The Maratona dles Dolomites is the most famous racing bike event in the Dolomites. It is difficult to get a starting place. But there are many other dates to experience the Dolomites on a racing bike. We have picked out the most important dates:
Marcialonga Cycling 26 May
Predazzo, the starting point of Marcialonga Cycling, is located at the very edge of the Dolomites. There are routes over 135 and 80 kilometres to choose from. The long route takes you over the Carezza Pass, Pampeago Pass, Passo San Pellegrino and Passo Valles - a whopping 3,900 metres in altitude. The short round of the cycling race only leads over Passo San Pellegrino and Passo Valles and offers just under 2,450 metres of altitude.
Info: www.marcialonga.it
Sportful Dolomiti Race 16 June
The Granfondo in Feltre is one of the most important cycling races in the Dolomites. This year, participation is particularly worthwhile: the race offers new routes. While the Maratona dles Dolomites is always sold out, you can take part in the Sportful Dolomiti Race without the luck of the draw and for as little as 70 euros. In sporting terms, the well-organised race has nothing to hide: the 200-kilometre route offers 4,900 metres of elevation gain, which is more than the Maratona. Feltre is located at the southernmost tip of the Dolomites - the Granfondo leads over the Passo Duran and the Passo Croce d'Aune, among others. The latter has also been ridden in previous years and is inextricably linked to the Granfondo in Feltre - after all, this pass gave rise to the idea for the cycling marathon.
Info: www.sportfuldolomitirace.it
Sellaronda Bike Day 8 June / 14 September
The four Dolomite passes Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Pordoi Pass and Campolongo Pass are open exclusively for cyclists on two Saturdays: on 8 June and 14 September, the Sellaronda Bike Day offers racing bike fun without exhaust fumes and engine noise. The roads will be closed to motorised vehicles from 8:30 to 16:00. An anti-clockwise tour is recommended: Selva Gardena, Corvara, Arabba or Canazei are suitable starting points. There are around 1,650 metres of elevation gain over a distance of 53 kilometres. Riding on the right is important for safety reasons. It is not necessary to register, there are several "service points" to help with technical problems. In previous years, up to 10,000 cyclists have taken advantage of the traffic-free ride around the Sella Group in the Dolomites.
Info: www.sellarondabikeday.com
Cycling day Stilfserjoch 31 August
The 48 hairpin bends to the Stelvio Pass are a must for all racing cyclists who enjoy climbing. Unfortunately, the heavy traffic often spoils the fun of the climb. However, the Stelvio Cycling Day is completely free of noise and stench: on 31 August 2024, the pass road up to the 2,758 m high Stelvio Pass will be open exclusively for cyclists. The 25-kilometre ascent from Prad am Stilfserjoch (910 m) up to the top of the pass is car-free. With a difference in altitude of 1,848 metres and gradients of up to 15 percent, the route promises a challenging cycling experience.
The last edition of the event in September 2023 attracted an impressive 11,700 cyclists from all over the world. Of these, 7,586 participants started from the South Tyrolean side and 4,114 from the Lombardy side. The event was organised by the Stelvio National Park Authority and the Prad am Stilfserjoch Tourist Association.
Info: www.nationalpark-stelvio.it
Eroica Dolomiti 7 September
Experiencing the Dolomites on a classic steel racing bike is the concept behind the Eroica Dolomiti. There are three routes to choose from - the longest, with an elevation gain of 2,740 metres over 118 kilometres, will put your old equipment to the test. Especially because large parts of the route are on unpaved roads. In previous years, rough gravel sections and steep descents have provided a tough test - the fine sandy paths of Tuscany are tame in comparison. The starting point of the routes is San Candido in Alta Pusteria. As befits an Eroica event, there is a supporting programme and regional delicacies. You can only take part on bikes built before 1987.
Info: www.eroicadolomiti.com
Important note: For Granfondos in Italy, you have to buy a day licence - without a valid racing licence - and need a medical certificate confirming your medical fitness for cycling races. This certificate is even required for the Eroica Dolomiti.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
