28/06/2025
Over 1,000 athletes from all over the world challenged themselves on some of the most iconic mountain passes. Once again, Livigno reigns as the cycling capital: Jack Burke and Laura Simenc claimed victory at the Mottolino finish line.
Livigno, 16/04/2025 – Huge success for the Granfondo Livigno Alé, which lit up Livigno’s Saturday by bringing together over 1,000 athletes from all corners of the globe, despite a last-minute change to the program.
Recent bad weather had caused the collapse of a retaining wall, sending debris, rocks, and mud onto the road along a section of the original route. As a result, the Prefecture ordered a road closure, making it impossible to hold the race on the longer course. All participants were therefore redirected to the medium route, which covered 106 kilometers with 2,050 meters of elevation gain.
A truly spectacular route nonetheless, with a highly demanding technical profile. The race began at Aquagranda, the Olympic Preparation Center and future Casa Italia for the 2026 Games, and made its way through Livigno’s town center before climbing toward the Passo della Forcola, crossing the border into Switzerland.
From there, cyclists tackled the breathtaking ascent of the Passo del Bernina, descended through the Engadin Valley, and passed through the Munt La Schera tunnel, setting the stage for the final, decisive climbs. The race was ultimately won by Canadian rider Jack Burke, who conquered the route with determination and strength.
In the men’s race, Jack Burke claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 26 seconds, breaking away with an impressive surge from the group of seven escapees he had reached the base of Passo Eira with. Among the women, it was Laura Simenc who delivered a standout performance, crossing the finish line as the first female athlete. The Slovenian’s triumph further underscored the international caliber of the competition.
Particularly striking was the final double ascent—two breathtaking climbs in quick succession that brought the race to a dramatic close: the Passo Eira, followed by the final push up to Mottolino. These iconic climbs allowed the strongest riders to make the difference and rekindled the excitement of Tadej Pogačar’s solo finish during the queen stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia.
A tribute to the Slovenian champion came in the form of the “Pogačar Segment”—a race within the race that rewarded the fastest male and female riders on the stretch from Passo Eira to the finish line, the very section where Pogačar made his decisive move last year. The prize, a Pinarello racing bike, was fittingly awarded to Jack Burke and Laura Simenc, who not only dominated this segment but also claimed overall victory in their respective categories.
A truly special day, shaped by a simply magnificent course, widely praised by all the athletes at the start line. They were struck by the blend of stunning landscapes and demanding technical challenges, perfectly captured in the words of Zdeněk Štybar—the Czech cyclist, multiple-time cyclocross world medalist, stage winner at both the Vuelta and the Tour, two-time runner-up at Paris-Roubaix, and winner of Strade Bianche 2015.
He remarked: “It was a splendid race, taking us along iconic roads that spark dreams. On one hand, there’s real technical complexity—especially in that brutal final stretch, which really burns the legs. On the other, there’s a constant connection with breathtaking nature. That’s why Livigno is a true capital of European cycling.”…and everyone chooses it—to train, to have fun on two wheels. I've spent at least three weeks a year here for the past 25 seasons, and it was on the Stelvio Pass that I proposed to my wife.”
The Granfondo Livigno Alé 2025 thus comes to a close with tremendous success, both in participation and organization, perfectly aligning with the sports-tourism identity of a destination deeply connected to cycling in every form.
A true Alpine paradise for cycling enthusiasts—from casual riders to world-class champions—where everyone can always find the perfect setting to meet their goals.
So, mark your calendars for the next edition: Granfondo Livigno Alé — June 27, 2026.
