Racing the Dolomites ! Stelvio Umbrail Pass & Passo Gavia in the Snow & into the Sun up Predaia

Stages 1, 2 & 3 of the Haute Route Dolomites 2023 (5 stages in total). It's taken a long time to edit, but hopefully worth it. Stage 1 is a max effort in the snow from Bormio to the top of the Umbrail Pass (near the top of the Stelvio). Stage 2 sees us take on Passo Gavia, climbing into the snow at 2600m, before descending towards the sun and the Predaia climb. Stage 3 is an individual TT out of the city of Trento to the top of Monte Bondone. Beautiful scenery and hard riding - a match made in heaven !
To translate the subtitles to your preferred language, please go to the settings cog on the video, and make sure subtitles are turned on. Then select auto-translate, and then select the language you prefer.
Please leave those comments and hit that subscribe
Thanks ever so much for all of your support! And whoever you are, what ever your do, please remember to LIVE THRIVE AND STAY HEALTHY !
Follow my journey
Instagram: / bikeracingwithoutmercy
Strava: / strava
00:00 Bormio Intro
01:14 Bormio Stelvio, Umbrail Pass
11:05 Stage 2 Intro
11:43 Passo Gavia
18:17 Tonale
20:40 Predaia
23:24 Stage 3 iTT Monte Bondone

[@MR-rk2ty]

Hi, Du bist mein Vorbild. Kein Unfall der Welt kann Dich aufhalten. 😊 Liebe Grüße

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Das ist unglaublich großzügig von Ihnen! und sehr motivierend!! Es war ein langer Weg von der Verletzung - und ich bin immer noch nicht so stark wie vor dem Unfall - aber ich genieße den Trainingsprozess und den Lebensstil! Bleiben Sie stark, mein Herr!!

[@thomasroell5255]

Thanx for putting that video up. Lots of good memories, lots of friends in there, got even me in there for a few seconds. However missing a lot of things. The racing on the flatter parts of stage 2, the atmosphere the 200m before the timing starts, where everybody changes, calms down, trying to find a goup of mates to go on. Or coming down Gavia, literally shivering at the bottom trying to get warm again. While Passo Predaia is not one of those famous climbs, the scenary throu the villages, throu the "apple vineyards" gowing Golden Delicious, Stark Delicious, Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Winesap, Morgenduft, Fuji and Braeburn ... The ride back to Trento throu the vineyards, where you could chat with the locals what grapes they grow, how much, where it goes ... all the while riding with your mates and chatting away ... Not the views from Monte Bondone, which I did not know before, but now is one of my favourite all time climbs ... The Haute Route Dolomites is (or sadly was) much more than a list of bucket list climbs. Hopefully you noticed for stage 5 that the route way along passes and scenery that was bitterly fought for in WWI, and with some irony ends on the parking lot for "The Great War Open Air Museums Cortina".

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Thomas 🙏 - and it’s a pleasure to put together. And agreed - the points you make would add to the texture of the video. As I’m sure your appreciate - it’s hard to condense 2 full days of film and the TT into 25mins. The next video is very beautiful - but again i have to focus the edit on visually the best parts 👍

[@neilplatt1111]

Hi Phil, really please your going well again, id say better than ever. Paul is a superb companion and pacer for sure and quality rider. Loved the video

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

It’s really good to hear from you Neil 💯 - and I hope you are keeping well Sir ! Thanks ever so much for your kind support🙏. And agreed Paul is a sensational riding buddy - knows when to push me a little harder !

[@paulmorrison30]

All I can say is that was awesome 💪🏾👍🏾👌🏾✊🏾👊🏾

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Paul 🙏 - massively appreciate your support as always ! Stay strong Sir - sending you positive energy

[@Crispindel]

Thanks for the awesome video Phil! That race was beautiful beginning to end!!!

[@Adambubb555]

Brilliant as always phil.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Adam 🙏 - super generous of you as always and much appreciated 👍

[@harrimi]

It’s a long time since I have watched one of your videos Phill. A lack of lockdown means I spend less time on YT. This is a fabulous edit (I guess credit goes to your better half😉) cutting from front to rear cameras in perfect sequence. The scenery was epic and the narration spot on.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Mark - it’s really lovely to hear from you, Sir! And I hope all is well. I massively appreciate your very generous and kind word of encouragement 🙏 I took over the edits from Jayne back in ‘22 post my accident - hence it takes me ages to get a video out 😅. Jayne says she could do in 25% of the time … Beautiful climb of Passo Gau to come soon !

[@derx6666]

We all need a Piglet to pace us up a mountain. Although for me I don't think Piglet would be able to ride as slow uphill as I do :) Great video though. The Italian mountains are something to behold.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

💯Marco, it’s truly a privilege to ride there with Piglet presiding over the ascent 👌. I think this and Passo Gau are likely 2 of the very best big climbs in Europe - Italy always always delivers . Hope you are well Sir !

[@jd0johnson]

Another fantastic video of Phil catching flys. Well done sir.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

🤣 love the catching flies ! Not the most elegant- but effective on those tempo rides ! Thanks JD - super kind of you 🙏

[@fastbreakmarketing7788]

I just watched your video, and I have to say, 🚴‍♂ your adventure is absolutely incredible. 👋 It's like watching a superhero in action, conquering those challenging climbs and breathtaking mountain landscapes. And your editing skills are simply amazing.👌 You've managed to capture the essence of those mountains in a way that's both inspiring and beautiful. I can't wait to see what thrilling adventures you'll take on next!🤩

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

That’s extremely generous of you to say to Fast Break 😇🙏 - and too too generous !! I wish I’d been at my peak fitness for this event - but have struggled with the rebuild since my accident . The Stelvio National Park was indeed sublime - and I’m very pleased the edit helped capture this and portray the privilege of cycling there. The next video includes Passo Giau and Passo Valparola - which take the beautiful vistas to another level🤩🤩

[@agnesrosalinde]

Great video of these events. You and Paul did very well! Proud of you.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I hugely appreciate your extremely generous praise and support, Agnes 🙏 - I was super lucky to be able to ride there and with the powerhouse that is Paul 💯. Stay strong - and prevail 💪💪

[@agnesrosalinde]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Thank you!

[@dr.loxley4052]

I'm envious... it's not healthy I know! Well done Phil great video - Chapeau ole fella!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

🤣🤣 thanks ever so much Dr Loxley 🙏. I prescribe a 2024 trip to the Dolomites for you sir !

[@kevstephen9393]

Great viewing 👌 you definitely have a way with words 😂

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Kev 🙏 - that’s beyond generous of you, Sir !

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Congratulation Philip, this ride looks awesome ... needs to be on my bucket list! ps. Don't change a thing

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers, Chris 🙏 - it’s some of the finest cycling in Europe. I reckon that when you see the video with final stage that includes Passo Gau and Passo Valparola, you’ll be even more certain of this being a bucket list part of the world to make a pilgrimage to. You and Jesse would be very very competitive at the front of these types of events 💯🇮🇹

[@radoslawmroz9729]

Wow, congratulations Phil, great video and amazing pacing on beautiful climbs. I would never expected so much snow this time of the year. Definitely need to explore this part of the world. Well done Phil 💪💪🚲🚲

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Radoslaw - and thanks ever so much 🙏. That’s really good of you to say so. I really enjoyed the contrast of Bormio and the Stelvio to the jewel in the crown area of the Dolomites around Passos Giau / Falzarego & Valparola etc which you know well. Highly recommended 💯

[@PierreAlainMaire]

Bring a sledge 😆 I like that trend after the "bring a fishing rod". Lovely video, I can feel the cold... Well done to you (& Paul) !

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Ha ha - I thought of you as I composed that, Pierre-Alain 💯! Really appreciate your super generous praise !🙏🙏

[@DavidS358]

Top quality video Phil. More 🙏

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much David 🙏 - that’s super generous of you, Sir! And there is more to come, including another of most beautiful ascents I’ve ever done (Passo Giau) - sublime ! 🤩

[@DavidS358]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy looking forward to seeing that ☝️. I rode that this year at the Maratona, perfect scenery & silky smooth roads.

[@andysmith8877]

Superb...

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Andy 🙏 - too too kind Sir !

[@ubernard3000]

Great video and very inspiring Phil.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much, Ubernard 🙏 - very kind of you to say so 💯

[@richardwhalen4624]

Well done I can only dream of lumbering up such climbs. Truly you are a value added to any such event! Thank you so very much for the effort and video.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much for your very kind and generous encouragement, Richard 🙏 - very generous indeed Sir ! You’d be surprised how nice it is to climb these roads with nice tarmac and pretty even gradient - easier per km than the UK 👍

[@iannelson6242]

Fantastic effort and video Phil, Bike Racing Without Mercy to no 540....

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers, Iann 🙏 - that’s hugely appreciated, Sir ! What’s the 540 ?

[@iannelson6242]

The number of the guy on the white cannondale you were tussling with day 1!@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy

[@dominicbritt]

Nice work Phil 👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Dominic 🙏

[@nickbrownbill3413]

Awesome video mate, it totally delivered. Looks like a great event, beautiful location and stunning roads to be riding. Most importantly you capture the human angle of this stuff so well, from your personal battle with the other rider to Crispin's contagious positivity to the people's favourite, Piglet advice. Top work mate.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

That’s really lovely of you to say Nick! I do try and find the little human angles - the struggle of the MAML at altitude ! For sure Crispin is a true Gent & Paul a maestro Gentleman💯. Really pleased this delivered - and you should see the Gau (in a later video) on another level of beauty 🤩

[@mattjohn7700]

Brilliant video, well done, them views wow.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much, Matt 🙏 - too too kind sir ! And for sure - views on views on views 🤩

[@katieloker]

Brilliant video, Phill. Always enjoy seeing your adventures on the road with Piglet. He said he'd encouraged you to work really hard in this one!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Katie 🙏 - too too kind of you 🙏💯. It’s impossible not to ride better outside with Piglet - he’s the perfect coach - loads of tips for real speed outside, and knows when to push you a tad harder. THE Cycling maestro 💯🚀

[@shawnsmith7009]

@5:45 that bike setup, including high seat for #540 😮

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Shawn 🙏 - and for sure he had a proper light bike - I think a Cannondate Super 6 Evo rim - like Paul’s and with seriously light wheels (5.5-6kg I reckon )

[@paulgriswold1776]

I admire how calm and collected you are in such a demanding ride. Great job all around!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Paul 🙏 - I really appreciate you saying that ! I’ve done a lot of work to try and relax my shoulders and face on the bike - albeit the pain face emerges when things get really tough 😅

[@n22pdf]

Amazing huge climbs on the Dolomites.. always an inspiration to watch your excellent vids Phil 😊 🚴🏻🥇😍 Pete

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Pete and as always thank you ever so much for your incredible encouragement 🙏. This was amazing to film, but a beast to edit, so really appreciate your support 👍🙏

[@christopherwatts1742]

Another Stella video sir…

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Chris 🙏 - that’s really kind of you and motivating for me !

[@simonhanson5280]

Another great video. Cinematography really brings it to life.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Simon 🙏 - I’m really pleased to hear you enjoyed the edit - the objective is indeed to bring to life the look and feel of the event👍

[@AtakanCOBAN54]

Oh my God dear Phillip. An excellent video from start to finish. The roads and views are wonderful. By the way, two very difficult stages. But you did it. Congratulations Phil. I will continue to watch and recommend you, my friend. Greetings from Türkiye to London. #bikeracingwithoutmercy

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Atakan 🙏 - massively appreciate your very generous support Sir 💯. Jayne says high !

[@ZoomWinflo]

Excellent vid as usual Phil

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Master of alllll Marathons ! Too too kind 🙏

[@valiantabello]

Well done sir

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Valiantabello 🙏 - hugely appreciated 👍

[@MayhemZwifting]

Amazing scenery! Wow

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Zwifter who creates alllll kinds of Mayhem! 🙏 Watopia en Dolomites it was 🤣

[@leedixon2113]

Breathtaking video Phill, thank you for sharing this, truly inspirational 🙏 and well worth the wait 👏👏

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Lee 🙏🙏 - too to kind sir ! Hope all is good

[@IanB17]

Some unbelievable scenery Phill, beautifully captured. What a place to ride your bike. Looking forward to the rest. A word for Paul as well, the guy is a machine! Does he ever find anything difficult? He just seems to take it all in his stride. Chapeau, tough few days on the bike for you both.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Ian 🙏 - and for sure jaw dropping terrain and vistas. So pleased you enjoyed the edit💯 Paul is extremely accomplished - and at the pace I ride it’s easy for him. When we do the iTT climbs, he’ll smoke past me like I’m going backwards !

[@IanB17]

😂 I shudder to think what he'd do to me! @@BikeRacingWithoutMercy

[@gc641]

Now that looks like fun, looks like Paul is running on nuclear gel😂

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

He sure is !! Nuclear carbohydrates to the MAX !! 🤣

[@Cristhyan-gi4lj]

Gran paseo

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

🙏🙏🙏 thanks ever so much !

[@NielsHeldens]

Absolutely mesmerizing views up there in the dolomites, despite the unseasonly weather conditions. Perfect weather for God's finest creation since the platypus: the Gabba. Brilliant video too!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Neils - that’s extremely generous of you. And for sure a Castelli Gaba, with a Castelli Idro Pro rain jacket in the pocket for the descent is unbeatable 💯

[@nickbrownbill3413]

I don't care about being "first" but I do want the youtube algorithm to know as soon as there's a new BRWM, it gets an instaclick from me... looking forward to this one mate!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Nick - that’s too too kind Sir ! I’m getting destroyed on the algorithm due to lack of uploads …. 😅

[@irondistance4313]

Great couple days of riding to start the route. Yes you do look damn smooth on the willier. Also love the commentary beautiful Italian carbon and. I money in the bank 😂

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Great video! it was like live zwift 😆

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Harry 🙏 - massively appreciated ! Watopia en Dolomites for sure !

[@deadlift8551]

Nice ride Phil👍 I was there early September with crazy high temps so this is an interesting contrast for me.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Deadlift8551 🙏 - I reckon harder in the high high temperatures ! But was surprised to see snow in August ! By the way I just today completed 10x10 reps of deadlift with straight bar for the first time in 2 years since my accident 💪

[@deadlift8551]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy that's awesome Phil👍💪

[@craigarcuri2930]

Awesome video! I also prefer the Bormio side of Stelvio. I was up there August 31 and there was still a bit of snow hanging around from that storm.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Craig 🙏 - and for sure my preferred ascent of the Stelvio - and in terms of the big climbs I’ve done, only equalled by Galibier and Passo Gau (coming soon )👌

[@craigarcuri2930]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Looking forward to it! I'm trying to decide my trip next year (Sella Ronda + Giau) vs (Nivolette, Galibier, Iseran). I suspect either one is a win 😁

[@BeardonaBike]

How good are the Dolomites, when I was there it was 30 degrees so it’s interesting to see it cooler and wet. looking good Phil 💪

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Aky🙏 - the Dolomites are indeed Italian Perfection 🇮🇹 👌🤩. You’ll see in the next vid that the weather improves a lot as we head to Falzarego and Passo Gau

[@BeardonaBike]

Ticked both of those off, Ow Ow Passo Giau 👏👏👏

[@TiofilomoisesRoblesatanacio]

La corrida de bicicleta es bonito

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks 🙏 - yes beautiful country to cycle

[@user-on9ot9qq7p]

Great video your not wearing any gloves ?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers User-O to the N !! 🙏. I prefer not to wear gloves - but had them on up the Umbrial Pass and Gavia

[@shanegreen2583]

I liked that jacket on the gavio. What was it?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Shane - it’s the Cafe du Cycliste Albertine. Have owned it 2years now - and one of my favourite items of cycling apparel.

[@HanMoP]

imagine you could talk as good as you ride your bike.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Han 🙏 - that’s very kind of you to say so 👍

[@ZwiftDude]

Hey Phil what winter gear are you wearing?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Zwift Ace - it’s Cafe du Cycliste - Jacket and Bibs

[@foundfoundfound1]

having tried france, switzerland, and italy, which do you like best for cycling?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Splendid question, Found Found Found - and my answer is unequivocal. Italy every single time. All my favourite rides outside the UK have been there - whether Strade Bianche, around Lake Garda or here in the Dolomites. This Bormio Stelvio climb via the Umbrail Pass is one of my 3 favourite long climbs - the others being Galibier from La Grave and as you will soon see Passo Gau from Cortina D’Ampesso 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@foundfoundfound1]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy giau available on rouvy, along with pordoi, stelvio, fedaia etc - if you’re not worried about vam poisoning.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@foundfoundfound1 i certainly do need to find time to experiment with Rouvy - would have been good to recce those pre event

[@ambarsaicoccapa6121]

Como