Italy’s Western Alps Cycling Exploration | Piedmont Epic Road Ride

After pick-up in Torino and a 1½-hour van transfer to Vicoforte Mondovì, your journey begins with a scenic warm-up ride to Cuneo. Starting at the impressive Sanctuary of Vicoforte, the route takes you through the medieval town of Mondovì, where history spans across two elevations with two old towns connected by a charming funicular..

The route is rarely flat offering a perfect introduction to the Piedmont region as you gradually approach the majestic Alps. The day concludes in the elegant city of Cuneo, building anticipation for the adventures to come.

Cuneo, literally meaning “wedge”, is nestled on high ground between the deep cuts of two rivers.  On day two of your tour, you’ll ride into the valley carved by one of the two rivers, the Stura, which flows along the city's western edge. Following for a short while the cross-border road that eventually reaches the Maddalena Pass, the route quickly turns to the south, toward the Sanctuary of St. Anne of Vinadio and the Lombarda Pass.

This prestigious alpine road has long been a favorite training ground for professional cyclists, with its challenging 20 km climb featuring alternating steep gradients and gentler stretches for recovery. At 2,350 meters above sea level, the summit rewards you with breathtaking views, a perfect payoff for this iconic ascent often featured in the Tour and Giro.

For those seeking a lighter ride, two shorter options with less significant elevation gain are also available.

Today’s ride takes you to the legendary Fauniera Pass, where a stone statue honors Marco Pantani’s victorious 1999 Giro d’Italia stage. The climb begins in the Grana Valley, heading toward the mountain village of Castelmagno, famed for its local cheese. The scenery grows increasingly dramatic, with wide, wild landscapes opening up at every pedal stroke as you ascend beyond the tree line.

At 2,481 meters above sea level, the summit offers crisp mountain air and awe-inspiring panoramas extending for miles on clear days. After taking in the views, enjoy a thrilling descent back to the Stura Valley and return to Cuneo. This fulfilling loop is a must-ride for any Italian cycling enthusiast.

After the first 3 days in the southwestern corner of the Alps with its two iconic climbs (Lombarda and Fauniera) we will have an easier day riding northwards from Cuneo to our next home base in Saluzzo.

The Western Alps’ main valleys are framed by dramatic ridges descending from towering peaks. These ridges gradually drop eastward, softening into the fertile agricultural plains of Cuneo and Torino. At lower elevations, the gentler ridges create an ideal setting for crossing from one valley to the next—a perfect opportunity to explore the cycling playground of the foothills, no matter which route you choose.

As you ride through forested landscapes dotted with charming villages, historic sanctuaries, and welcoming towns, the roads offer a mix of engaging climbs and thrilling descents. These routes, steeped in cycling history, include sections celebrated by the Giro d’Italia and feature prominently in “La Fausto Coppi Granfondo”, one of Italy’s most renowned cycling events.

Three distinct itineraries will guide you to Saluzzo, choose the one you prefer to reach your home base for the next three nights.

From Saluzzo, an epic day of cycling awaits as you tackle the magnificent climb to Pian del Re - the "Plain of the King" - the base of Monviso, the most iconic peak in the Western Alps, a pyramidal giant that towers over Piedmont at an impressive 3,841 meters. Reaching Pian del Re delivers a profound sense of accomplishment, especially if you've already glimpsed Monviso’s silhouette from the plains earlier in your journey.

The route takes you along a valley carved by the upper reaches of Italy's longest river, the Po. At 2,000 meters of elevation, forests give way to steep grassy slopes and rocky outcrops, creating a true alpine setting where you might spot marmots or chamois. Climbing done, the source of the Po River is just a short walk away. Turn around and take in the valley you’ve just climbed before enjoying a thrilling descent, with long stretches of open vistas and engaging switchbacks. Along the way, you can pause for a break at Pian della Regina—the "Plain of the Queen"—or in the village of Crissolo to savor a coffee or sample local delicacies.

For those seeking a less intense ride, a visit to the traditional mountain village of Ostana or the charming town of Barge offers equally rewarding experiences without the challenge of a major climb.

The Colle dell’Agnello—“Pass of the Lamb”—stands as the highest paved cross-border mountain pass in Europe, reaching an elevation of 2,744 meters. This legendary climb is anything but docile, with its high altitude and steep gradients challenging even the most seasoned cyclists and ranking it among the elite of cycling’s great ascents, alongside icons like the Stelvio, Izoard, Mortirolo, and Pordoi. Frequently featured in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, it’s a must for cycling enthusiasts.

From Saluzzo, your ride begins with a warm-up on the Colletta di Brondello before descending into Val Varaita, a stunning valley framed by increasingly rugged and dramatic peaks. The road winds past the picturesque mountain village of Chianale, leading to the final, steeper section of the ascent. As you climb, the western face of Monviso emerges, framed by a panorama that progressively expands to reveal towering peaks near and far. Reaching the small plateau at the summit, where the border with France lies, offers a profound sense of accomplishment. Few places on Earth make you feel so close to the sky.

For those looking for less proximity to the sky, other rewarding routes are available. Consider the climb to the Sanctuary of Valmala, a serene and picturesque destination, or tackle the wild, panoramic Colle di Sampeyre, another spectacular alpine ascent.

After a celebratory evening and a good night of well-deserved sleep, day 7 will be dedicated to the shuttle transfer that will take you from Saluzzo to Turin, it's time for a farewell to this amazing region or to indulge in some more days in the royal city.