Joust of the Italian giants: Stelvio vs Finestre

Two extraordinary ascents in the Italian Alps, each unique in their character, but there can be only one winner

(Getty)

Passo dello Stelvio

The second highest pass in the Alps, with its summit lined with snow for pretty much 365 days of the year, there are few roads on the planet that match the Stelvio for sheer in-your-face drama.

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Simon Warren

Simon has been riding for over 30 years and has a long connection with Cycling Weekly, he was once a designer on the magazine and has been a regular contributor for many years. Arguably, though, he is best known as the author of Cycling Climbs series of books. Staring with 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs in 2010, Simon has set out to chronicle and, of course, ride the toughest cycling climbs across the UK and Europe. Since that first book, he's added 11 more, as well Ride Britain which showcases 40 inspirational road cycling routes. Based in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Simon continues to keep riding his bike uphill and guides rides, hosts events and gives talks on climbing hills on bikes!