Your next great ride

STELVIO PASS, ITALY

WHEN IT COMES to passes, one name rises above the rest: Stelvio. Italy’s highest pass is famous not only for its elevation (a lofty 2757m) but also for its fearsome runs of hairpins: 48 on each side of the mountain. It sits where Italy rubs up against Switzerland and is joined near the top by the Umbrail pass, which is the highest Swiss pass.

It’s a divisive pass. Some riders don’t like it because it’s too tight or too steep. Others don’t like it because in places the surface is quite rough. Many don’t like it because it’s too busy — it’s a magnet not only for motorcyclists but also for cyclists and car clubs (though watching low-slung supercars struggle to get round the steeper hairpins is always good for a laugh).

But Stelvio is a glorious ride, especially when it’s quiet — early morning is best, though it can be chilly in the mountain shade. It’s not the easiest road to ride, but that’s the point, really. It’s the mountain-riding equivalent of the big boss at the end of a video game, combining all the challenges of every lesser opponent… dialled up to 11. It’s hard to string those runs of hairpins together smoothly but it’s hugely satisfying when they all come together and the reward is the epic views.

WHEN TO GO September is ideal — do it on the way to Misano for the Motogp (September 9). WHAT’LL IT COST Riding it is free but we’d budget £80-£100 a day for every day of a tour that includes it. WHERE TO STAY We’d aim to stay close, to ride it in the early morning. Either Bormio (www.nazionalebormio.it) or Stelvio (www.hotel-gallia.it) WHERE TO RIDE Clearly, Stelvio Pass — but it links well with other routes. We have routes at www.ride.co.uk/italy