EuroBlog 2018: The Haute Route Stelvio, Day One

After months of training, John and I finally arrived in Bormio to join the "Haute Route Stelvio," a three-day torture fest--I mean, bicycling event--including some of the most epic cycling routes in the world. For the first stage, I survived climbing through mist, rain and hail up to the first summit, Umbrail Pass (elevation 2501 meters), but opted to wait out the rest of the race in a cafe atop Stelvio Pass (elevation 2758 meters).

Doing this for my health? John shows me a preview of our upcoming bike routes

Proudly wearing our GNC bike kits from Whitefish, Montana, we are all set for Stage One.

Danilo displaying Day One excitement at the starting line

Santiago and John are all smiles before the stage begins (and before the foul weather sets in)

Unfortunately, the weather at the summit was more suitable for skiing than for cycling.

Rain gear proved essential on the day

Few spectators were there to await the arrival of the approx 300 riders in the cold rain

Congratulations all around to those that braved the elements to complete the ascent of the Stelvio.

Danilo was definitely thrilled that this stage was finally over!

John was easy to spot wearing his Great Northern Cycling kit, sans rain jacket

John finished in a respectable time, especially considering he had paced me up to the first summit
and then had to play catch-up to rejoin the rest of the peloton.

Definitely ready to get off the bike and into some warm dry clothes!

Here are some of the Passoni bunch, all suited up for the wet descent