
Region: Lombardy
Departure: Mazzo di Valtellina
Length: 12.5km
Average Gradient: 10.5%
Height: 1,852m
Metres Climbed: 1,300m
Max. Gradient: 18%
Like Spain’s Alto del Angliru, the road linking Mazzo di Valtellina with Monno and the Val Camonica started out as little more than a goat track. Less widely known in cycling terms as the Passo della Foppa, it’s one of the most fearsome climbs in the world of cycling.

Similarly to other iconic mountain passes, among them Mont Ventoux,
Passo dello Stelvio and Monte Zoncolan, the summit is the meeting point of
three distinct routes; from Grosio (14.8kms at 8.3%), Edolo (17.2kms at 6.7%) and, the climb that gives the
pass its reputation, Mazzo di Valtellina, (12.5kms at a punishing 10.5%).
Probably the most defining moment in
the climb’s short history was Marco Pantani’s first and only ascent in stage 15of the1994 Giro. Having announced his
intentions the day before with a spectacular victory in Merano, the longest and
most mountainous day so far, the nimble cyclist sprinted away from his rivals
(on the back of a 22-tooth sprocket no less), to win the stage by almost three minutes.

If mental preparation is of some
benefit, then you could say that the climb up Mortirolo is divided into three
sections. The first three kilometres has an average gradient of 8.8% (which
includes 500 metres at 11.6%), the final 3.5, a merciful 7.4%, while in between
(from San Mate to the intersection with Grosio), lies 6 kilometres of ultra-steep
road averaging an agonising 12.4%. Here, you’re virtually surrounded by thick
forest on all sides, save for the narrow bitumen ‘escape’ route in front of
you. Averaging between 11 and 18%, it’s not until you reach the top of this
stairway that the views towards Valtellina, some 900 metres below, are
unlocked.
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One of Mortirolo's 27 hairpin bends. |
Despite its superior gradient and patriotic following along its steep
slopes during the Giro d’ Italia, Mortirolo doesn’t otherwise appear to command
the same popularity as either Gavia or Stelvio. Nevertheless, its sense of
solitude and natural beauty leaves you with the distinct feeling that it’s a
far purer climb than many of its commercial counterparts.
![]() |
The more 'gentle' approach towards Mortirolo's summit. |
Who knows, you might feel like I did, enticed to do it all again over one,
or even both, of the pass’s remaining routes. An epic experience, climbs like Mortirolo are
hard to find!
![]() |
The Albergo Passo Mortirolo near the top of the pass. |
‘High Spain Drifter’ is available on Amazon , Barnes and Noble, Booktopia and other online bookstores.
‘Lycra, Lattes and the Long Way Round’ is available on Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes and Noble, Kobo Books
Both books are also available at local bookshops on the Mornington Peninsula: @ Rosebud Bookbarn and @ La Brocante
“Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But
ride”.
Eddy Merckx, Belgian road cycling legend
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