In the lead-up to the 2025 Giro d’Italia, concerns had
mounted over the condition of the Colle delle Finestre, one of the race’s most
iconic and challenging climbs. In recent weeks, images of the pass buried under
heavy snow circulated online, fuelling fears of another weather-related
disruption for the Italian Grand Tour.
The Giro has a long history of being shaped by mountain
weather, with snow often forcing route changes or stage cancellations. Last
year’s edition, for example, saw dramatic scenes on Stage 16 when riders
refused to start amid foul conditions, as race organisers and the peloton
clashed over safety.
The original high-altitude route, which would have reached
nearly 2500 metres, was deemed too dangerous due to persistent rain and snow.
The stage was ultimately shortened to 121 kilometres and rerouted, though not
without controversy.
This year, however, there’s cautious optimism. Local
authorities have now confirmed that work is underway to prepare the Colle delle
Finestre for the Giro’s passage.
“Next week, weather permitting, routine maintenance
operations will begin in preparation for the summer reopening, which include
checking the dry stone walls upstream and downstream from the roadway and
removing vegetation that could potentially obstruct traffic,” the Metropolitan
City said in a statement.
“Once the dirt road has been adequately repaired and
dried, the final rolling of the road surface is planned in preparation for the
Giro d'Italia, a now consolidated practice for the passage of important cycling
races.”
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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- wtf dudemij07-11-2026
- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
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MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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