Stage 15
Manerba del Garda > Livigno (Mottolino)
Manerba and the "Rocca"
Well hidden behind by the morainic hills of Valtenesi, Manerba sul Garda is a place of absolute relaxation, thanks to its slightly secluded position compared to the more famous coastal resorts. It is in places like this that one can best grasp the authentic soul of Italy's largest lake, and it is here that one can enjoy its flavours accompanied by the DOC wines from the immediate hinterland or the highly prized Garda olive oil. An unmissable vantage point is the Rocca di Manerba, which dominates the town from a high rocky spur overhanging the lake. Evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age and the ruins of a medieval castle are preserved here.
Three Valleys
The pink caravan will travel up the Val Trompia, the heart of the metal production and processing district, for several kilometres. A very ancient activity in this area is well recounted by the various museums and examples of industrial archaeology that characterise the Iron and Mining Route, an itinerary that traverses the evolution of mining and iron and steel activities in the region.
Once past Lake Iseo, the riders will enter the southern part of Val Camonica. It is worth getting there a little earlier to visit the National Park of Rock Engravings, near Capo di Ponte. Declared a World Heritage Site, it allows visitors to observe no less than 104 rocks engraved between the Neolithic period (5th-4th millennium B.C.) and the Iron Age (1st millennium B.C.), equipped with information panels and divided into five easy-to-travel routes.
Then comes the mighty Mortirolo, gateway to the Valtellina. Before tackling the ascent of Foscagno, let's stop in Bormio, rich in historic buildings that bear witness to an important past, and let’s enjoy one of its three well-known spas, ideal for a regenerating break.
Livigno's plateau
The unmistakable plateau of Livigno will be the scene of the stage finish, but it is preceded, just after the Foscagno Pass, by the village of Trepalle, which at 2069 metres is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe.
Livigno will host the pink caravan for three days, giving us plenty of time to get to know the area, preferably by mountain bike along the hundreds of kilometres of well-mapped routes to choose from. The less sporty can enjoy the rich programme of events set up for the occasion and available on the town's website. Of note is the show by The Kolors on the evening of 20 May, while a dive into the history of cycling is planned for the morning of 21 May with the presentation of the Trophy to the grandchildren of Luigi Ganna, winner of the first Giro d'Itala in 1909. Then, a stop at the MUS! Museum of Livigno and Trepalle is simply a must: located in an old Livigno house, its aim is to promote culture and tradition, documenting local history and organising educational workshops and events.
