46.2 km over the grand passes of Salati and Turlo, through traditional Walser country.
This stage probably feels the wildest and most challenging. Both of the long, long descents, from Passo Salati and Passo Turlo will offer you solitude and challenge for several hours!
This is Walser country – the farm houses are beautifully made and often decorated with summer flowers. The gorgeous village of Alagna is typical example of this traditional culture. The high mountains here make rain, which means extra lush, verdant landscape.
The long climb to and descent from Passo Turlo will stay in your memory. The route follows an ancient, hand-made Roman road. It’s not steep, which means it’s long, very long.
Rifugio Crocette’s refreshments offer relief from the endless descent on paving stones as the valley becomes flat. If you’re lucky, the glorious view of Monte Rosa will appear as you enter Macugnaga. What a magical location!
“I think UTMR just became one of my favourite races, its has everything – super well organised with great ambiance, beautiful scenery and a really tough and technical course – what more can you ask for?”Stage racing fanatic
A selection of race images from Stage 3 across the years. Click to enlarge.
Macugnana is an isolated, beautifully traditional village at the end of the road. And the road is forced to stop by a 3000m high wall of rock and ice, which catches the sun’s rays spectacularly in the morning.
The hotels here are not at all modern, which makes your stay all the more appealing.
Walk around the village in the evening before dinner and greet the locals with a Buonasera and a smile.
