Dreiländergiro.
Route A of the Dreiländergiro is the long loop over the Stelvio: 168 kilometres, around 3,750 metres of climbing and an HC ascent that rises almost 1,500 metres in one push. Preparing for it means training for a pass that offers no let-up over 18 kilometres. Also known as Three-Country Giro, 3 Länder Giro and Dreiländergiro Nauders.
Dreiländergiro 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Dreiländergiro is one of the legendary classics of the Alps: starting from Nauders, Route A links three countries, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, over 168 kilometres with 3,600 metres of climbing. At its heart sits the climb that gives the route its name, the Stelvio.
After a rolling opening, the road tilts upward from kilometre 37 with 5.7 kilometres at six percent. At kilometre 43 the long haul to the Stelvio begins: almost 18 kilometres at an average of 8.3 percent, around 1,500 vertical metres in one sustained effort and by far the biggest test of the day.
The summit does not settle the race, though. Two more climbs follow at kilometres 79 and 85, the latter 6.5 kilometres at 7.7 percent for a good 500 metres of gain, before the route rolls through the Engadin back towards the north. The closing statement comes from kilometre 157, a climb of nearly six kilometres whose crest lies only a few kilometres from the finish in Nauders. Almost nothing on this loop is flat: less than a fifth of the distance is level, and entries for the classic are in high demand.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.3 | 1.9 km | 3.9 % | 5.2 % | +72 m | — |
| km 37.4 | 5.7 km | 6 % | 8.8 % | +343 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 43.5 | 17.9 km | 8.3 % | 17.5 % | +1,483 m | HC |
| km 79.3 | 3.2 km | 6.8 % | 9.3 % | +217 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 85 | 6.5 km | 7.7 % | 10.6 % | +501 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 101.2 | 5.1 km | 3.4 % | 8.3 % | +173 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 137.5 | 1.9 km | 4.4 % | 8.6 % | +85 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 157.3 | 5.9 km | 6.3 % | 9.3 % | +371 m | Cat. 2 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Dreiländergiro.
Sit in early
The race turns on a single giant. After a warm-up climb at kilometre 37, the Stelvio begins at kilometre 43: 17.9 kilometres averaging 8.3% with ramps to 17.5%, almost 1,500 metres without a real break. This is where the decision falls – and where the biggest trap lies, because the pass comes early enough that an over-ambitious pace ruins the whole rest of the day.
Ration your effort
Ride it at a threshold you can hold for 70 to 90 minutes. The race isn't over afterwards: kilometre 85 brings another Category 2 climb of 500 metres, and at kilometre 157, near the finish, a final long Cat 2 waits on tired legs.
Race the finale
As a closed loop with a balanced elevation budget, the long descents between the passes matter – eat and drink methodically there. Overcook the Stelvio and you'll lose the race not on the mountain but on the two climbs of the second half.
Training plan for Dreiländergiro: 12-week build
Build endurance
For age-group riders, Route A typically means seven to nine hours of riding, built around one central block: the Stelvio. The climb that starts at kilometre 43 runs for almost 18 kilometres at 8.3 percent, which translates into roughly one and a half to well over two hours of uninterrupted climbing.
Train the climbs
The character of the effort is unambiguous: long, even aerobic climbing blocks separated by extended descents and rolling valley roads. Unlike undulating marathons, this course rewards a high, stable sustained output on long gradients far more than the ability to follow surges, and it rewards pacing that deliberately keeps the biggest climb below threshold.
Ride race-specific
Three sections decide the day: the Stelvio itself, the climbs at kilometres 79 and 85 that demand full climbing effort again straight after a long descent, and the final ascent from kilometre 157, which asks for nearly 400 more vertical metres after over 150 kilometres of racing.
Arrive fresh
Build your preparation on long mountain rides of 2,500 metres of climbing or more, ideally including at least one continuous hour-long ascent. Sweetspot and threshold intervals of 20 to 40 minutes develop the required climbing power. Descending belongs in the programme too: almost a third of the course points downhill, and riding it relaxed and safely preserves energy for the second half. Finally, practise eating and drinking while climbing, because the long ascent offers no pause for it.
Courses
Download the Dreiländergiro course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Dreiländergiro dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Dreiländergiro.
How long is Dreiländergiro?
Dreiländergiro is 168 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Dreiländergiro have?
Dreiländergiro has around 3,749 m of elevation gain over 168 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Dreiländergiro?
Dreiländergiro is classified as Mountainous, averaging 22.7 vertical metres per kilometre. 19% of the route is flat, 28% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 12% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Dreiländergiro have?
The hardest climb of Dreiländergiro starts at kilometre 43.5, runs for 17.9 km at an average of 8.3% and gains 1,483 metres. Cycling-convention rating: HC. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Dreiländergiro a loop course?
Yes, Dreiländergiro is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Dreiländergiro course?
Yes. The Dreiländergiro course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Dreiländergiro?
Preparation for Dreiländergiro should account for 168 km, 3,749 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Dreiländergiro?
The pacing strategy for Dreiländergiro should reflect 168 km, 3,749 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Dreiländergiro take place?
Dreiländergiro takes place on June 27, 2027.
Where does Dreiländergiro take place?
Dreiländergiro takes place in Nauders, Austria.
Which distances does Dreiländergiro offer?
Dreiländergiro offers 2 distances — Route A – Stelvio Engadin: 168 km; Route B – Stelvio Vinschgau: 120 km.
How do I register for Dreiländergiro?
Registration runs through the organiser: dreilaendergiro.at. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
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