Passo dello Stelvio (Prato) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

[@MdArafat-pd7ii]

2 year back when I saw this video, I said to myself, "One day". Now I am writing here after riding it. In one word the experience was "Spiritual"

[@MdArafat-pd7ii]

Stelvio made me cry in that feeling when I was almost at the top. This beast

[@rahulkota1]

"Chasing daylight, climbing mountains, what a feeling, definitely why we ride" - What an awesome line!!! True cyclist

[@fulviopolce9785]

La salita più bella del mondo !

[@sheen675]

I have been there just a week ago. I did climb from Bormio and from Prato altogether. It was much more challenging from Prato :)

[@TheColCollective]

Absolutely agree with you there!

[@oscargerardogalindomarquez5615]

Qué trepada tan espectacular y los paisajes de verdad hermosos. Muchas gracias. Saludos.

[@MaartenVrijman]

The toughest day on the bike I ever had but also very impressive and beautiful scenery. Great video Mike!

[@panosclimber4460]

Iconic climb.thanks so much for everything Mike.

[@mickeyb2927]

Fantastic videos these. Practical too. Love the info about coffee stops etc... 'Chasing daylight, climbing mountains, what a feeling, this is definitely why we ride!' should be put on a T-shirt. Keep up the good work, Mike :)

[@TheColCollective]

+Mickey B Thank you Mickey. Keep watching and we'll do our best to keep filming and riding. Cheers, Mike

[@st33fie]

WOW im going this summer to the exact same thing. it amazes me that you can talk at all and uninterrupted sentences and look how long you are rinding out of the saddle that's just sick

[@MikeCotty]

Roll on summer! Ride safe and good luck!

[@voidwalkingcat]

Crazy. It is quite an inspriation for a beginner like me. Great power and sustainability. Thanks for such a video.

[@pjpiper7]

Awesome videos, Mike. I'm looking forward to watching all the rest.

[@jeffw9465]

Sooooo @ 4:06 there is something to look forward too. "Thats why we do it." Owwww thank God! But hey, This summer I'm gonna do it! Lke the video Thanks!

[@klausjosefson5239]

For me there is one key-moment missing from the climb: The moment when you see the last "wall" for the first time - this is really breathtaking, because it looks surreal, when you have the last 600 meters of elvenation - litterally- in front of you.

[@zjbfsrdbv9364]

there is some similar shot in the video, however a closer shot of the wall would be better.

[@angefixed]

That is most definitely why we ride!

[@heinz-dieteroelmann9960]

I hope you are fine - any new Inspiration and education... watching your clips helped me a lot in planning my alps-crossing two years ago... please stay healthy and enjoy...

[@Sprocketboy1956]

I am looking forward to more of these videos. As to the Stelvio/Stilfserjoch, I have ridden this climbing from the Prato side twice, once descending into Bormio and once into Switzerland via the Umbrail Pass, and another time climbing up from Bormio to the summit (with plenty of snow around in May!), then turning back and again going down to the Val Müstair via the Umbrail (which features a section about 4 km long of gravel!). Riding the Stelvio is one of the greatest experiences a cyclist can have and this video makes me want to go back yet again. Even if I will be going much much slower than Mike Cotty! And it is cold at the top!

[@MikeCotty]

Couldn't agree with you more Leslie. Awesome area and the Stelvio is a legend. I rode an event called Race Across the Alps in 2009 which took in a whole host of monsters from Italy and Switzerland. The gravel on the Umbrail was towards the end (can't beat a bit of gravel in my opinion) but I believe it's now tarmac all the way up. Still, can't wait to get back there again!!!

[@Antti5]

Mike Cotty Two months ago, Umbrail had a hundred meters of gravel or so. It was around half way before the road goes over a small bridge. Other than that small part it was paved and in great condition.

[@alainciocca1872]

beautiful, look forward !

[@christwardzik]

This is quite possibly my new favorite KZbin channel now!! Holy crap. So cool. Heard you on Rich Roll too man. Aside from the extra motivation to ride and train (decided to ride this am after just watching this video!) you are inspiring me to take a look at my professional career. Well done mate!! Only problem I see??? You need MORE videos!! Keep it up!

[@MikeCotty]

Thanks so much for your kind words and support Chris! That's amazing, so happy that a little piece of what we're doing can help motivate and make a difference in your world. That really is cool. Many more videos on the way! Keep 'em peeled. Mike

[@kenwynn3871]

This is one of the Kings of climbs, every bit of its reputation is well deserved. I rode this in August 2023, when it was 35⁰C thank god there are water taps all the way up! The next day I rode Passo dello Spulga which is 30km and has 51 hairpins and it hit 40⁰C, it was almost too much I've never been more relieved to see a summit sign 😂

[@TheColCollective]

Whoaaaa! Insane heat!! Well done!!!

[@kenwynn3871]

@TheColCollective and I was touring so had panniers (seemed like a good idea at the time LOL)

[@TheColCollective]

@@kenwynn3871 Yikes!!! Super impressive!

[@phila9288]

Wow this is too beautiful i must go there

[@danielsykora7473]

Great video. Very motivating for me. Keep up the great work. Cordial greetings from Poprad - Slovakia

[@TheColCollective]

Daniel Sýkora Thanks for your support Daniel, very much appreciated!

[@joelberman5981]

Mike makes them all look easy. It would be great to hear about how he’s feeling in each section. Easy vs struggling? Stand vs sit? Is he in his lowest gear all the way? Stuff we lesser cyclists might want to hear and learn from.

[@spencerlong3022]

Great video Mike. it's my dream to go back to the Stelvio & ride up it. I've raced up in a car but to cycle would the ultimate.

[@MikeCotty]

Good luck Spencer! The Stelvio is an absolute beauty. Tough but so rewarding. Start early or later in the day to avoid the traffic if you can! Enjoy!

[@beatalert123]

Hell yeah.. Amazing ride 🎉🙌🏻

[@joseespinal8693]

Excellent work, great quality video. Thanks!!

[@LotharSteinfuehr]

Well done, uphill riding and movie making.

[@juventino783]

love your vids! especially this here! i am from Silandro, so i can drive up to the stelvio very often by my road bike, and because of this you forget a little bit to appreciate the beautiful of this climb, but this video made me realize in what a beautiful country i live and i will appreciate the climb a lot more in future! the end of the vid nearly brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps, so beautiful!!! oh, and let me know if you are once again in South Tyrol (near Passo Stelvio) maybe we can ride together Mike ;)

[@TheColCollective]

juventino783 You live in a truly wonderful part of the world! So, so, happy our video made you feel that way. The power of the mountains are unmatched. It'd be great to ride together one day! Stay well. Mike

[@johannespopp3336]

Hardest day in my life 😊 but i did it!

[@keithjack38]

The view back down the hairpins is picture postcard stuff

[@CloudyNight723]

Well, Mike. These Videos are truly amazing. Impeccable!

[@sikamt]

You guys are fantastic! Thank you very much for the beautiful scenes. Merry Xmas.

[@simonjagassar]

More Cotty Brilliance ! I wish I was there, pacing him up like a "loyal lieutenant" would ;-)

[@MikeCotty]

I wish I had you pacing me all the way up too Simon, or at least we could share the work and enjoy the climb at the same time!

[@richycoles]

looks like an awesome ride. also the gradients look a lot steeper in than you'd think. one day i will get there. until then keep training in the welsh hills...keep the videos coming.

[@MikeCotty]

That section around bend 34 to 35 is STEEP!! Welsh hills will be a great training ground for sure! Good luck Richy!

[@danieletognozzi7641]

"Try conserve as much energy as possible" ---> rides the whole pass out of the saddle.

[@Nightwaxx91]

Going to ride it next week, already getting sweaty hands 😄 great video

[@TheColCollective]

Enjoy!!

[@gds5717]

Awesome climbing! Amazing video and effort. It looks extremely difficult. Well done!

[@jairocorrea5473]

Muy cheveres los videos, imponentes como siempre los paisajes, sería bueno poder traducirlos.

[@Neamtutiberiu]

definetly amaising !!

[@gideonrossouw2762]

Just wow!

[@TheColCollective]

🙏🏻

[@olivergeitner3372]

great, i love your movies....!

[@TheColCollective]

+Oliver Gummer So happy to hear you're enjoying them Oliver! Ride safe my friend. Mike

[@TrekMercier]

Great clip really inspired. How about a video going down with tips of breaking. Always afraid of heating up the rims to much with loss of breaking power or worse, punkture.

[@req110]

Nice climb, descending down with front brake only was also interesting experience. (thanks to disc brakes being so prone for getting air to the system due to manipulation and transport sensitivity)

[@TheColCollective]

@JureHribar We rode this quite late in the season at the start of September. It's open from late May through to October (subject to snow conditions). Best to ride very early in the day or late to avoid the traffic. August is a very busy month as it's peak holiday season. I'd keep an eye on the forecast and aim for June. Get it done early in the season so there's plenty of time for more climbs :-)

[@JureHribar]

Thanks a lot.

[@eastlamb9949]

On the list!

[@ducati750able]

brilliant view's :)

[@andybaggott1756]

wow, definitely inspirational, awesome climbing technique...when i get down to a decent cycling weight my dream is to ride one of the iconic climbs you've covered so well in your videos... subscribed!

[@edjack1993]

25 at the back? That’s some confident gearing!

[@williamcarrozzo2867]

My favourite climb with the Zoncolan and the Mortirolo

[@payne51558]

Awesome ride beautiful ride thank you! Bob Cook Memorial Hill Climb here in Colorado starts at 2,294 meters is 27.4 miles, 2004 m of elevation gain summit to 4307 meters. Not as steep that is for sure...but made me puke...LOL

[@OlDoinyo]

He has a video of that route, too, I believe.

[@michaelregan427]

wow, and great riding!

[@thomaseichentopf3336]

As for the temperature drop, you should take the cycle of day temperature into your consideration. If you start in the morning, temperature drop will be less than 18 degrees. On my first ride up, temperature drop was just 6 to 8 degrees. If you start later in the day, temperature drop might be larger, i.e. if the sun has gone over its peak already.

[@stephanehotte7860]

Did it last year in July, find it very hard but so nice to do. Nice weather, about 22 degC at the top. Got down by Switzerland side so you can do a loop and it is smoother to go down that side. No need to bring your passport since they are used to see cycling pass by the custom. Don't do it during a weekend, lots of noisy and unrespectful motorcycles and they take the road for themselves.

[@joespencer6287]

Awesome climb

[@nathanmuller6680]

200 000 views! congratulations Mike!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you Nathan. Keep inspiring us out there with all your col collecting!!

[@ahmettopal6301]

JustGreat

[@CurvesHunter]

Amazing video ! well done !

[@M9IN0G]

I was wondering... how long does it take you to film this segment? I guess it would take you 1:30 to 1:45 without breaks...

[@weerawarakul1817]

awesome

[@remyjansen8096]

Awesome video, very motivated. I love climbing mountains. Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Galibier .. Have you ride the col de la Bonette? Beautiful climb. I still want do the Stelvio. The road was covered with snow when we wanted to climb it. Still on my to do list! Keep up the great work!

[@TheColCollective]

Sounds like you're a real Col Collector Remy! Great work! Stay tuned for the Bonette (and many more climbs). Good luck when you hit the Stelvio, ride safe and enjoy!

[@davidgitin5367]

I was also wondering why out of the saddle the whole video??

[@AlexanderGonzalez-ok4bb]

Great scenario. Beautiful ride. Would love to ride it some day. Who treats me there? I'm from Panamá

[@socalrun81]

What is the music in the second half of the video? I really like it.

[@MikeCotty]

Glad you like the music! We work with a number of composers and have a good resource of licensed music we've collated over the years so it's not main stream music. Thanks for watching! Mike

[@useforstuffer]

+Mike Cotty first song is brilliant...love the videos making my next trip harder to decide upon... thank you!

[@harrymeier8281]

@@MikeCotty how can i get this song in high quality ??

[@Lar308]

Air is so thin at the top I had trouble breathing (in bed) even though I was alone! What was it like coming down - surely the bike's brakes could not sustain that much hard use?

[@matthewlcooke]

never sits down, impressive

[@9118693223]

climbing the legend... there is only one stelvio. ...

[@normenradvany5513]

Fantastic video! Thanks sharing! It is harder then Mangart from Tarvisio? I did Mangart on 30. October.

[@shubhammaurya001]

What music comes at 2:25 ?

[@chriscollins260]

One day I will ride this - with easier gearing! Very inspirational.

[@timlorenzschmidt965]

What is the song name from 2.30 onwards

[@hakonhalldorsson6673]

Nice work on the bike and behind the camera. Well done. Are you going to do the Pico de Veleta?

[@TheColCollective]

Hákon Halldórsson Glad you're enjoying the videos! We're planning to cover many more climbs in the future, including some in the Sierra Nevada :)

[@PavBryan]

Brill shot :)

[@TheJmbf10]

12-25 cassette? holy cow!

[@fajarmuse69]

What's the music at 2:27

[@ozgurinsan]

why are you always out of the saddle ?

[@peny79133]

멋지다...

[@ROBY1969TN]

Le mitiche salite del Trentino Alto Adige.

[@rube3k]

Incredible video! This video had really inspired me! I have two questions; 1. What tyre width do you use? 2. What is your diet? Vegan? Omnivore? Paleo? Many thanks!

[@TheColCollective]

Super happy you're enjoying the videos. For tyres I use Mavic Yksion Pro Griplink (front) and Powerlink (rear) both in 25c. Diet wise, for the last 3 years I've been vegan and before that (for about a decade or more) I was vegetarian. Hope that helps. Ride safe, Mike

[@ZU_SHIMI]

ステキ!

[@lukestockton7348]

would you do the mortirolo?

[@choddo]

HOW are you still talking on that gradient? Really nicely put together video. Looks stunning.

[@TheColCollective]

choddo Breathing through my ears! ;-) Thank you for your support, really happy to hear you like the video! Mike

[@debbiekennedy986]

34/25 how do you do? Simply incredible 👌

[@jaredfontaine2002]

Did you sit at all the entire climb? lol

[@TheColCollective]

+Jared Fontaine I think I did.....for a few seconds ;-)

[@ann-mariehillings8064]

You were out of the saddle for the entire climb! Awesome!

[@petka_]

what is awesome here? up to my knowledge cycling out of saddle is less energy efficient. You can do that when you want to use a different set of muscles, or want to do sprint, but in my understanding it doesn't make sense to do that the whole climb

petka yep

[@mierleaalexandru6434]

Out of the saddle on a climb you will be faster, but you need to really know what you are doing because that saps your energy very fast. On the saddle you will conserve your energy maybe better, but your feet will feel more intensely your body's weigh, more so on a steep climb. So in other words it is efficient for a trained cyclist :) And yes,using different set of muscles is exactly his strategy for this climb, and a winning one.

[@TC-bd1di]

Did you make it though? Why cut out before the summit

[@mredzuan1]

Whats the name of this background song?

[@justinsparhawk6755]

I'm going to ride both sides of the Stelvio in one day in mid Sept. Want to come?

[@JureHribar]

Great video. What time of the year was that. Or better in which month would you advise to go for that climb?

[@31xrg]

Nice video. No one else around?

[@merrini]

So looking forward to riding this next year. I hear it can get busy with traffic - any better time of day to set off? That’s also a big temp drop - so best to start out a bit too hot, or embrace the chill?

[@marioschroeder7629]

There is one day per year, when only cyclists are allowed. It is a big event.

[@plantfuelled8912]

I think it's 0.65 degrees lost for every 100 meters climbed?

[@dtmateo]

what kind of training do you do to be able to pedal off the saddle for that long?

[@CaleT_64]

what time did you have ?

[@staffane3648]

Great video! Looks like you stand much of the time, Do you prefer climbing standing for long a time?

[@MikeCotty]

Hi Staffan, that's pretty funny, I only realised when watching the video that I practically stood up the whole way! I do spend a lot of time out of the saddle when climbing (especially when it's steep like the Stelvio is for a long time). I don't have the raw power to stay seated and have always found I've needed to keep my cadence high and use momentum from being out of the saddle to get my way over the harder pitches. The great thing with cycling is that there's no real right and wrong, a lot of the time it's what feels comfortable for the individual. Ride safe. Mike

[@Hans-fz6cc]

do you stand on your pedals the whole climb

[@spencerlong3022]

Thanks Mike, do you think it's better to ride solo/riding partner or on the Santini Stelvio sportive??

[@MikeCotty]

Hi Spencer, if you can share the work with a friend then that could make things a little easier. Great to experience these amazing roads together with someone else too! Cheers, Mike

[@NiaNilaRahmaWati]

Congratulations Mike my name abidin from Indonesia

[@WayneWBishop]

So glad to have come across your fantastic Col series. Your obvious conditioning is amazing. Will we see you in the Peleton this year (or are you just an enthusiast)? Keep up the great work!

[@MikeCotty]

Wayne Bishop Hi Wayne, super happy you're liking the series! We've got a stack more on the way too to keep an eye out for. No peloton for me, that would mean less time for The Col Collective and we can't have that, ha! :-)

[@BeanieHead1500]

Group of us headed there next July, so this is great video for us. Just one question - why did you use a 12/25? I would have thought a 11/28 or 11/32 was better to tackle the steep sections.

[@MikeCotty]

Hi Jason, a 28 or 32 would definitely be a help on the steeper sections. From experience I've found a 25 can get me over most climbs, I do fit a 28 when it gets really steep or I'm doing a super big ride though. Good luck next summer, enjoy the ride!! Mike

[@frankputtbach6198]

Takes the entire stelvio out of the saddle, dancing on the pedals and has not drop of sweat, when finished. Are you kidding us?

[@FaiscaaaH]

Hello Mike and once again you nailed it !!! I have one question, what gear ratio do you use ??

[@MikeCotty]

Hi Luis, happy to hear you're enjoying The Col Collective! I use a 34x25 for most mountains or if it's really steep a 28 on the rear. I'm all for using low gears to keep your legs turning so if you need a 32 then I'd certainly go for that! Ride safe and thanks for your support! Mike

[@FaiscaaaH]

Mike Cotty Thanks for all the information Mike Take care and ride safe Kind regards

[@gowman813]

Good on Ya, Mike! Question for ya, though; "You're always out of the saddle. Contador does 20min. Are you trying to emulate his prowess?" I'm but a mere mortal. 😐