The Passo Gavia celebrates 60 years as Giro d'Italia icon

The snowstorm on the climb of Passo Gavia during 1988 Giro d'Italia
The snowstorm on the climb of Passo Gavia during 1988 Giro d'Italia (Image credit: Consorzio Pontedilegno-Tonale Press Office)

The Passo Gavia will always be remembered for Andy Hampsten's 1988 attack in the snowstorm that set up his victory in the Giro d'Italia but the climb has a much longer history, with today the 60th anniversary of when it was first climbed during the Giro d'Italia. It has become one of the iconic climbs of the Corsa Rosa and in cycling. 

On June 8, 1960, the Giro d'Italia climbed the Passo Gavia during a 229km stage that also included the climbs of the Campo Carlo Magno and the Passo del Tonale, with Jacques Anquetil, Gastone Nencini and Charly Gaul fighting for overall victory. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Stephen Farrand
Head of News

Stephen is the most experienced member of the Cyclingnews team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. He has been Head of News at Cyclingnews since 2022, before which he held the position of European editor since 2012 and previously worked for Reuters, Shift Active Media, and CyclingWeekly, among other publications.