Italy
There are many amazing sportives around, but for our money there are only three that every cyclist has to ride at some point in their lives. The other two are in France, riding a stage of the Tour at the Etape du Tour and experiencing the brutality of Paris Roubaix. The third in our list is this one, the most beautiful sportive in the world and a glorious place to ride a bike. The Maratona dles Dolomites has been thrilling cyclists from around the world for 30 years. The route is incredible, starting with a loop of the Sella Ronda over four classic climbs followed by a couple of longer climbs depending on which route you choose.
The locals really put on a show for this weekend. The roads are lined with people in traditional dress playing instruments are cheering everyone on with enthusiasm. The hospitality in the hotels, restaurants and on the roads is fantastic and adds to the natural beauty. Corvara is a great base not just for this sportive but also for a few days either side to ride some of the other great climbs in the area. The nearest airport is almost 3 hours away so this is best ridden as part of a week in the Dolomites or a long weekend.
Mountains
Italy
Hard
12,000
The Dolomites might be the best cycling region in the world. Great climbs in all directions, breathtaking scenery and good road surfaces. We send GPX files for great warm up rides including rides to Tre Cime, Passo Fedaia & more.
The Maratona dles Dolomites sells out in minutes and is one of the great sportives in the world. The whole sportive is shown live in TV as the route goes over 7 classic climbs.
The most beautiful sportive on the planet. Set in Corvara in the heart of the dolomites, the Maratona dles Dolomites takes in some of the best climbs in the region on closed, smooth roads. Riders from all over the world have been coming here for the last 32 years to ride this incredible sportive.
Arrival day for the 5 night packages. Transfer leaves Venice at 11.30pm so please arrange flights to arrive by 11am. We will arrive in Corvara at 2.30pm. There is an option of a warm up spin before our welcome dinner at 7.30pm.
First warm up ride, we take in the Passo Giau - 89km with 2800m of elevation and a chance to see the hardest climb before the sportive. Our warm up rides are at a relaxed pace (25km/h average on flats) with a coffee stop.
Arrival day for the 4 night packages. Transfer leaves Venice at 11.30am so please arrange flights to arrive by 11am. We will arrive in La Villa at 2.30pm for our welcome dinner at 7.30pm.
Second warm up ride is the Sella Ronda - 4 climbs, 52km with 1800m of elevation, possibly the most stunning 50km of riding on the planet.
We will get back by lunch and at 2pm we drive to collect race packs.
Final warm up ride, a short but punchy spin over the stunning Falzarego. Todays ride is 54km1600m of climbing. We return by lunch leaving the afternoon free to relax, get your bike checked by our mechanic and prepare for the sportive.
Maratona day! Pens open at 5.30am for a 6.30am start. Breakfast is from 4.30am with home cooked porridge. Our feed stop is at 75km near where the mid and long route split. Your chance to grab some savoury food before the home stretch. In the evening we have some post sportive beers to celebrate!
Departure day. We leave Corvara & La Villa at 6.30am to arrive in Venice at 9.30am - please book flights to depart after 11.30am.
We have a fleet of Giant Defy bike rentals for the Maratona
There are three route options from 55km to 138km with a max of 4,230m of elevation. One of the good features of this sportive is that you can choose your route mid ride depending on how well you feel. All routes start at 6.30am from Corvara and start with the four climbs of the Sella Ronda. The short route finishes when you come back into Corvara while the other two go back over the Campolongo to the next route split. The long distance heads over the mighty Giau & Falzarego whereas the medium skips the Giau. Both end with one last nasty short climb up the Mur dl Giat with an unwelcome 19% gradient before finishing back in Corvara.
Choose the Route
Ride Distance: 138
Elevation gain: 4230
Ride Distance: 106
Elevation gain: 3130
Ride Distance: 55
Elevation gain: 1780
Transfers are from Venice (VCE) which is 2hr45 from Corvara. Arrive on Wednesday or Thursday by 12pm for an 12.30pm transfer. On Monday book flights that leave after 12:00pm.
The starting number pick-up takes place at the events hall in S.Leonardo/Badia – Alta Badia:
- Wednesday, 27.06.2018 from 8.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
- Thursday, 28.06.2018 from 8.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
- Friday, 29.06.2018 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, 30.06.2018 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
The start of the race is in La Villa – Alta Badia – Dolomites (BZ) at 6.30am with pens opening at 5.30am and the arrival in Corvara – Alta Badia.
We have warm up rides each day:
Thursday: Passo Fedaia Loop.
Distance: 86km, Elevation: 2920m
Going into an area you won't ride on the Maratona. The Fedaia is a classic Dolomites climb. We start taking in two climbs of the Sella Ronda, then descent into Canazei before climbing and descending the Fedaia before returning over the Campolongo.
Friday: Passo Giau Loop.
Distance: 89km, Elevation: 2950m
This route takes in the second half of the Maratona loop taking in the Campalongo, long valley descent, Passo Giau, Valparola and long descent home.
Saturday: Sella Ronda Loop.
Distance: 52km, Elevation: 1800m
One of the classic loops in world cycling and the start of the Maratona. This short loop takes in four climbs - Campalongo, Pordio, Sella & Gardena, all with some incredible scenery. The gradients are all gentle (5 to 7%) so a nice warm up ride to do some easy spinning.
4 & 5 night packages in either Corvara (race finish) or La Villa (race start). The towns are 4km apart in the stunning Dolomites.
All Packages Include:
| Summary | Price | Quantity | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Nights Shared Twin Room for 2 people in La Villa |
£999 | £999 | Book Now | |
4 Nights Twin / Double Room for 2 people in La Villa |
£1999 | £1999 | Less than 5 left |
