The great Alpine climbs are back as protagonists of Piedmont's cycling summer with the fifth edition of the Legendary Climbs in the Lands of Monviso, a well-established initiative that transforms some of the Alps' most iconic climbs into spaces entirely dedicated to cycling. The principle is as simple as it is fascinating: for one day, or rather, for eleven events spread between June and September, cars give way to two wheels, giving the mountains back to cyclists in a more authentic and sustainable way.
The 2026 calendar marks a significant step forward compared to previous editions. Not only does it increase the number of matchdays, but the variety of Proposals is also expanding, with routes capable of intercepting different audiences, from road bikes to the world gravel and mountain bikes. The result is a program which runs through the entire summer season, from June 20th to September 12th, and which involves a large territory between the Stura, Grana, Maira, Varaita, Po-Bronda and Infernotto valleys.
Three days plus a week
The formula remains the same as in recent years: three single days dedicated to the most iconic climbs (June 20: Pian del Re; September 6: Colle dell'Agnello; September 12: Colle Fauniera) and a central week, from July 3 to 10, with eight consecutive events, creating a true cycling festival. In this context, the climbs become much more than a sporting challenge: they are an opportunity to experience the mountains without traffic, in safety, and to rediscover places that are often dominated by passing cars during the rest of the year.
Among the most anticipated new features of the 2026 edition is the introduction of the climb to Sant'Anna di Vinadio (July 8), one of the most iconic places in recent cycling. Here, in 2016, Vincenzo Nibali mounted a memorable comeback at the Giro d'Italia, making history. Today, that same road becomes a playground for cycle tourists, who can tackle it at their own pace, immersed in a picturesque Alpine setting and far removed from the pressures of competition.
The Road of the Cannons
The other big news is represented by the Road dei Cannoni (5 July), a dirt road route that officially opens the event to cycling enthusiasts too gravel and mountain biking. This is an ancient military road that runs at high altitude between the Varaita and Maira valleys, offering spectacular views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps. A different route than the classic paved climbs, wilder and more immersive, capable of adding an additional level of experience within the event.
Alongside these new features, the heart of the event remains tied to the great climbs that have shaped cycling history. Colle dell'Agnello, at 2.748 meters, is the highest and most iconic point, a cross-border pass that has seen both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Colle Fauniera, famous for the exploits of Marco Pantani, continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations, thanks in part to the possibility of tackling it from three different sides. Colle di Sampeyre, austere and panoramic, tests cyclists' endurance with its constant gradients, while Pian del Re offers the thrill of pedaling to the source of the Po River, at the foot of Monviso.
No fee to pay
There's no shortage of shorter but equally intense legendary climbs, such as Montemale di Cuneo, a concentration of fatigue and technique in just a few kilometers, or Montoso and Rucas di Bagnolo Piemonte, made famous by the 2019 Giro d'Italia. Each climb has its own identity, its own history, and its own character, contributing to a varied mosaic of cycling tourism experiences.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the Legendary Climbs is that the initiative is completely free. It is not a race or a competitive event: anyone can participate by simply showing up at the meeting points and registering. In exchange, you'll receive a commemorative tag to attach to your bike, a symbol of your participation, which is first and foremost personal. There are no rankings or times to beat, just the satisfaction of reaching the summit under your own steam.
With the French cousins
The organization also includes refreshments along the route and convivial moments upon reaching the summit on certain days, reinforcing the social aspect of the event. The photographs taken during the climbs, available for free download online, contribute to a collective story of effort, landscapes, and smiles. And what about overnight stays? The website has a dedicated page to accommodations that might be suitable for you.
Another important aspect is the cross-border dimension of the initiative. The central week is integrated with a similar event on the French side, the Tournée des Grands Cols , creating a shared calendar that unites Italy and France in the name of sustainable mobility.
Sustainable (and replicable) model
After exceeding 14.000 attendees in its first four editions, the Legendary Climbs in the Monviso Hills have established themselves as one of the most significant events in Alpine cycling tourism. This initiative combines sport, the environment, and local promotion, offering a replicable model for sustainable mountain management.
Given the success of these initiatives, which involve closing mountain passes to cars to give cyclists the opportunity to admire the stunning scenery without stress, we wonder how wonderful it would be to export the format to other beautiful yet congested areas of Italy, not necessarily mountainous ones. The Amalfi Coast, the Ligurian Riviera, Lake Garda (despite the recent debate ), and the Gargano coastal road are just a few examples that, despite the greater logistical challenges compared to an Alpine pass, could become cycle-friendly for a few dozen kilometers on a holiday Sunday.
