Looking for “the” challenge for 2025? Why not start with an bike marathon in the alps! Cross some of Europe’s highest and most legendary passes, ride through high alpine landscapes, and surpass your limits!
More and more road cyclists are drawn to this physically and mentally demanding type of mountain and valley ride. Here are the most beautiful road cycling marathons in the Alps.
Granfondo Stelvio Santini

The Stelvio Pass is a must-ride for many cyclists. Climbing those countless hairpin bends to reach the summit at 2,757 meters is a dream come true. Fun fact: No other paved road in Italy goes higher to a pass. If you want to tackle this as part of a cycling marathon or Gran Fondo, the Granfondo Stelvio Santini is your chance – no matter which of the three routes you pick.
If the Stelvio alone isn’t tough enough for you, or if you want an extra challenge, go for the 130-kilometer long-distance route. This one also takes you over the Mortirolo Pass. While it’s not as high as the Stelvio at 1,850 meters, the steep sections of this former military road are no joke. It’s no surprise that the Giro d’Italia has made several stops here.
Dolomiten Radrundfahrt & Super Giro Dolomiti
The Dolomiten Radrundfahrt is known as Austria’s oldest cycling marathon. For over 70 years, this race has taken cyclists on a loop around Lienz. The 112-kilometer route features climbs like Gailberg and Kartitsch Saddle, but the stunning views of the Lienz Dolomites make it all worthwhile. Since 2014, there’s been an added challenge for avid climbers – the Super Giro Dolomiti.
This route heads into Italy, crossing the border at the Plöcken Pass in the Carnic Alps and tackling the mighty Monte Zoncolan. This mountain is notorious among cyclists for its steep and irregular gradients, making it one of the toughest climbs in Europe. No wonder even the pros find it daunting!
Sportful Dolomiti Race

Following the path of the Giro d’Italia, the Sportful Dolomiti Race challenges participants with what’s claimed to be the toughest race in Europe. The 2025 event marks its 30th edition, and the organizers have updated the Granfondo, the long marathon route. After crossing Forcella Franche, riders will head through Taibon, Alleghe, and Caprile to tackle Forcella Staulanza first.
After a quick descent, they’ll climb from Dont to Passo Duran. Then, they’ll return to Agordo and Voltago before taking on Forcella Aurine and Passo Cereda to kick off the final stretch. This final stretch includes Passo Croce d’Aune, where a monument honors Tullio Campagnolo, the inventor of the quick-release skewer. The monument stands at Passo Croce d’Aune before the route descends to the finish line in Feltre. Too tough? Then the Medio Fondo with its four climbs might be a better choice.
Dreiländergiro
The Dreiländergiro, which takes riders through Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, might sound easy with its Italian name, but it’s a tough ride. There are three big climbs to tackle, and luckily, the hardest one comes first. Riders will face 48 hairpin bends before reaching the summit of the Stelvio Pass in Italy at 2,757 meters.
After a descent from the Stelvio, the climbing kicks off again on the classic Engadin route, taking you over the Ofen Pass in Switzerland. From there, it’s mostly downhill until the final six-kilometer climb to Norbertshöhe in Austria. Whether you opt for the Vinschgau loop or the Engadin loop, both routes feature the legendary Stelvio Pass climb with its iconic 48 hairpin turns.
La Marmotte
La Marmotte might sound cute, but this event is anything but! The route is like a queen stage of the Tour de France. Starting from Bourg d’Oisans, riders will climb the Col du Glandon. After descending to Saint Michel de Maurienne, they’ll face the tough combo of the Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier – that’s 2000 meters of climbing over 35 kilometers. After descending via the Col de Lautaret, they’ll return to Bourg d’Oisans and then tackle the 21 hairpin bends up to Alpe d’Huez to finish. If that’s not enough and you want to see more marmots in the mountains, there’s a bonus this year: the Ultrafondo Marmotte Alps. This extended route goes over the Col de Sarenne and includes a second climb up to Alpe d’Huez. This double climb to Alpe d’Huez is a nod to the 18th stage of the 2013 Tour de France.
Maratona dles Dolomites

Pordoi, Sella, Giau, Falzarego & Co. Riders take on these legendary stone giants at the Maratona dles Dolomites. Even the shortest route, the classic 55-kilometer Sella-Ronda, includes four Dolomite passes. But the ultimate challenge is the long-distance route with its seven summits.
Despite the tough climbs, the stunning views of the Marmolada, Langkofel, and Sella Massif make all the effort worthwhile. If the nearly 8000 regular spots for this legendary event are already taken, you can still get a charity ticket.
LÈtape du Tour 2025

Hobby and cyclosportives get the unique chance to ride a real Tour de France stage at “L’Étape.” The next opportunity is on July 20, 2025, when L’Étape will follow the original route of Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France, from Albertville through the Alps to the mountain finish at La Plagne.
This challenge is no joke: over 130 kilometers, riders will tackle four tough categorized climbs – Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine, Col des Saisies, Col du Pré, and the Cormet de Roselend – all leading up to the final climb to La Plagne at 2,052 meters above sea level. In total, participants will conquer 4,600 meters of elevation gain.
With around 15,000 participants and an atmosphere that lets you experience the Tour de France up close, “L’Étape” is a real highlight in the amateur racing calendar. The slogan “Ride like a Pro” truly comes to life here – it’s an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators.
Gran Fondo San Gottardo
Epic challenges await the riders of the Granfondo San Gottardo. In this 115-kilometer event, cyclists will climb the old Tremola road from Airolo up to the Gotthard Pass summit. The cobblestone road winds through countless hairpin turns up to 2106 meters, giving participants stunning views of the Swiss Alps. After this, Gran Fondo participants will get very close to the sky with climbs up the Furka Pass and Nufenen Pass, both just shy of 2500 meters.
For those who don’t want to go quite as high, the Mediofondo offers a 52-kilometer route that includes climbs up the Gotthard and the Cresta. By the way, the timing for this event is only recorded for the climbs.
Ötztaler Bike-Marathon

The finisher’s jersey of the Ötztaler is one of the most sought-after pieces of clothing among amateur cyclists. But before anyone can wear this jersey, they have to overcome a few hurdles. First, they need to be selected from a huge pool of applicants, and then, on the last Sunday in August, they must conquer the four Alpine passes: Kühtai, Brenner, Jaufen Pass, and Timmelsjoch. Out of the total 226 kilometers, 100 kilometers are uphill. But what won’t people do for a jersey…
Alpenbrevet
A race of epic proportions: 267 kilometers long, 6800 meters of climbing, and five Alpine passes to conquer at the Alpenbrevet. Starting from Andermatt in the canton of Uri, riders on the long Platinum route will complete a loop that reaches up to 2475 meters and covers the Susten, Grimsel, Nufenen, Lukmanier, and Oberalp passes. Even those taking on the Bronze route, the second easiest of the four, need to be strong climbers. After tackling three major Alpine passes, the final tally will show 107 kilometers and 3100 meters of elevation gain.
Images: Bengt Stiller, Nora Helene Turner, Stefan Rachow, Alta Badia-Maratona dles Dolomites, Henning Angerer
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