Bike It! Bellagio Climbing Challenges!
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Madonna del Ghisallo Challenge
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The Madonna del Ghisallo, symbol of the Giro di Lombardia and true heart of Italian cycling, is just up the road from Bellagio, the “pearl” of Lake Como, Italy. This climb is legendary, consistently present in the Lombardia, and sacred, as on top of the climb you can find the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Sanctuary and the Ghisallo Cycling Museum, two special and unique places that will take you back to when the sport of cycling truly began. The climb can be tough in some sections, but the views and the fact that nearly every famous cyclist has ridden the same road, will make it the experience of a lifetime.
Climb it! Join the challenge.
Climb it! Join the challenge.
Kelly from Squamish, BC destroying the MDS!
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Give the infamous Muro di Sormano a try … it’s the toughest bike path in the world! With an average 18% gradient and max 25%, this 1.7km might be one of the toughest climbs you ever attempt. Staying on the bike for the entire climb is a challenge itself! Distract yourself by reading the altitude each meter of the way (also letting yourself know how much is left) and by reading some famous quotes about the impossible Muro. Climb it! Join the challenge.
The Climbs of Lake Como!
The best way to explore Lake Como, or any place for that matter, is on two wheels! Rent a bike and go see the many places (and passes!) that surround Lake Como. Check out the many climbs we have in our area, some long and windy while others short and steep! If you're a climber looking for a challenge, check out some of these elevation profiles below!
We've put these together to value our territory and give every area of the lake that may be missed by the average traveler a chance to be explored by you!
We've put these together to value our territory and give every area of the lake that may be missed by the average traveler a chance to be explored by you!
GHISALLINO
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The backside of the Madonna del Ghisallo climb, "Ghisallino" or "little Ghisallo" is the easier alternative to reach the Cycling Chapel and Museum. With only one steep section it's great for electric bikes too!
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ONNO
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A very popular climb among the locals, "la Onno" is a short, panoramic climb that finishes at the Cyclists' fountain, the perfect place to refill your bottle!
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MONTE BARRO
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One of the first PreAlps, this small, isolated mountain almost always has a warm climate, so it's the perfect climb to train on in the colder months...and because the gradient only increases as you go up!
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SUPER GITTANA
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This hidden climb is quite tough...but will reward you with an amazing view of Lake Como! Get some momentum going into the start of this climb, it never really lets up until the end!
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SCHIGNANO
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A quiet and panoramic climb into the Val d'Intelvi. This climb will lead you to the Italian-Swiss border as well as many other beautiful valley roads. See that house in the picture? It's decorated with one of the famous Schignano Carnevale characters!
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TARTAVALLE
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A short and easy climb into Valsassina from Lake Como. Watch the lake views disappear as you ride along the valley roads behind the Grigne mountains.
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SUPER GHISALLO
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The more difficult side of the Ghisallo climb, the SuperGhisallo was named the first and only time it was climbed once in the Giro di Lombardia in 1961. After branching off the main road to the Ghisallo, you’re riding along backcountry roads with no traffic at all, ideal roads for the E-bikes and roadies alike! The top of the pass is at 975m a.s.l.
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VENDROGNO
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A beautiful gateway climb into Valsassina, the prealpine valley that sits behind the Grigne. Not too steep, and just about 8km, the climb to Vendrogno is peaceful and surrounded by gorgeous nature and quaint little towns along its many switchbacks.
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COLMA DI SORMANO
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One of the most consistent climbs in the area, great for practicing your climbing rhythm. This is the road you take to avoid the Muro, it reaches the Colma di Sormano pass all the same with nice views and well-paved forest roads.
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CORNIZZOLO
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Long and tough, this climb is like no other. You nearly climb to the peak of Mt. Cornizzolo and watch the surrounding woods disappear as you climb to what seems to be on top of the world! This is Fabio's favorite!
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you could make friends with some cows along the way...
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PALANZO
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A nice and gentle climb to one of the oldest towns on Lake Como. Make sure to check out the wine press from 1572 in the village: the famous Torchio di Palanzo!
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CONCA DI CREZZO
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Short and steep, this climb gives the Muro some competition for it's toughness! It's a sort of shortcut to the Madonna del Ghisallo from Lasnigo!
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NESSO
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The longer (and harder) way to the Colma di Sormano!
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VALCAVA
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One of the many tough ones in the area...this brutal climb is often featured in the Giro d'Italia and Giro di Lombardia
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PIANI RESINELLI
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Nice and shaded, the climb to the Piani dei Resinelli has been featured twice in the Giro: 1962 and 2012. The top of this climb leads you to the base of several trails that take you up to Grignone or Grignetta, two famous prealps of the Lecco area. There are many great mountain lodges for lunch on top!
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