Grande Anello del Biellese MTB: What the Ride Is Like and What to Wear
If you're preparing the Grande Anello del Biellese by MTB, start from how many days you want to devote to it and how many hours you can stay in the saddle. The rest comes after.
Where to start
Open the starting-point pin on Google Maps: Biella (45.556998000, 8.067001000)
Route map
The line follows the GPX track published by the indicated source. Use it to orient yourself, but always check signage, conditions and notices before setting out.
We’ll send you links to this route’s official GPX track and its starting points.
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Highlights along the route
Route sheet
- Length: 196 km
- Elevation gain: 3820 m
- Maximum elevation: 1453 m (calculated from the GPX track)
- Loop route: yes
What kind of ride is the Grande Anello del Biellese
The Grande Anello del Biellese starts from Biella and closes the loop after 196 km, with 3820 m of elevation gain. You can ride it in one, two or three days. The official listing indicates a medium technical difficulty and a high physical demand.
In practice, a single technical passage is unlikely to be the limit. What will weigh on you are the hours in the saddle and the accumulated climbing. For this reason, the first decision concerns the number of days, not the bike. Pace, the weight you carry and the spares you pack depend on it. More days ease the legs, but breaks and overnight stays must be organised in advance.
For clothing you can start from the Ciclismo collection of Ski Sises. Jerseys, shorts and accessories should be chosen according to the month and the length of the outing. First, though, it's worth checking which environments you'll cross.
From the alpine balcony to the rice fields of the Baraggia
The loop follows the full axis of the Tracciolino along the territory's five valleys, on the so-called "alpine balcony". It then follows the ridge of the Serra morenica of Biella and Ivrea down to the ancient gold-mining areas of the Bessa.
The second part changes scenery completely. You pass through rice-growing plains and the Baraggia di Candelo, then reach the canyon of the Cervo torrent and the hills covered in vineyards producing the wines of Alto Piemonte.
This variety also matters when you choose what to wear. Between the balcony and the plain, exposure to sun and wind changes. In the same day you can sweat on a climb and cool down on a descent. If you dress only for the temperature you find in Biella at the start, after an hour you risk having too much or too little on.
One, two or three days: how preparation changes
In a single day you tackle 196 km and 3820 m of climbing without long breaks. It makes sense if you have already done full days on the bike and know how to manage food and pace. In that case the chamois and seams become decisive: after many hours, even slight friction can become the main problem.
Over two or three stages, the effort is spread better. In exchange you carry more weight, in your backpack or bags. You need garments that dry quickly or a full change of clothes. Check beforehand where you will sleep and where you can resupply: don't take it for granted.
If you have never taken on a commitment like this, the stage version leaves you room to slow down. And it is not a fallback.
What to check before you leave
No article can tell you what conditions you will find on a stretch today. Before setting out, check:
- the weather for all the areas you cross, not just Biella's: between the alpine balcony and the plain, forecasts can change;
- the route conditions and any official, up-to-date notices from the tourist board and the municipalities crossed.
- the track on your device: the route is also available as a collection on Komoot;
- where to find water and food and, if you split the ride, where to sleep;
- the hours of daylight, especially in autumn.
About the numbers: a GPS or an app may show a length and elevation gain different from the official ones. Plan with some margin, and don't rely on the lowest value.
The indicated season covers spring, late spring and summer, and autumn. It's a wide period: what you wear in May is not what you need in October.
How to dress for many hours in the saddle
On a ride this long, your clothing needs to wick sweat on the climbs and keep you covered when you stop or descend. It won't make the route safer, but it will make a long day more sustainable.
The jersey: breathable, with a spare layer in your bag
For him, the T-shirt Reform Enduro Men Turmaline Navy of POC is a mountain bike and enduro jersey made from recycled materials. It is lightweight and designed to allow freedom of movement and breathability. You can use it as a first layer on long climbs.
For her, the T-shirt MTB Pure 3/4 Jersey Women Epidote Green of POC is made of lightweight mesh, suitable for heat, and dries quickly. The 3/4 sleeve covers a little more than a short sleeve. It has a hidden zipped pocket for small items and a cut compatible with body protectors, if you use them.
Both are effort jerseys. In spring, autumn and before descents, keep a layer within easy reach to put on quickly: if you stop sweaty wearing only a light jersey, you will cool down rapidly.
Shorts and chamois: where comfort is decided
Over 196 km, the saddle matters more than any other detail. For him, the Shorts Essential Enduro Men Sylvanite Grey of POC are made of lightweight, durable nylon with an elastic component. They are water-repellent, have an elastic waistband, several pockets, and are compatible with knee pads. Underneath you can wear the Pantaloncini Re-cycle Boxer Men Uranium Black, also by POC: they are made of recycled polyester and have a wide pad for support and cushioning, without the compression typical of models with straps. They dry quickly, a concrete advantage if you do multiple stages.
For her, the Up Cyclist Women's Shorts Black of Montura are made of stretch fabric with a DWR water-repellent treatment and UV protection. They have an elasticated waist, a non-slip silicone hem and a front zipped pocket. The description does not mention a chamois. If you consider it essential over long distances, wear a padded liner underneath.
Try the fit in riding position, not standing in front of the mirror. Sit down, lean forward as you would on the bike and lift one knee. The waistband must not drop onto your back and the fabric must not pull across your thigh. If you use knee pads, try them on together with the shorts.
The glasses, to try with your helmet
The Fury Sunglasses Dark Grey/Orange Reactiv 0-3 of Julbo have a cylindrical lens with a wide field of view and good ventilation. They are lightweight, designed to fit under helmets, and take REACTIV lenses. Before setting off, try them with your helmet and check that the arms do not interfere with the rear adjustment.
Oropa: a different outing, not a section of the loop
If you are looking for a shorter, downhill-oriented ride, Funivie Oropa reports several mountain bike and downhill options in the Oropa basin. You can also start from Oropa Sport, at about 1900 m, and arrive in Biella, at 400 m. It is a separate activity, with requirements different from the Grande Anello. Before going, check with the operator for hours, lifts and the day's information.
Where to start with your choice
First decide the month and the number of days. Then put together your clothing starting from the bottom: shorts and chamois, jersey, spare layer, glasses. If you want advice on sizing and fit, look at the items in the Cycling selection and ask us for advice.
FAQ
How long is the Grande Anello del Biellese by bike?
The Grande Anello del Biellese starts from Biella and measures 196 km in total, with 3,820 m of elevation gain according to the ATL Terre dell'Alto Piemonte route sheet. A GPS or app may show different figures, so plan with some margin.
How many days does it take to ride the Grande Anello del Biellese?
The official route sheet indicates it can be ridden in 1, 2 or 3 days. Given the high physical demands, splitting it into several stages leaves more margin, but it requires planning stops, changes and overnight stays in advance.
Is the Grande Anello del Biellese difficult?
The technical difficulty is moderate, while the physical demand is high. Fatigue depends more on distance and elevation gain than on riding skills. Before setting off, check the weather, route conditions and up-to-date official notices.
In which season can the Grande Anello del Biellese be ridden?
The indicated season covers spring, late spring, summer and autumn. This does not guarantee the route is passable on a given day: conditions should be checked each time before setting off.
Which shorts should I wear for a multi-day bike tour?
On long distances, the saddle matters most: choose shorts with a padded chamois or wear a padded liner under your outer shorts. If you ride several stages, a fabric that dries quickly helps. Always try the fit in riding position.
Is the downhill from Oropa part of the Grande Anello del Biellese?
No. Funivie Oropa lists mountain biking and downhill options in the Oropa basin, including from Oropa Sport (about 1900 m) down to Biella (400 m). It is a separate activity, to be checked with the operator before setting off.
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