Overview
The most difficult cycle route in the world
In the southern part of Lake Como, right in the middle of the two branches, runs the Muro di Sormano (Wall of Sormano) road. First included in the Giro di Lombardia cycle race in 1960, it was intended to make the race more challenging, specifically for its extreme difficulty.
What makes the Wall of Sormano the toughest stretch of road in the world for competitive cycling is the 300-metre difference in altitude with an average gradient of 17%, reaching as high as 24% in some sections and maintained for over a distance of around two kilometres. The record, still unbeaten today on this section of the circuit, is held by Ercole Baldini, who covered it in 9 minutes and 24 seconds in 1962.
But the Wall of Sormano is not only an attraction for cycling enthusiasts. In fact, it is closed to motor vehicle traffic, which means visitors can take part in numerous excursions. In some sections, surrounded by nature, you can enjoy breath-taking views of Lake Como and its surrounding mountains.
