Thonon - Trieste (Léman - Adriatic)

In the small world of randonneuring, there are those who can say that they have done it and unfortunately those who have not !

• Price £125

• Ride length : 11 days

• 38 mountain passes

• Total distance 1180 km

• Total elevation : 20922 m

Created in 1980, it is the second ride of the Great Alpine crossings organised by the tireless Georges ROSSINI. From the blue waves of lake Geneva to the sparkling shores of the Adriatic, this fabulous route ; a true benchmark in the world of ‘randonneuring’ will make you discover the most beautiful mountain roads crossing 3 alpine countries : France, Switzerland and Italy. A serie of delightful valleys will enable you to climb several prestigious mountain passes : Simplon, San Bernardino, Splügen, Majola, Bernina, Stelvio (with an altitude of 2757 m, it is the highest pass of the ride), Valparola, Falzarego, Giau, Rioda… This cycling adventure… and what an adventure will be, will lead you to the foot of the impressive walls of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, also the most emblematic passes of the Giro d’Italia !

Evergreencycling.com organise your self-guided ride as an eco-responsible cycling experience respectful of the regions crossed !

Day by Day breakdown

Day 1 (Thonon-les-Bains to Sion : 108 km, 1040 m D+)

Warm up stage to reach the Abondance Valley and the Swiss border at Pas de Morgins. The ride between Monthey and Sion offers superb views of the famous Valais vineyards.

Day 2 (Sion to Santa Maria Maggiore 130 km, 2170 m D+)

A beautiful route in the German speaking part of Valais to reach Simplon pass and natural gorge of Gondo, then Italy to Santa Maria Maggiore.

Day 3 (Santa Maria Maggiore to San Bernardino 112 km, 1750 m D+)

An amazing ride along Lago Maggiore (Isole Borromee) to reach Cannobio & Locarno (canton of Ticino) and the alpine village of San Bernardino (Canton of the Grisons).

Day 4 (San Bernardino to Pontresina 122 km, 2850 m D+)

After San Bernardino and Splügen, it’s a magnificent alpine stage with breathtaking views of the high peaks of Val Bregaglia (Piz Badile), lake Silvaplana and prestigious alpine city of St Moritz.

Day 5 (Pontresina to Spondigna 120 km, 2800 m D+)

The Queen stage. Bernina, Forcola di Livigno, Eira, Foscagno, Umbrail and the majestic Stelvio.

An unforgettable and legendary alpine route for the fittest !

Day 6 (Spondigna to Bolzano 118 km, 1750 m D+)

Nice ride punctuated by varied and fascinating landscapes to join the capital of South Tyrol. It’s a day of transition before climbing the famous passes of the Dolomites.

Day 7 (Bolzano to San Cassiano 95km, 3095 m D+)

Welcome to the famous Dolomites ! This whole part of South Tyrol (Italy) is the jewel in the crown. You will discover Castelrotto, Ortisei, Val Gardena, Corvara in Badia with astonishing traditional villages and the famous mountain passes like Pinei, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo.

Day 8 (San Cassiano to San Candido 114 km, 2790 m D+)

You will find yourself in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy. Great but difficult climbs and technical descents with the following passes: Valparola, Falzarego, Santa Lucia, Giau, Tre Croci, Misurina and Tre Cime Lavaredo. The day will be long !

Day 9 (San Candido to Tolmezzo 116 km, 2450 m D+)

A relatively easy route with a few passes (Ciampigotto, Razzo, Roda, Pura) for a ride full of pleasant surprises.

Day 10 (Tolmezzo to Udine 63km, 157 m D+)

It’s a ride without particular difficulty. Perfect to discover the Friuli area and the historic city of Udine (Georges Rossini birthplace).

Day 11 (Udine to Trieste 82 km, 70 m D+)

Last leg of the ride. You will reach Trieste, the pearl of the Adriatic.

Tour Info

• A GPS track to download (ridewithgps)

• A detailed road logbook

• A distinctive and original frame plate for your bike

• A presentation box with a superb commemorative medal #thonontrieste

• A full cycling route briefing by our local representative (Thonon-les-Bains)

• A leaflet with a detailed route description of #thonontrieste

• A leaflet with advice and recommendations for a successful trip

• A complete list of accommodation

• A certificate of achievement in a presentation folder

• 2 evergreen cycling stickers

The ride is available from June to mid-October.

The average distance per day is 105 km.

Tour profile : mountainous.

Starting town : Thonon-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie, France).

Final stage: Trieste (Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Italy).

The tour is aimed at riders who have a very good level of fitness and cycling endurance.

E-bikes are welcome.

The route is passable in general from June until mid-October. However, the opening and closing dates of the high mountain roads may vary depending on the weather conditions at the time of travel.

We can arrange for airport transfer with our partner between Geneva airport and Thonon-les-Bains (one way and/or return). Please forward all relevant details including arrival date/time and departure date/time, number of cyclists, number of bikes for a quote.