The latest video from Mike Cotty and the Col Collective features Italia's Passo Gavia and for those who love a descent as much as a climb there's a full 16-minute film of the descent to Ponte di Legno too.
Over to Mr Cotty:
"Steeped in Italian cycling history the Passo Gavia is one of the most feared and famous climbs in the Giro d’Italia, first used in 1960 and regularly stirring up it’s snowy mischief ever since.
"I got to sample that first-hand back in the (so called) summer of 2009 as I grovelled up its slopes from Bormio during an event called The Race Across The Alps, one of my first forays into the world of endurance road cycling.
"The fact that the day before was idilic and yet just a handful of hours later it was worse than mid-winter is testament to the Gavia’s prowess at being able to throw a tantrum at a moment’s notice.
"So why do I find myself returning so often? Its unpredictability is all part of the draw and if you catch it on a good day I can guarantee the memory of its rugged landscape, unique challenge and the natural beauty of the Lago Bianco (white lake) at the summit will soothe your soul forever.
"Without question a truly inspirational mountain."
Passo Gavia ascent from Bormio
Stats
Start: Bormio
Length: 25.6km
Summit: 2,621m
Valley: 1,217m
Elevation: 1,404m
Max gradient: 11%
The other side
Mike Cotty: "The summit of the Passo Gavia holds some of the most spectacular mountain views you'll ever see. To the north the snow-capped 3,678 metre Punta San Matteo and the Ortler group stand proud, the south is guarded by the Adamello-Presanella alpine range while the 3,223 metre Monte Gavia watches over all that pass.
"The descent to Ponte di Legno is like no other, passing the beautiful Lago Nero (black lake) as you cling to the side of the mountain on a road barely wide enough for a bike let alone other road users, but beware this is not an easy ride.
"Broken tarmac, tunnels, steep gradients twisting this way and that all the way down to the Valle delle Messi mean you have to concentrate and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
"I hope this video helps give an insight into what to expect from the descent of the mighty Gavia and you can enjoy it for what it is — which is absolutely stunning."
Passo Gavia full descent to Ponte di Legno
Stats
Length: 17.3km
Summit: 2,621m
Valley: 1,258m
Elevation drop: 1,363m
Max gradient: 16%
8 thoughts on “Video: Mike Cotty & the Col Collective tackle Italy’s Passo Gavia”
Every year this combo is a
Every year this combo is a must:
Mortirollo, Gavia & Stelvio.
Absolutely love it.
Every year this combo is a
Every year this combo is a must:
Mortirollo, Gavia & Stelvio.
Absolutely love it.
Hey Mike: when you were
Hey Mike: when you were descending did you have to wait for your film crew car? Seems like there was a fair bit of give and take with the traffic.
Also, what time of year was this? Seems like there was little snow. But I assume that April is about as early as you can do this climb.
Colin Peyresourde wrote:Hey
Hi Colin,
Yep, the road is so skinny normally the fastest way down is by bike, especially if you meet a road block with oncoming traffic.
We filmed this right at the start of September last year. It was a great day but definitely cold up there. Notice I was in legwarmers and a full windproof jacket. The Giro is often hit with a lot of snow in May so best to keep a careful eye on the weather.
Ride safe and enjoy!
Mike
Mike Cotty wrote:Colin
Hi Colin,
Yep, the road is so skinny normally the fastest way down is by bike, especially if you meet a road block with oncoming traffic.
We filmed this right at the start of September last year. It was a great day but definitely cold up there. Notice I was in legwarmers and a full windproof jacket. The Giro is often hit with a lot of snow in May so best to keep a careful eye on the weather.
Ride safe and enjoy!
Mike— Colin Peyresourde
Thanks Mike. Now that I think about when I attempted the Tourmalet and had to change my front wheel for a ski it was at the end of April, beginning of May, and that’s not as high.
Love your work. Genius that you get to do this for a living. I may have to copy you with something like ‘the Commute Collective’. Top ways to commute around London….its a winner I’m sure.
Colin Peyresourde wrote:Hey
I’m not sure you’d be able to ride to the top in April. I went there at end of May 2010 and there was a lot of snow on top. The only reason the pass was open was because they ran the snow ploughs over it for the Giro that was due in a few days. The Stelvio was closed at the top. You could get to the top from Bormio but you could not get down the other side. It’s dependent on weather conditions but they don’t normally open the high passes until end of May at the earliest, except when the Giro passes through.
Awesome, and you had great
Awesome, and you had great weather for it too. You’re a very lucky man! Please keep the videos coming.
I watched the downhill last
I watched the downhill last night and was scared just watching it.
Always great to see and a few more descents to see would be great !