This Collection might sound like a fairytale, but it’s a true story. To give you the context: it's 10th June 1949, the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia, known to sports journalists as the ‘five passes through the clouds’.

The programme for this stage was very full: Maddalena, Vars, Izoard, Monginevro and Sestriere. Journalists at the time knew that this was the stage that would decide the fate of the race, with 254 kilometres (158 mi) and more than 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) of ascent.

Everything pointed to Fausto Coppi winning the pink jersey. Even if Adolfo Leoni was first in the classification, his sprinter-rouleur characteristics were not suited to the altitude of Cuneo-Pinerolo. Coppi was less than a minute behind the pink jersey and nine minutes ahead of his rival Gino Bartali.

With 192 kilometres (120 mi) to go, Fausto Coppi responded to an attack by Primo Volpi and found himself alone in the lead. Imagine for a moment this unprecedented situation: you have the Giro in your hands, you're on the verge of your first major victory and yet you decide to attack from a great distance. This situation was well described by radio commentator Mario Ferretti: "One man alone is in charge, his jersey is white and blue, his name is Fausto Coppi".

At the finish, the champion himself confirmed that it was genuine madness. He told the radio commentators, delighted to have witnessed the most historic stage of all time, that he had never thought of doing such a crazy thing and that he had even been wrong to put it into practice. A few figures will help you understand the value of this feat: Coppi extended his lead over his rivals on all five climbs, despite five punctures.

Today, according to the Tour de France criteria, only the Col d'Izoard remains out of category. The other four passes are now classified as normal passes, in the first or second category. The relief of the 1949 Cuneo-Pinerolo has never been reproduced. Perhaps that's for the best: it's a stage that has gone down in cycling history and the collective imagination. Several films have even paid tribute to this stage, citing the ‘Pinerolo’ as a feat that could never be repeated.

Would you like to experience this adventure? You can ride this old Giro stage in this three-day Collection. You'll tackle all five passes, accessible only during the summer season. The scenery at high altitude is spectacular, but to make the most of it, you'll need technical clothing suitable for long descents.

You can reach Cuneo and leave Pinerolo by train, without even having to dismantle your bike.

Book your accommodation as early as possible: the route passes through busy alpine areas where it’s often difficult to find available hotels.