A challenging stage but one that leads us to climb two typical climbs of the Tour of Italy. The departure from Biella and immediately uphill towards the sanctuary of Oropa located 1,159 above sea level, the scene of epic battles in the tour of Italy. From the Sanctuary, standing at high altitude on a path that is unpaved in some points, you go down to Andrate. The track takes us across the plains to the Orco valley in the Canavese area. The road passing through Courgnè in constant ascent takes us to 1062 meters above sea level of Noasca.

Totally flat route. From Rescaldina towards Piedmont crossing the bridge over the Ticino at Oleggio. Small ups and downs on the Novara hills to then move to the plain passing the Sesia river and its rice fields up to Biella

Ferry that takes us to Bellagio. Here begins the ascent of the Madonna del Ghisallo, 10 km with the challenging initial part. Arrival at the pass in Magreglio. Long fast descent that leads us to Asso. Then you enter Brianza, there are no long climbs but the path is very undulating until you reach the control of Rescaldina.

From the Mortirolo Pass, go back for 200 meters to the crossroads for Monno and then take the road on the right that leads to Trivigno, a panoramic road at high altitude that faces the Valcamonica on the left and the Valtellina on the right.

Descent to the Aprica Pass, and then down the valley to Tresenda where on the Valtellina cycle path, we first arrive in Morbegno. Then in the direction of Lake Como, we reach Colico and skirting the lake passing through Bellano we arrive in Varenna.

A challenging start.

Departure from the sports center of Bormio, altitude 1225 m. Once you leave the sports center, take the Sp 29 towards S. Caterina Valfurva, the 12 km that separate Bormio from S. Caterina take us to an altitude of 1,734 meters. Here begins the climb to P.sso Gavia. The first time of P.sso Gavia on the Tour of Italy dates back to 1960. Legendary stories have been told about this climb with epic feats by the runners.