Cyclists in the Maratona dles Dolomites starting on the Passo Campolongo
Being a professional photographer and bike racer, I have been to and competed in many, many events. None more beautiful, special, and well organized than the Maratona dles Dolomites. The fact that 23,000 people apply for entry to the 9000 openings says something. It is a worthy event to take part in.
Cyclists in the Maratona dles Dolomites
In 2007 I was top American finisher, placing 130th overall. This year Janine and I were two of the official photographers of the event and fortunate enough to be provided with helicopter and motorcycle support. For me, it was an amazing experience to get to see the event as an outsider after having been so focused on being an insider. The course is my home training ground, I know it well, and so to travel along, watching others enjoying it, and shoot was a true joy.
I was immediately struck by the fun people are having. In contrast is the focus, determination, and aggression at the front of the course. This compared to the back where groups gather, laugh, stop to eat and drink at the feeds and generally soak in the experience for all it is worth. Throughout the day I was
A switchback in the Maratona dles Dolomites
mightily impressed by many things; a terrible crash by a 60 year old man who was wrapped in gauze before insisting to continue, numerous handicap participants, some folks pushing more mass than others on the climbs, but probably more than anything, the age range. Getting on in years myself I am always inspired to see fully ripped, tan, lean 70+ year old cycling machines.
In many ways, the Maratona dles Dolomites is a celebration of cycling. There may be no better venue to host such a truly unique course where one climbs a massive pass, descends to the bottom only to begin the next, 9 times in all. And all through the breathtaking scenery of the recently named UNESCO site, the Italian Dolomites.
This is a collection of our photos made on a day where we could do as we please. In looking at the photos, it was clearly our desire to place the cyclists within the magic of this landscape, both for the man made features as well as the natural. We hope the result does honor to the event.
2009 Maratona dles Dolomites Photos : by PatitucciPhoto
Nice photos Patituccis. I really liked Janine’s from the heli–the 4 x 4 photo of all the different patterns of switchbacks and the one of a bunch of switchbacks with wall to wall riders from beginning to end. It really showed how massive the event is.
Most of the ones on the road are amazing too, really blending rider and their environment–stunning. The roads look sooooo smooth too.
Do you want to come ride some tour stages around Chamonix? There’s the Verbier finish, the Grand St. Bernard, and the Col de la Colombiere.
great photos, and it must have been exciting on the heli, wow, what a view!
You two are amazing, and it just goes on.
Keep up the good work.
mums
Always good to approve my mom’s comments…! As biased as they are.
Awesome work kids!! These pics are beee-u-ti-ful. Keep em coming, and do you guys ever sleep. Lisa and I want to come and ride/ski/climb/run/eat/drink with you. Talk to you soon. Enjoy summer!
Sleep?
[...] (The above image is displayed courtesy of PatitucciPhoto, who specialise in outdoor and adventure sports photography. You can view a full gallery of their images from this year’s Maratona on Dolomite Sport.) [...]