Transalp stage 2: from Livigno to Bormio
It's only around 30 kilometres from Livigno to Bormio and just over two hours by mountain bike. If you want to go fast. But there is still plenty of time to pay a little more attention to the abundance of MTB trails in Livigno. That's the idea behind this stage: first explore the area, then cross the Alps. Is there any stress about getting ahead? Do you have to leave very early to reach the next destination? Not on this stage. Because on this section of the BIKE Transalp route, the motto is: "Enjoy Livigno first."
If you ride this stage as planned, you will already see a lot of this area, which can make everyone happy with two bike parks (one on each side of the valley): Downhillers, trail fans and marathon riders. But if you're not like the participants of the BIKE Transalp If you are committed to the race route, you can also use the lifts and collect trail kilometres as long as you enjoy it. But be careful: don't skip the Valle delle Mine, because the panoramic trail from the Mottolino bike park into this side valley is the icing on the cake of this stage. Later on, don't lose sight of the clock and save at least three hours for the journey to Bormio with a little buffer. This leads over the Passo Alpisella down to the turquoise Lago San Giacomo di Fraele and on to Lago di Cancano. Over its mighty dam wall, the route leads to Boscopiana in a sparse forest surrounded by mighty rock faces down to Bormio. The route then offers less action, but has more to offer the eye. The landscape around the reservoirs is mouth-watering.
The Stage 2 of the BIKE Transalp 2021 from Livigno to Bormio: 64 kilometres and 2031 metres in altitude. You can download the GPS data here after the race.
You can stop off here
After the trail descent into the Valle delle Mine, the gravel path leads downhill to the right. However, after a kilometre uphill on the left you reach the Alpe Mine. Before the final fun run, the "Rollercoaster" from the Bikepark Carosello 3000 to Livigno offers the Costaccia mountain restaurant a large sun terrace with a view. Of course, you can also stop off at one of the many restaurants in Livigno. Before the ascent to Passo Alpisella, on the shores of Lago di Livigno lies the Ristoro Val Alpisella. At the northern end of the dam wall of Lago San Giacomo di Fraele lies the Rifugio Ristoro Val Fraele and above the dam wall of Lago di Cancano, on the way to Boscopiano, lies the Rifugio Ristoro Solena.
Shortcuts/variants
In Livigno, you can basically cover every metre of altitude with cable cars. There is a bike park on each side of the valley and if you are looking for options, browse through the corresponding route maps. There are no limits to the variety here. If you stick to the race route, you can tackle the very steep second ascent up to the Carosello 3000 bike park with the new Carosello 3000 section I gondola lift. However, you can also ride up section II for a nice variation and descend on the back over a beautiful trail into Val Federia, through which you can finally roll back to Livigno. Or ride down at the front and savour the entire Carosello 3000 bike park first. Oh, so much is possible on this section.
The stage as a short trip
If you want to return from Bormio to Livigno on the same day and still have around 1000 metres of altitude in your legs, take the road to Premadio and then a pleasant climb (side road) up to the Torri di Fraele. Now pass the reservoirs again and follow the route of the first stage over the Passo Trela to Livigno. From Bormio a Bus to Livigno, which transports bicycles on request. Taxi addresses can be found on the page www.bormio.eu.
Stage as part of a round trip (2 days)
With Santa Caterina, the Passo Gavia and the Valtellina, the region offers countless opportunities to turn this stage into a multi-day tour. So here is just one example: one for a great two-day tour. This leads from Bormio on the route of the third stage to Grosotto in Valtellina. Now take the cycle path out of the valley to Tirano and take the Bernina railway up to Ospizio Bernina. Now from the Bernina Pass over the Fuorcla Minor to the Forcola di Livigno and flat downhill to Livigno.
Marc Schneider's tip
Anyone who orders a Fernet or Ramazzotti after a meal in Bormio is chased off the farm with shame and dishonour. Braulio", an "Amaro Alpino", is produced here. Ordering it has style, if only because the route leads past the flank of the mountain of the same name and over the river of the same name. Salute!
Hans "No Way" Rey is not only a consultant with expertise, but also often out and about in Livigno with his bike and camera. His videos provide the best overview of the area. Two worthwhile tips from his Youtube channel:
"Follow me to Livigno" with the presentation of the Rollercoaster Trail, Karl Platt is also there.
"Tutti Frutti Epic" with Brian Lopes
Race details and registration: www.bike-transalp.de
