Maratona of the Dolomites
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Photo Gallery: Maratona dles Dolomites
Maratona of the Dolomites
Space is limited to a specific number of entries, so be sure to save your space and join "Team Ciclismo" in Italy's premier Gran Fondo! THIS TOUR WILL SELL OUT.
Highlights
- Best of mountain culture
- Stays in the romantic village of Canazei and Corvara
- Daily backdrop of soaring rock spires, plunging waterfalls and cool forests
- Climb some of Italy's most spectacular and famous mountain passes
- Succulent, northern Italian cuisine
Description
Celebrate the joy and challenge of cycling on the most important Italian "Gran Fondo": the "Maratona dles Dolomites," a timed cycling event attracting nearly 10,000 cycling enthusiasts from all around the world. Filled by a lottery with over 20,000 applicants, this Gran Fondo is also among the most popular in Italy!
Participants may choose from three timed routes: the "Sellaronda course" (55km), the "Middle course" (106km), and the "Maratona course" (138km)
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
$4,495
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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
330 miles
Daily Average: 48 -
Departing
Corvara
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Arriving
Bolzano
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Dates
- June 25, 2012
Day 1: Higher 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: Passo 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
En route to the lively city of Bolzano, you'll ride two more spectacular passes: the "Palade" and the "Mendola." Bolzano is a rich center for arts, history, and shopping.
Day 4: Canazei
The first ride will lead us to one of the lesser-known valleys of Sud Tyrol - the Val d’Ega -
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 5–6: Corvara
After a flat start along the river Isarco, we begin a long ascent to the Passo Gardena across the homonymous valley: this is the gateway to the heart of the Dolomites. On the other side of the pass lies Corvara, homebase of the famous Maratona dles Dolomites. On day 5, we'll handle some pre-race housekeeping before we warm up for the big event of day 6. Our route is a beautiful and renown ride around the four passes of the "Sellaronda," one of the Alps' most beautiful circuits. A dream for skiers, and a challenge for cyclists, this is an 80-kilometer ride around the majestic Sella Massif, up and down the passes of Sella, Gardena, Campolongo and Pordoi.
Day 7: Ride the Maratona dles Dolomites
The Maratona starts at 6:30am, with the choice of 3 routes: short, medium and long, ranging from 65km with 4 passes to 150km 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: Arrividerci!
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.
