GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo.
Two legendary Giro passes in a single day: over 141 kilometres, the Percorso Lungo of the GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo first climbs in tight switchbacks to the Passo Gavia above 2,500 metres, then, after a long descent, meets the notorious Mortirolo from Mazzo, one of professional cycling's steepest ascents. Almost 4,050 metres of climbing on a loop back to Ponte di Legno demand preparation for altitude and gradient alike.
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The course, elevation and route profile are from the most recent edition.
GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Percorso Lungo leaves Ponte di Legno on a loop that strings together two of the most storied climbs in Giro d'Italia history. From kilometre 22, the ramps come one after another: six climbs rated category 4 to 2 packed into barely 20 kilometres, building to a six-kilometre block up to the Passo Gavia, the route's high point above 2,500 metres. What follows is a long, technical descent back into the valley; more than a third of the entire course runs downhill, with another tenth of that on steep pitches.
After a calmer stretch through the valley floor, the race's second act begins at kilometre 100: the Mortirolo from Mazzo, rated hors categorie over more than twelve kilometres and known for its uncompromising ramps, one of the steepest climbs the Giro d'Italia has ever used.
Even past the summit the work isn't over: a short, sharp final climb around kilometre 126 and several hundred more metres of climbing on the way in keep the Percorso Lungo demanding right to the line, before the loop closes back in Ponte di Legno.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 22.4 | 2.6 km | 5 % | 8.4 % | +128 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 25.4 | 2.4 km | 4.7 % | 13.3 % | +112 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 30.7 | 2.9 km | 7.5 % | 16.8 % | +218 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 33.8 | 2.6 km | 9.7 % | 28.3 % | +254 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 36.6 | 6.2 km | 9.6 % | 28.3 % | +593 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 43 | 2.7 km | 8.8 % | 24 % | +240 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 100.8 | 12.1 km | 10.9 % | 26.8 % | +1,320 m | HC |
| km 125.7 | 1.7 km | 6.3 % | 14.9 % | +106 m | Cat. 4 |
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 GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo.
Sit in early
The Percorso Lungo is not decided on the Gavia but on the Mortirolo from Mazzo from kilometre 100, the only hors-categorie climb on the course and by far its steepest. Overspend on the way there and it shows exactly here.
Ration your effort
The main trap comes early: the string of climbs between kilometre 22 and 46 looks like a warm-up, but it stacks up to well over 1,000 metres of climbing and feeds straight into the final block up to the Gavia summit. Get swept along by the group here and you burn reserves you'll need in the afternoon. Ride these ramps seated, to your own limit rather than the bunch's.
Race the finale
The long descent that follows demands concentration rather than recovery; more than a third of the course runs downhill, and over-braking or a mistake costs more time here than on a climb. The calmer valley stretch before kilometre 100 is the last chance to rebuild energy and fuel for the Mortirolo: over twelve kilometres it rewards a steady, seated cadence rather than surges. Even past the summit it isn't over; a short final rise just before the finish needs a place in the plan.
Training plan for GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo: 12-week build
Build endurance
For an ambitious age-group athlete, the Percorso Lungo typically takes seven to nine hours, depending on fitness and how the two major climbs are managed. The effort character shifts noticeably along the way: the early climbing series to the Gavia alternates short, irregular ramps with flatter sections, calling for surges and changing intensity rather than a steady rhythm.
Train the climbs
The Mortirolo from Mazzo, by contrast, demands a sustained, mostly aerobic effort over twelve kilometres, with anaerobic spikes on its steepest pitches. Two phases decide the race: the long climb to the Gavia summit above 2,500 metres, where altitude and cold add to the physical load, and the Mortirolo after roughly a hundred kilometres already in the legs, when fatigue meets ramps that give no quarter.
Ride race-specific
Between the two lies a long, technical descent that demands bike-handling and focus rather than recovery. Training emphasis should follow accordingly: long base rides with climbing loaded into the final third condition the body to still handle hard gradients after hours in the saddle.
Arrive fresh
Targeted low-cadence strength work on steep ramps prepares for the Mortirolo's uncompromising sections. Some altitude exposure, or at least familiarity with reduced oxygen availability, helps for the Gavia summit, and repeated descending practice on technical terrain builds the skill needed for the long final descent.
Courses
Download the GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo dynamically
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Everything about GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo.
How long is GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo?
GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo is 141.25 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 GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo have?
GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo has around 3,552 m of elevation gain over 141.25 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo?
GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo is classified as Mountainous, averaging 28.3 vertical metres per kilometre. 12% of the route is flat, 27% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 14% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo have?
The hardest climb of GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo starts at kilometre 100.8, runs for 12.1 km at an average of 10.9% and gains 1,320 metres. Cycling-convention rating: HC. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo a loop course?
Yes, GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo course?
Yes. The GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo 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 GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo?
Preparation for GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo should account for 141.25 km, 3,552 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 GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo?
The pacing strategy for GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo should reflect 141.25 km, 3,552 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 GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo next take place?
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The most recent one was held on July 5, 2026.
Where does GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo take place?
GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo takes place in Ponte di Legno, Italy.
Which distances does GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo offer?
GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo offers 2 distances — Percorso Lungo (Gavia + Mortirolo da Mazzo): 141.25 km; Percorso Medio (Gavia + Mortirolo da Grosio): 110.85 km.
How do I register for GranFondo Gavia e Mortirolo?
Registration runs through the organiser: granfondogaviaemortirolo.it. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
