Granfondo Livigno Alè: challenge on the epic alpine climbs

From the Riva Bike Festival to the first big challenge of the summer: Livigno gears up for the Granfondo.

Livigno, 05/05/2026 –
The first signal came from Riva del Garda, where the Riva Bike Festival has just wrapped up—an event that symbolically marks the start of the European cycling season each year. In this setting, among thousands of enthusiasts, industry professionals, and some of the most prominent figures on the international bike scene, Livigno presented its vision of contemporary cycling, strongly reaffirming the positioning of Livigno | 1816 Bike Zone.

On the Livigno-branded stage, talks, interviews, editorial productions, and special content came to life, telling both the live and digital audience about a multifaceted ecosystem where performance, territory, and ambition coexist organically. A presence that clearly reinforced what Livigno represents today in the European landscape: not simply a bike destination, but a place where cycling finds one of its most complete—and at the same time most selective—expressions. A two-wheel paradise capable of combining performance and well-being, widespread hospitality, and the pursuit of excellence.

It is precisely from this energy that the next major event of the season takes shape: the Granfondo Livigno Alè, scheduled for June 27—an iconic event in Livigno’s bike scene and a key moment of the summer sports calendar.

An extraordinary race set in the high mountains, at altitudes unique for a granfondo, featuring one of the most captivating routes in the entire Alpine arc and selective climbs that have made cycling history. A course designed for those who seek in cycling not only performance, but also challenge, scenery, and memorable emotions. The 2026 edition offers two spectacular routes, both immersed in some of the most iconic landscapes of the Alps. The Granfondo course, with its 166 kilometers and 4,300 meters of elevation gain, is a true test of endurance and character, crossing climbs that are part of cycling legend: the ascent to Umbrail, the austere charm of Passo del Foscagno, the natural selection of Passo Eira, and the striking high-altitude finish at Mottolino—recently made an official Strava segment and the stage of Tadej Pogačar’s pink jersey feat. A sequence of legendary climbs that challenges legs, mind, and the ability to manage effort at altitude.

The Mediofondo route offers a more accessible yet equally intense experience: 106 kilometers and 2,050 meters of elevation gain along an itinerary that takes riders over Passo Forcola, through the evocative Bernina landscape—an extraordinary natural spectacle crowned by snow—and Passo del Forno, before returning to Livigno. A route that combines scenic beauty, technical variety, and authentic Alpine spirit. “Probably the most fascinating setting for cycling,” commented Luca Moretti, President of Livigno Next, during the Riva Bike Festival. “Truly unique, with two routes—one of them highly selective—but sharing a common denominator: the majesty of our mountains.”

In both cases, the common denominator remains the same: riding above 1,816 meters means measuring yourself against an environment where altitude amplifies every effort, every climb feels harder, and every finish line takes on a different value. It is here that performance meets the mountains in their purest form.

As tradition dictates, the race will be surrounded by a rich program of events designed to transform the Granfondo into a true weekend of cycling: a village, side activities, social moments, dedicated services for athletes and companions, and an atmosphere that will engage the entire destination—making the bicycle the shared language of a whole community.

In this way, the Granfondo Livigno Alè fits seamlessly into the broader path of consolidation of Livigno | 1816 Bike Zone—an identity that brings together the destination’s entire cycling soul under one unified system: from major events to academies, from professional training camps to high-altitude preparation, all the way to 3,500 kilometers of routes that make Livigno one of the most complete and recognizable cycling destinations in Europe. Because here, cycling is not just a sport. It is a language. It is a culture. It is an identity. And on June 27, once again, it will be the perfect moment to put yourself to the test within all of this.

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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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Granfondo Livigno Alè – Update of June 27

Today, the Prefecture of Provincia di Sondrio ordered the closure of the Stelvio road due to a landslide reported by Anas. The severe weather that hit the Valtellina area last night caused the collapse of a retaining wall, which spilled debris, rocks, and mud onto the road surface, damaging the asphalt near the Bagni Vecchi area in Bormio.

With great regret, this closure makes it impossible to carry out the Long Route of the Granfondo Livigno Alé, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, June 28, starting from Aquagranda in Livigno. The safety of all participating athletes is our top priority.

However, the Mediofondo Route is CONFIRMED, still starting from Aquagranda. All registered participants will be redirected to this route, which features a challenging course of over 106 kilometers with more than 2000 meters of elevation gain. It is a technically and scenically demanding route, including some of the most iconic mountain passes and preserving the epic conclusion—from Passo Eira to Mottolino—which mirrors the final segment of the Queen Stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia.

We also remind you of the “Pogacar segment” challenge at the end: a race within the race that will award a Pinarello bike to the fastest male and female times.

We apologize for this unforeseen change, caused by force majeure. Confident that even on the shorter route Livigno will leave everyone breathless with its stunning landscapes, we wish all participants a great ride and lots of fun.

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