When the Giro d'Italia comes to the Aosta Valley , this small Alpine region in northwestern Italy transforms into a major stage of international cycling. On May 23, Stage 14 of this year's Giro d'Italia will pass through the Aosta Valley, and with more than 4,400 meters of elevation gain, it ranks among the most grueling stretches of the entire race.
The stage starts in the historic center of Aosta, then winds through numerous mountain villages before climbing to Pila at around 1,800 meters above sea level. Just a few weeks later, that same destination officially opens its summer season for mountain bikers and downhill enthusiasts. For the Aosta Valley, the Giro thus marks the symbolic start of the bike season.
One of the most spectacular Giro stages of the year
The region is no stranger to the Giro d'Italia by any means. Time and again, the mountain stages in the Aosta Valley have produced some of the race's most dramatic moments. In 2026, riders will once again face a demanding route featuring multiple mountain classifications, including Saint-Barthélemy and Doues. The final climb to Pila is expected to create significant time gaps once more.
The route passes not only through alpine landscapes but also by historically significant sites in the region. The starting point is Piazza Chanoux in the heart of Aosta, not far from the famous Arch of Augustus dating back to Roman times. Those who want to experience the stage in person can even take the gondola lifts between Aosta and Pila on that day, which will be running specially for spectators.
Pila kicks off its downhill season
Just a few weeks after the Giro, Pila once again becomes a gathering place for the bike scene. Starting June 13, the so-called "Bike Stadium" opens its trails for the summer season. Through mid-September, a wide range of downhill and freeride routes will be available.
Pila is particularly well known for its impressive vertical drops. From the upper areas near Stella di Pila at around 2,700 meters, some trails descend all the way down to the Roman city of Aosta. More than 2,200 vertical meters in a single run make the area especially popular with experienced mountain bikers . At the same time, easier routes are also available for beginners and families.
Between a national park and alpine passes
The Aosta Valley has been one of Italy's most versatile cycling regions for years. According to regional tourism figures, the trail network encompasses more than 1,000 kilometers of unpaved paths and singletracks. Particularly popular is the area around the Gran Paradiso National Park near Cogne, where tours wind through alpine forests and high-mountain landscapes .
Road cyclists, too, will find legendary routes in the Aosta Valley. The Great St. Bernard Pass at 2,472 meters connects Italy with Switzerland and ranks among the most impressive alpine passes in Europe. Many ambitious recreational riders now use the region specifically to experience well-known Giro climbs for themselves.
For those interested, this year's Giro stage can even be downloaded as a GPX track to ride later. That is precisely what makes the Aosta Valley so appealing to many: the region combines professional cycling, spectacular alpine scenery, and well-developed tourist infrastructure within a compact area.
The Aosta Valley increasingly bets on cycling tourism
Cycling is becoming an increasingly important tourism driver in the Aosta Valley. While the region was once known primarily as a winter sports destination, bike offerings are gaining ground steadily during the summer months. From downhill and enduro to classic road cycling tours , the options now cater to a wide range of visitors.
The combination of a high-alpine setting, relatively short distances, and authentic mountain villages is what draws many visitors to the region. The fact that the Giro d'Italia is once again passing through the Aosta Valley should give this trend additional momentum .