The Maratona dles Dolomites Week
Do you dream of riding the Maratona dles Dolomites but did not get in? Are you sitting at home sulking? The race, which offers 6000 starting slots to applicants, receives well over 20,000 applications. For good reason, it is the dream ride for any cyclist wanting to ride in the Italian Dolomites, experience the Italian cycling culture and go up and down many big passes.
But, sulk not – there is a way to experience the Maratona dles Dolomites without taking part in the event itself. There is even a way to get into the race without having been accepted via the normal registration.
Each year, in the week prior to the race, and the week after the event, the entire region plays host to at least 16-20,000 cyclists. Those entered to race plus all the many others coming to take advantage of the roads being literally swarmed by cyclists, of whom there are so many, that cars basically don’t bother to drive on the passes.
Riding the Sellaronda above Corvara, Campolongo Pass
The week prior to the race has daily group rides, a Maratona village set up with vendors and shows, as well as several meal gatherings. One can ride in huge groups on mostly car free roads all week before the cycling event. And the week after the race is typically much the same, but instead of a week leading up to the race, it is a week leading up to the Sellaronda Bike Day – which is the closure of the entire Sellaronda Loop to cars and motorcycles. In other words, arguably the best road biking loop on the planet is only open to cyclists for one day. Mark your calendar, July 12, 2009.
My own experience of these weeks is pure joy. The week before the race can be described as blissful cycling chaos. So many cyclists clog the roads that people watching and bike ogling becomes a serious distraction. One can literally ride all day in the Dolomites, spend the late afternoon cruising the Maratona Village, then enjoy a cyclist special meal at one of countless local restaurants. They know cyclist need to eat so they double the portions.
Another way of getting into the Maratona is via the Holimites Travel Package. Holimites is the official travel operator of the event and through them one can book everything for a stay in the Alta Badia region; hotels for cyclists and family with guaranteed entry to the Maratona. Booking starts in October and tends to fill up within 2 weeks, contact info@holimites.com for all information. Also, subscribe to the Holimites Newsletter for all current booking offers as well as Maratona specials.
The Maratona dles Dolomites, Campolongo Pass
Dolomites Tour Operator