Gran Fondo Sestriere Colle delle Finestre

A granfondo in the heart of the Piedmontese Alps

The Gran Fondo Sestriere Colle delle Finestre is one of the most anticipated events on the Italian summer cycling calendar. Organized by the Consorzio Turismo Sestriere in the municipality of Sestriere, in the Province of Turin, Piedmont, the event attracts over a thousand cycling enthusiasts every year, all eager to test themselves on one of the most fascinating routes in the Western Alps, located in the Via Lattea (Milky Way) area on the border with France.

The legendary climb of Colle delle Finestre

The heart of the granfondo is the ascent to Colle delle Finestre, a climb that has entered cycling legend due to its appearances in the Giro d'Italia. Spanning approximately 18.5 kilometers with an average gradient of around 9%, the climb offers spectacular hairpin bends through larch forests and, most notably, the final 7.8 kilometers on unpaved white roads leading to the pass, situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. This is where the race is decided and where every participant can test their mettle on terrain that is as evocative as it is demanding.

Two routes for every rider

The event offers two routes that share the charm of the Susa Valley:

• Granfondo (long route): 103.6 km with 3,170 meters of elevation gain, including a double ascent of Colle del Sestriere in addition to Colle delle Finestre.
• Mediofondo (medium route): 79.0 km with 2,370 meters of elevation gain, ideal for those seeking the challenge of the great climb without the full distance.

Both routes start in Cesana Torinese and pass through Oulx, Salbertrand, Exilles, Chiomonte, Gravere, and Susa, before tackling the climb to Colle delle Finestre via Meana di Susa. From the summit, the route descends towards Balboutet, Pourrières, and Pragelato, with the finish line located in Sestriere.

A weekend of high-altitude sport

The road granfondo is the centerpiece of an entire weekend dedicated to cycling. Alongside the road race, the weekend program traditionally hosts off-road events such as the GravelRace and the Assietta Legend mountain bike race, with the option to combine the events in the "Strade Bianche della Via Lattea" challenge. Sestriere, a capital of alpine skiing and an Olympic venue, transforms into a grand cycling village, complete with refreshment points, award ceremonies, and the unique atmosphere of the high Piedmontese mountains.

A growing tradition

Established in 2015, the Gran Fondo Sestriere Colle delle Finestre has grown year after year to become an internationally renowned event, attracting amateur cyclists from across Italy and abroad. The combination of alpine landscapes, legendary climbs, and the hospitality of Sestriere makes it one of the most complete cycling experiences in the Piedmontese summer.