This year, the number of enquiries was almost four times as high as the available starting numbers. In total, there were 31,500 participants in the starting place draw, while the number of starting numbers is limited to 8,000. As always, 50 per cent of the starting places will be allocated to participants from Italy and the other half to international starters. The 37th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel will take place on Sunday, 7 July 2024.
As always, there are three routes that are closed to motorised traffic. Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola are the legendary Dolomite passes on the three routes.
The routes of the cycle marathon
- Maratona route: 138 km and 4230 m difference in altitude
- Average distance: 106 km and 3130 m difference in altitude
- Sellaronda: 55 km and 1780 m difference in altitude
Participant survey
After the Maratona dles Dolomites 2023, a satisfaction survey was conducted among the participants. The results were so positive that the organiser published them. They were rated on a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (very good).
Safety and route were rated at 4.5 and 4.89 respectively, while the difficulty of the routes was rated at 4.1. The intention to take part in an event such as the Maratona is very high: 87 per cent of people said they intended to take part in future editions, while only 0.34 per cent said they had no intention of signing up for future editions. Cyclists' travel companions are mainly their partner (31 per cent), friends (24 per cent) and family (21 per cent). Word of mouth is the most effective marketing channel, reaching 56 per cent, while the website reaches 14 per cent and social media 8 per cent.
Free alternative to the Maratona dles Dolomites
If you didn't get a starting place for the Maratona dles Dolomites, you can cycle the passes on car-free events without being timed. The car-free cycling days are accessible without registration. The routes follow the Maratona dles Dolomites.
The traditional Sellaronda Bike Day takes place on 8 June, when the passes around the Sella Group are closed to traffic. The event will be repeated on 7 September. In the June edition, cyclists can take part from 8.00 am to 2.30 pm. The route runs anti-clockwise. The 53-kilometre route has a difference in altitude of 1637 metres.
At the Dolomites Bike Day on 22 June, however, the Dolomite passes Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola are closed to motorised traffic. The route starts in Alta Badia and leads over the Passo Campolongo to Arabba and into the Livinallongo Valley. The route continues to the Falzarego Pass and then to the Valparola Pass before reaching the villages of La Villa and Corvara. The route, which is closed to traffic from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, offers 51 kilometres and has a total difference in altitude of 1370 metres. The route must be travelled in an anti-clockwise direction. www.dolomitesbikeday.it
Kristian Bauer
Editor
