Maratona dles Dolomites

In the beginnings in 1987 there were only 166 of them - in the last years, the number of cyclists mastering seven passes amounts of over 9,000: Campolongo Pass, Pordoi Pass, Sella Pass - the highest one with 2,244 m a.s.l. -, Gardena Pass, Giau Pass, Valparola Pass and Mür dl Giat. We are talking about the Maratona dles Dolomites, the Ladin name for Marathon of the Dolomites, a thrilling bike race for non-professionals. It takes place on a Sunday in July and is open to everyone: Every cyclist needs a medical certificate declaring the physical fitness for the cycling sport.

There are three courses: The start is in La Villa in the Alta Badia, then the Marathon Course (138 km and 4,230 m of altitude difference) leads over all seven mountain passes in the Dolomites. The Middle Course (106 km and 3,130 m of altitude difference) renounces to the 15% gradient of the Giau Pass, and the Sellaronda Course (55 km and 1,780 m of altitude difference) tackle four of the seven passes. The cycle marathon, always fairly well organised, is sponsored by the Italian distributor of electricity and gas Enel, and suppported by the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol and the Alta Badia holiday region. Many of the local associations and volunteers offer their valuable assistance for the service points and the supporting programme. Some weeks earlier, another bike event for everyone takes place in the Dolomites: the Sellaronda Bike Day.