High-Altitude World Championships challenges riders to conquer cols above 2000m in a self-supported, ascent-only race. No descents, no fluff, just raw climbing grit.
HAWC26, set for Bormio, Italy, takes on the iconic Passo Stelvio from all three sides.
Ready to earn your spot?
The High Altitude World Championships (HAWC) is cycling's ultimate test of pure climbing.
Launched in 2024, HAWC challenges elite cyclists to conquer cols above 2000m in a self-supported, ascent-only race.
Location: Bormio, Italy
Date: 11 July 2026, 7:00 AM
Challenge: Climb Passo Stelvio from Prato, Bormio, and and Val Müstair in a self-supported race
Total: ~100 km, ~5,500 vertical meters (VM)
Time Limit: 12 hours
Stelvio (Prato): 24.3 km, 7.6% gradient, 1848 VM
Stelvio (Bormio): 21.7 km, 7.1% gradient, 1543 VM
Stelvio (Val Müstair): 13.5 km, 8.5% gradient, 1080 VM
Exclusivity:
Invite-only for Grimpeur members or special invites.
How to Qualify:
Taking on Passo Stelvio from all three sides
HAWC's legacy is defined by grueling climbs and elite competition. Below are the highlights of our past editions.
Le Bourg d'Oisans, France
July 2025
Total: 99 km, 4,334 VM total
Counting: 55 km counting
Segments: 3 segments: Lac Besson, Col du Sabot, Col de la Croix-de-Fer
Time Limit: 8 hours
Steep, relentless ascents with no support, testing pure climbing endurance.
Arabba, Italy
July 13, 2024
Total: 178 km, 5,821 VM total
Counting: 78.3 km, 5,580 VM counting
Segments: 8 segments: Pordoi x2, Sella, Gardena, Valparola, Giau, Falzarego, Fedaia
Time Limit: 12 hours
Eight high-altitude cols in one day, self-supported.
Will you join the elite?