The Maratona dles Dolomites (Dolomites Marathon), is an annual single-day road bicycle race covering seven spectacular mountain passes in the Dolomites. Open to amateur cyclists, the Maratona—with 9,000 riders from over 40 nations—is one of the biggest Italian Granfondo bicycle races. National Geographic described it as “one of the biggest, most passionate, and most chaotic bike races on Earth. Last year 29,000 peopoel applied to enter the race, but this has to be restricted to 9,000 for safety reasons.
The Course
- Passes:
- Campolongo Pass: 5.8 km, Gradient: 6.1%
- Pordoi Pass: 9.2 km, Gradient: 6.9%
- Sella Pass: 5.5 km, Gradient: 7.9%
- Gardena Pass: 5.8 km, Gradient: 4.3%
- Campolongo Pass: 5.8 km, Gradient: 6.1%
- Giau Pass: 9.9 km, Gradient: 9.3%
- Falzarego Pass/ Valparola Pass: 11.5 km, Gradient: 5.8%
- Total distance: 138 km (86 mi)
- Total altitude difference: 4,190 m (13,750 ft)
Maratona dles Dolomites
Jim before the start of the Maratona
A mass of riders on the Campolongo Pass
Some of the first riders in the event
A view of the scenery the ride passes through
Jim, taken by Sportograf
Jim at the Finish
Jim with Medal
Maratona dles Dolomites
not at home 
Look like some event. I love that fish-bowl photo above on the hairpin bend. I have never yet ridden the roads of Italy, if i can get an entry this might just be the excuse i need!
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yes the roads are beautiful. If you are in Britain you can get an entry via Cycling Weekly magazine. otherwise its a lot more difficult.
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