Maratona dles Dolomites
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Photo Gallery: Maratona dles Dolomites
Join "Team Ciclismo" in Italy's premier Gran Fondo!
Highlights
- Best of mountain culture with gourmet dinners
- Discover the ancient city of Bolzano, capital of Sud Tyrol
- Stay in the great mountain villages of Canazei and Corvara
- Daily backdrop of soaring spires, waterfalls, and cool forests
- World War I battlefields and history
- Ride spectacular epic passes in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Improve your cycling skills with downhill and climbing clinics
- Race for “Ciclismo Classico” on Italy’s main cycling amateur event
Description
Experience dramatic mountain beauty and fairytale towns in the Italian Alps. Ride over exhilarating passes, climb among soaring spires and zoom downhill to charming hamlets surrounded by meadows of wildflowers on mountain routes made famous by the world’s greatest cyclists. These are the legendary climbs that have filled Giro history. Challenge your body while you explore a rich mixture of culture and celebrate a sense of accomplishment on this quest through the heart of the Dolomites.
The first natural monument in Italy protected by UNESCO, the Dolomites are a roller coaster of sensational rides between World War I sites and quaint villages. This tour offers a perfect blend of athletic challenge, for advanced cyclists who are ready to radically improve their cycling skills.
Celebrate the joy and challenge of cycling with on the most important Italian “Gran Fondo”: the “Maratona dles Dolomites.” Feed off the energy of riding and racing side by side with 10,000 other cycling enthusiasts from around the World. Filled by a lottery with almost 50,000 applicants, this Gran Fondo is also among the most popular in Europe! It is also the most prestigious, non-competitive race/ride in Europe and this is your opportunity to participate.
To read a first-hand account from one of our guests, click on one of the following links:
Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Journey Home
About the Maratona dles Dolomites
The first and magnificent Maratona dles Dolomites took place in July 1987, when 166 courageous cyclists banded together to conquer a spectacular cycling route and challenge, crossing seven Dolomite passes to reach the finish line. The event has taken place every year since and has amassed thousands of participants and fans to become one of the most important amateur cycling events in Europe.
Conceived as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Alta Badia-Raiffeisen Cycling Club, its organizers certainly never dreamed that they had created an event which in such a short period of time would have become one of the most important annual events in the Alta Badia valley.
The great success of the Maratona dles Dolomites is root itself in its stunning setting, where great champions have pedaled a rich page in the history of cycling.
Nearly ten thousand cyclists have taken part in recent years, divided into the various categories and routes offered. The Maratona is not merely a competition, but a celebration of the cycling sport.
For more on the Maratona dles Dolomites, visit the official web site .
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Price
$4,595
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Single Supplement
$850
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Ability Level
Expert
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Terrain
Hilly with mountain passes
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Distance
338 miles
Daily Average: 49 -
Departing
Corvara (Bolzano)
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Arriving
Glorenza (Bolzano)
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Dates
- June 24, 2013
Day 1: Glorenza and Upper Venosta Valley
After a light lunch and introductions, we begin the tour with a warm-up ride through the towns of Clusio, Laudes, and the small, fortified village of Glorenza.
Day 2: Rabla' and Passo dello Stelvio
Today we ride the famous Stelvio pass, known as "The King." This road has a lot of history as a trading route between Austria and Italy during the Bronze Age. It's located less than 1 mile from the southeast border of Switzerland.
Day 3: Bolzano and Passo Palade and Mendola
Today’s ride brings us to the capital of the region, the lively city of Bolzano, rich with art, history and shopping opportunities. Our route there includes two spectacular passes, the “Palade” and the “Mendola. The first is a bit more calling with steady inclines and a few switchbacks.
Day 4: Canazei, Pinei and Sella Passes
Our ride will lead us to one of the lesser-known valleys of Sud Tyrol - the Sciliar highplan - where Austrian language and culture are still dominant among the locals. In the afternoon, after having climbed two passes, we’ll reach Canazei, popular ski resort, base for cyclists wishing to explore the Dolomites.
Day 5–7: Corvara, Marmolada and Falzarego passes, and the Maratona dles Dolomites
Day 5: We cycle along the same passes as Italy’s annual Giro d’Italia, a three-week bike race that begins in the south and zigzags north. Our first long climb faces the gorgeous “Marmolada,” then rises above the Passo Falzarego, an area where major battles of WW I were fought. Our final descent into Corvara is unforgettable.
Day 6: The day before the race day we have some registration logistics to deal with and then feel free to enjoy plenty of relaxation, or do a bit of “light training” on a popular ride around the four passes of the “Sellaronda,” one of the Alps most beautiful circuits.
Day 7: The Maratona starts at 6:30am, with the choice of 3 routes: short, medium and long, ranging from 40 miles with 4 passes to 88 miles with 8 passes. Not only will you earn a finisher certificate on the best ride of your life, you will also have access to all the racer-only benefits including the huge post-event celebration. Meet people from around the world! Plus, you'll get your own race stats immediately after completion simply by providing your cell phone number and email address.
Day 8: Arrivederci!
After breakfast, take a shuttle to the Bolzano train station to make connections throughout Italy.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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David C., Orlando FL had this to say about The Maratona:
There's nothing like the feeling of riding in a peloton of 9000 Italians! -
Gemma C., St. Louis MO had this to say about Maratona:
The Maratona is AWESOME! The ride itself was fun and challenging, but the time we spent riding with our guides beforehand was also fantastic.
