Setting off from the athletics track, this undulating route winds around the sunny side of the valley with little lanes, cement tracks, cute villages and the footbridge that opened at the closing end of 2021. Low on traffic, high on views, expect your legs to burn a little after the first climb but you’ll find some pace for the rest, buoyed on by the excitement of the vines.
Chiuro | Road 58km | A for adventure, B for b-roads, C for Chiuro
Loose description of 'road', this one wouldn't be averse to somewhat extra grip on certain roads on the northside of the valley. The first half is almost totally traffic-free until you reach the main pass road down from Aprica. In summer this gets a little busy so just watch out for motorbikes careening their way up the pass, in a mad dash to overtake lorries. It's not great but it'll whizz by. Then you're back onto small roads. You have to rejoin the main road super briefly before you start the climb to Teglio, but it isn't a dealbreaker, we promise.
A hilly route, but unfortunately off the cards in winter. All of the climbs will be worthwhile.
Mortirolo | Road 137km | A more mellow approach
From Sondrio you'll first ride the Passo Aprica before a long, swooping descent to Edolo. From here it ramps up gentle to Monno before a steep climb under a canopy of trees takes you up towards the Passo Mortirolo. You'll ride a few kilometres along the top before hitting the pass sign and the top of the much steeper side. Start going down that descent but take a right turn towards Grosio. Safer and a lot less steep, this narrow downhill pops you out on the far side of Grosio. From here, follow the small roads or even the Sentiero bike path back towards Tirano and Sondrio.
The Mortirolo doesn't usually open until late May/early June.
Teglio | Road 87km | By b-roads
This is 87 km with a lot of bang for your buck. Exciting, tiny roads that wiggle across the valley sides. It might be easy to brush this route off but it's a great starting point for bigger rides. The climb from Bianzone up to Teglio is included in the Gran Fondo Stelvio Santini but gets so crowded with inept climbers during the gran fondo that it's much better to do in your own time, on your own ride, away from the masses.
There's a section on the Statale that's almost unavoidable, but you could take the Sentiero Valtellina if you really hate the main road.
The route back to Sondrio teases with the 'Via Panoramica', which is delightfully short of traffic and swoops and swerves its way back along the south-facing slopes. It's an exciting route that provides amazing views. There's always the option to stick to the Via Panoramica if you prefer to bypass the super scenic, slightly arduous route that is outlined here.
Year-round.
Mello | Road 70km | Sunny-siding in Basso Valtellina
A staple loop that's rideable all year. Join this route from absolutely any village and add in extra climbs if you're feeling fresh. Up and down, fast and furious. Cuteness overload with some of the villages.
Year-round but watch out for the shady descent into Val Masino as it can be treacherous in the depths of winter. Your alternative is to descend to Morbegno from Dazio on a beautiful, newly tarmacked fast road.
