Only the brave – ride the Mediterranean’s Alta Via Stage Race

I wanted to take part in the legendary Alta Via Stage Race and get to know Italy’s Liguria region and the Finale Ligure’s well-known singletrack. The atmosphere and ambience are usually very friendly at events like the Alta Via Stage Race and you get to know great biking regions from the local point of view. In the evening, after an exhausting and eventful day, great food and a festival atmosphere await.

For various reasons, I was never able to take part in the Alta Via Stage Race, which is why I asked the organisers for the route data so that I could explore it on my own at a later date. In autumn 2021, the time had come and my girlfriend and I set off on our Alta Via adventure. You can find the original uncut route of our trip here: komoot.com/collection/1350008.

I’ve planned this Collection based on our experience so that you can follow the tracks of the Alta Via Stage Race with or without camping equipment. In the stage descriptions, I give you information on possible accommodation in addition to tips on the route conditions and supply options.

As a bikepacking Tour, this route naturally lends itself to a real adventure: you are independent and can plan stages as you feel comfortable. You certainly won’t miss the weight of any camping equipment on the trails and hike-a-bike sections. Lighter luggage is also less of a hindrance on technically demanding descents. In the evening, you can enjoy the luxury of a shower and the specialities of Ligurian cuisine. No matter how you approach it, the Alta Via challenges you and pushes you to the edge of your comfort zone. The slogan ‘Only the brave’ is quite justified to sum up the character of this adventure.

The Alta Via Stage Race is based on the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri long-distance hiking trail. Along the route, the red and white AV or AVML markings guide you on foot. The race’s route regularly leaves the hiking trail to include more beautiful singletrack or save unnecessary pushing and carrying sections every now and again. You ride parallel to the coast of the Ligurian Sea, through the Ligurian Apennines to the Ligurian Alps. You experience the rough, partly wild and yet enchanting landscape of Liguria between the Cinque Terre cliffs and Ventimiglia on the French border. On lonely, ancient paths you discover a very original and fascinating region of Italy with friendly, open-minded people and great cuisine.

I can recommend this Collection to all experienced mountain bikers and bikepackers with an adventurous spirit. It is technically demanding. If you’re familiar with the Finale Ligure’s singletrack, you’ll have a rough idea of what to expect on the Alta Via. Pushing uphill and hike-a-bike sections are just as much a part of the route as its racy enduro descents and long, flowing singletrack. Alpine climbs and gruelling saw-tooth hills are part of the itinerary too. Of course, as well as unpaved roads, there are asphalted sections that allow you to gain some distance and recover a little. Expect varied terrain that sometimes surprises and often delights.

A few tips for your trip:

Compared to Transalp routes, you will find much less tourist infrastructure in the Ligurian hinterland. Take advantage of every opportunity to fill up your water and get supplies at the few shops or huts you find along the way. It is best to book your accommodation in advance and ask about the current opening hours.

For any support during your trip in the form of luggage transport, guided Tours, help with technical problems or possible alternative routes without gravel, you’ll find plenty of information online. Claudio Simonetti is the best person to contact for information on the Alta Via by bike.

Getting there:

Travelling by train in Italy is relatively cheap. Bikes are even carried on regional trains without requiring a reservation or additional costs. On the other hand, the parking facilities are sometimes somewhat cramped. Bicycle parking is usually in the first or last carriage. Trains run almost every half hour between Ventimiglia and La Spezia. This gives you plenty of room for spontaneous time management if you need an espresso or a focaccia on the way to the station.