Kapuso star Alden Richards recently opened up about one of the toughest cycling challenges he has ever faced—conquering the world-famous Passo dello Stelvio in Italy.
In an Instagram post, Alden shared a reel of his ride along the 31-kilometer Stelvio Pass, a route known for its steep climbs where professional cyclists such as Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar train.
“One of my most difficult rides so far,” Alden wrote. “No flat roads, only climbs, with gradients minimum of 4% and a maximum of 16% for 31km.”
The ‘Hello, Love, Again’ star admitted he nearly gave up midway.
“I almost gave up, lungs struggling, legs collapsing, thoughts in conflict… but then I realized why I started this journey,” he said.
“These are moments I can call my own, my bike, my endurance, my skills, my climbs. At the end of the day my only competitor is myself… no one else,” he added.
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Despite the physical and mental toll, Alden successfully completed the ride, calling it a painful but fulfilling experience.
“Stelvio, you’ve been very painful but you taught me a lot. I will come back for you… better and stronger! Chi va piano, va sicuro e lontano,” he said, quoting an Italian proverb that means, “He who goes slowly, goes safely and far.”
The actor also revealed that the moment left him unexpectedly emotional.
“Cried in silence while eating a hotdog sandwich after reaching the finish line,” he confessed.
Fans and fellow cyclists applauded Alden’s perseverance, with many praising him for showing that even small personal victories can be deeply moving.
This milestone follows his first 100-kilometer ride last August. Aside from cycling, Alden is also pursuing his long-time dream of becoming a pilot, having enrolled in flight school in July.
Currently, he is hosting the GMA Network dance competition ‘Stars on the Floor’, which airs every Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
