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technical info
Departure from Como towards Cantù. The first climb is Ghisallo, but from the Asso side, descending to Bellagio and reaching Lecco along the shore of Lake Como. Once in the province of Bergamo, a series of climbs begins, leading to the finish line, characterised by a continuous succession of ascents and descents with almost no flat sections between them. First, climb the Roncola (Valpiana Pass, gradients up to 17%). This is followed by the climbs of Berbenno, Dossena, Zambla Alta and Passo di Ganda, bringing the total elevation gain to over 4400 m. From Ganda, you arrive at Selvino, where the classic long descent begins, punctuated by 19 hairpin bends. There are then 9 km to the city (the only flat section of the entire final stretch) and the classic passage through the Upper Town to the finish line.
Final kilometres
The final kilometres pass through Bergamo Alta, climbing to Porta Garibaldi and then (with 200 metres of cobblestones) to Largo Colle Aperto. In the first part, the gradients are always above 10% (max 12%). Downhill, the road is wide with a smooth surface. At 1800 m from the finish, there is a sharp turn with a short narrow section to pass through Porta Sant’Agostino. After the last kilometre, there is a wide left-hand bend to enter the straight leading to the finish. The final straight is 800 m long, 7.5 m wide, on asphalt, downhill in the first part and then flat.
start / finish
climb detail
final kilometres
itinerary timetable
tourist info
Host city:
Como
Overview
Como is an elegant and lively town, lying on the southwestern branch of the lake of the same name, in a unique natural landscape and surrounded by lush verdant hills. Luxurious villas, elegant buildings and ancient churches highlight the beauty of the city, while the lovely alleys and the colourful piazzas add to its charm. Como is also referred to as “the city of silk”. Back in the 1400s, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, decided to plant mulberry trees around the lake to feed the silkworms, and the city has been the largest silk producer in Italy since then.
Points of interest
The most stunning piece of architecture in town is the splendid Duomo (the cathedral), dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. Its construction began in 1396, and lasted four centuries overall, in a splendid fusion of styles – Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
Como is also renowned for its lakeside villas with lush gardens, such as the Neoclassical Villa Olmo, built in 1780, now a popular venue for congresses, events and art exhibitions.
The city has become one of the major tourist destinations in northern Italy, and is a hit with Italian and international celebrities alike.
Bergamo
Overview
Bergamo is a small “two-storey” city in Lombardy, with a rich history and a stunning architectural legacy. The walled upper town, Bergamo Alta, is beautifully preserved, with wonderful cobbled streets and lovely mediaeval buildings. The modern, lower town, Bergamo Bassa, is connected to the older, upper district via a funicular railway.
Points of interest
Major landmarks include the Venetian walls, which were built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century, when Bergamo was a possession of that State, in order to protect the city from the Republic of Milan and from France, when the Republic of Venice was starting to lose its monopoly of maritime trade. These walls – a symbol of the rich and bold history of Bergamo – are the keepers of a beautiful city, waiting to be explored.