremendous success, both in participation and organization, perfectly aligning with the sports-tourism identity of a destination deeply connected to cycling in every form.

A true Alpine paradise for cycling enthusiasts—from casual riders to world-class champions—where everyone can always find the perfect setting to meet their goals.

So, mark your calendars for the next edition: Granfondo Livigno Alé — June 27, 2026.

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