Welcome to the cutting-edge of uphill cycling
and world's most famous ascents of each of the continents
The very popular Maratona dles Dolomites in the Dolomite Alps belongs to the classic challenges in any marathon calendar and attracted in the year 2009 once again more than 8,000 participants. Half of the participants take the long distance with an altitude difference of almost 4,200m on 138km.
Start: La Villa 1,436m
The Dolomiti elevation profile (see www.maratona.it) shows almost only up- or downhill rides. Unlike La Marmotte or Ötztaler Cycle Marathon there are actually only very few flat passages. At first one has to take classic Sella Circuit comprehending Campolongopass, Passo Pordoi, Sellajoch and Passo Gardena. Afterwards the Campolongo is taken a second time to the foot of Passo Giau, the latter providing real enjoyment on its steep ramps.
Finally Falzaregopass follows and the return to La Villa/Corvara.
Race package pick-up on the day before the race in Badia/San Leonardo
Start in the small village of La Villa at 6.30am in the morning. Circulating helicopters provide an extraordinary ambience.
8,000 participants sandwiched in four starting areas. The Prisoner's Chorus from Nabucco sounds from the loudspeakers - somewhat comical...
Thousands of amateur cyclists at Campolongo
Pretty crowded during uphill ride to Passo Pordoi
View backwards from ramp to Pordoi
Impressive scenery on the way to Passo Sella
Ascent to Sellajoch
Short break after Sella Circuit and the second traverse of Campolongo
Behind Campolongo the course leads to the foot of Passo Giau via the Belvedere
At Giau weather conditions change and beginning rain provides lot of fun on the 29 switchbacks to the summit
Uncomfortable summit at an altitude of 2,236m
Afterwards the way routes up to Passo Falzarego followed by Passo Valparola
Only at the finish in Corvara you get rewarded by the Pasta-Party and a fresh beer