Passo dello Stelvio (Stelvio Pass) is a 2757 m high pass in the Alps. The ascent was introduced to the Giro d’Italia in 1953. That stage was won by Fausto Coppi
After Coppi’s untimely death in 1960, the organizers of the Giro d’Italia created a special prize for the climber who reach the top of the highest peak of the race first. The prize was introduced in 1965. Due to its height, this special climb is usually the Passo dello Stelvio.
But the 20th stage of the Giro d’Italia 1965 is more memorable by the epic snowy images of the day. Among extreme winter circumstances, the riders had to ride between steep walls of snow. They had to make their way to the finish like by dismounting and running with their bikes.
Like Aldo Moser on this iconic picture:
Because the current GC leader Vittorio Adorni had a comfortable 11 min 25 sec advantage already, the only thing he had to do was to defend his leading position.
The iconic stage was won by Graziano Battistini.
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