Legendary Climbs in the Monviso Lands – Pian del Re Stage

A legendary climb on car-free roads

The Legendary Climbs in the Monviso Lands is a cycle-touring event that transforms the great Alpine passes of the Cuneo area into an exclusive playground for cyclists by closing roads to motorized traffic. The Pian del Re stage, starting from the town of Crissolo in the Province of Cuneo, is one of the event's signature climbs: it leads up to the plateau where the Po River rises, at the foot of the Monviso massif in Piedmont.

The Route

The climb measures approximately 9 kilometers from Crissolo to Pian del Re, with 690 meters of elevation gain, an average gradient of 7.7%, and maximum peaks of 12%. During the event, the provincial road is closed to traffic, allowing cyclists to tackle the hairpin bends in total peace and fully enjoy the high-altitude landscape, amidst pastures, rocky outcrops, and the unmistakable silhouette of the 'Stone King'.

• Length: approx. 9 km
• Elevation gain: 690 meters
• Average gradient: 7.7%
• Maximum gradient: 12%
• Arrival altitude: approx. 2,020 meters (Pian del Re)

A free event open to everyone

Participation is completely free and no mandatory registration is required: simply show up at the meeting point at the Sala delle Guide in Crissolo. Optional registration allows you to pick up a commemorative tag and access photos downloadable from the official website. The climb is open to all types of bicycles, including e-bikes with pedal assist, making the experience accessible to both seasoned cyclists and those tackling the mountains with electric support.

The Monviso Lands

The initiative is promoted by Terres Monviso, a wide-area strategy that brings together local Mountain Unions and the Municipality of Saluzzo, with technical support from Velo Caraglio and Vigor Cycling Team. The Legendary Climbs are part of a broader calendar involving the Stura, Grana, Maira, Varaita, and Po-Bronda-Infernotto valleys, in a territory recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Pian del Re stage celebrates one of the most beloved climbs in Piedmontese cycle-touring, set in an Alpine landscape of rare beauty.

Why participate

Tackling Pian del Re on a closed road is a unique opportunity to experience the mountains on your bike, far from cars and immersed in nature. Arriving at the source of the Po, beneath the summit of Monviso, offers a sense of satisfaction that goes well beyond the physical effort: it is a small journey through the history of cycling and the geography of Piedmont.