Livigno: The most versatile resort in the Alps
With incredible trails at high altitude, demanding downhill tracks with flowing berms, the thrilling Bikepark and the possibility to experience picturesque bike tours, the Italian alpine resort Livigno is one of mountain biking’s most versatile regions.
Livigno seduced to go for a ride in 2012 – and mountain bikers came by! Within the international mountain bike scene, Livigno is far away of being just another “secret tip”. The Italian Alps region of Alta Valtellina has established itself as one of the most interesting mountain bike destinations worldwide, due to its huge training- and touring resort. The Italian national Cross-Country team for example with its star Marco Aurelio Fontana, is quite familiar with Livigno and its qualities as an attractive location for altitude training. In July 2012, the Cross-Country pros perfected their condition here in preparation for the Olympics in London. With Livigno’s diverse range of single tracks and downhill trails as well as the long, steep climbs, Marco Fontana couldn’t have made a better choice when deciding to prepare in Europe’s ‘little Tibet’ for the physically demanding Olympic course. Here, Marco also greatly benefited from the altitude training which helped build up race endurance. Marco’s preparation efforts were all worth it in the end since he left London with a well-deserved Bronze medal. Marco and Livigno are a testimonial to each other – as world class athletes and top resorts combine to bring mountain bike perfection.
Another athlete, Gunn Rita Dahle-Flesjå, a multiple Women Cross-Country World Champ, also decided to prepare for the 2012 UCI World Championships in Livigno. So it is no surprise that also she achieved great results, winning a silver medal in the Cross-Country event this September. While a lot of people eagerly search for the secret of the 39-year old’s success, Gunn Rita seems to be quite sure of it. “Well, it’s all in the Italian cuisine which apart from being delicious, has big advantages for athletes who need healthy, but energy packed food for those long climbs in and around Livigno.”
Moreover, the region of Livigno is not only the ideal training location for athletes but for major international events as well. The legendary stage race, the Craft Bike Transalp was guest in Livigno. The finishing arch of the 5th stage from Scuol in Switzerland was located in Livigno and from this charming resort the athletes began the 6th stage to Ponte di Legno. On this challenging stage riders climbed an amazing 3,451 vertical meters through the surrounding mountains on their way to Ponte di Legno.
Later, at the famous National Park Bike Marathon, held at the end of August, Livigno set-up one of the four starting points for the race. The starting line for this marathon was filled with professional and amateur riders alike – as Livigno’s mountain biking experience appeals to riders of all levels.
Of course, Marathon racing is not the only thing you can do there! Even after the official closing of the Gondola and the Bikepark on September 23rd, Livigno is always worth a visit. With mild temperatures lasting till late October and a great variety of trails, the alpine region is every rider’s perfect playground.
Furthermore, Livigno is no stranger to biking celebrities - trials-legends Hans “No Way” Rey and Danny MacAskill saved the best till last and both came to Livigno in September for one last ride of the season. Hans Rey, who describes Livigno as his second home, rode the trails with Danny. “Mister YouTube” was more than impressed: “Hans Rey was one my absolute heroes during my youth and to have the chance to ride one of the best mountain bike trails with him here in Livigno, is simply amazing! My personal highlight was the steep downhill route between the Italian and the Swiss border. I’ve never ridden in Livigno before now and I can't wait to come back!”
To get a little impression of what it means to ride in Livigno check out the Olympic preparations’ clip on YouTube:
You will find further information about Livigno’s infrastructure and for more bike services on: http://www.livignobike.it/en/home.jsp?idrub=70039
For accommodation in Livigno’s diverse bike hotels have a look at: http://www.livignobike.it/en/home.jsp?idrub=47808
Stay tuned about all Livigno activities on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivignoFeelTheAlps
General Information about the bike destination Livigno:
Livigno is famous for a great range of winter sport activities and its breathtaking nature, earning it the nickname “Little Tibet”. Its unique mountain scenery is also perfect for a variety of biking sports in the summer. The spectrum of trails around Livigno features something for everyone: cross-country, all mountain and downhill riders can choose the perfect biking challenges. Road cycling athletes also choose Livigno for altitude training (1816m a.s.l.) and a total of 3,200 km of mapped trails and GPS-tracks can be discovered in the surrounding area. The bike park is not only well-known among the gravity sport fans because of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2005, but also for a large range of different freeride tracks. Down in the valley, the town centre of Livigno offers 250 tax-free shops. Located right in the heart of Europe. Livigno can be easily reached by car or train and bike hotels provide individual services for all bike fans and vacationers.
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