Type: Dolomites / Maratona
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Experience Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Mileage: 40 to 60 mi / day
Description…
Participate in Italy’s most famous Granfondo!– the Maratona dles Dolomites — this tour features some of the best passes in the Dolomites and many of Italy’s toughest climbs. The Maratona is Italy’s’ most popular Granfondo and is the only public cycling event in Italy in which the roads are completely closed to traffic! Each year over 30,000 people try to gain entry into this event by putting their name into a lottery for the 8500 spots. This year we have 14 entries for our clients. This tour does sell out so if you know you want to go, reserve your spot now.
The popularity of this tour is certainly based on its majestic setting in the Dolomites, the Maratona event and the striking cycling routes that follow legendary climbs. Climbing highlights of our tour include the “must ride” passes of the Passo Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo, Giau, the Fedaia located just below the massif of the Marmolada and from Popular demand the infamous Passo Stelvio. To provide the best tour possible we have limited this tour to maximum of 14 riders, so reserve your space now. If you would like to learn more about Granfondo cycling events in beautiful Italia go to our Cycling Events page.
Package Includes:
- Fully supported with 3 and 4 star accommodations
- Participation in the Granfondo dles Dolomites cycling event
- Featuring climbs in the Dolomites
- Granfondo Cycling Tours Jersey included
- Maratona dles Dolomites jersey and shorts included
- Follow vehicles for long rides and Granfondo Event
- Breakfasts and dinners included
Climbing Highlights:
- Passo dello Stelvio
- Pordoi
- Sella
- Gardena
- Valparola,
- Pordoi
- Fedia
Special Event:
The Maratona dles Dolomites cycling event offers Passes through the Dolomites with three categories to challenge every skill level.
- Short Event: 35 mi (57 Km) & 5,740 ft (1750m) climbing
- Medium Event: 68 mi (110 Km) & 9,940 ft (3030 m) climbing
- Long Event: 91 mi (147 Km) & 14,300 ft (4350 m) climbing
Course Description
Day 1: Light climbs around lake Garda
We will meet at our four star boutique hotel with it’s wonderful view over Lake Garda to settle in for a few days. Build the bikes in our well equipped bike room and purchase any last-minute items from the local bike shop. Take an easy spin through the wineries and orchards or one of the more challenging routes prepared for the day. After the ride take a refreshing dip in the pool, grab a beer in the bar, enjoy a sauna, or treat yourself to a message. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel’s chef, talk about the tour, and pass out maps and Jerseys.
Day 2: 48 Switchbacks of the Passo dello Stelvio
That’s right. By popular demand the Passo Stelvio has been added as the first leg of our journey to the dolomites. Test your courage and stamina against today’s highest Alpine pass. Today will be an epic ride conquering the famous Stelvio Pass, first introduced into the Giro d’Italia in 1953 and made famous after Fausto Coppi’s victory. Riders will have the option of crossing through Switzerland and back on the Umbrail Pass. Non-riders on this tour will appreciate a ride to the top with the support van. At the top we will enjoy the view of the Italian and Swiss Alps while sipping on cappuccinos and watching tourists from all over the world mill about in this exciting atmosphere. A German sausage sandwich from the cart vendor is always a favorite on this route. Enjoy this epic climb and return to our hotel located at the base of the climb.
Day 3: Sellaronda loop
Today we travel to region of the Dolomiti with our first ride around the Sellaronda massif. This moderate loop will take us over the Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes.
Day 4: Passo Valparola, Pordoi & Fedia (Marmolada Massif)
After Breakfast we get on our bikes and explore the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. We will take a loop ride along part of the granfondo course in reverse and add an additional climb of the leg breaking Passo Fedia located just below the Marmolada Massif, in conjunction with the Passo Valparola and Pordoi from the back side.
Day 5: Easy Ride of the Passo Campolongo & Registration
Today we will take a short ride to stretch our legs and prepare for the big event tomorrow. After the ride we will head over to the registration area and pick up our race packets and clothing. As part of our tour you will receive an official Maratona dles Dolomiti jersey and shorts. The registration area is a great place to have lunch and spend time looking at all the latest cycling gear. Tonight we will have a pre-race dinner and talk about the event.
Day 6: Granfondo Maratona dles Dolomites
After an early breakfast we will ride together to the start of the big event. The air will electrified with excitement as all the riders arrive at the start. You have the choice of three routes: the Maratona dles Dolomites course (138 km, 4190m), the Middle Course (106km, 3090m), and the Sellaronda course ( 55km, 1780m). Climbing highlights include the passes of the Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo and Giau. After the ride we will re-group at our hotel and enjoy a well deserved dinner.
Day 7: Adige valley
After the Maratona Granfondo we’ll travel back to the lake area and finish with a spectacular loop through the Adige valley to conclude our vacation.
Day 8: Departure
Additional rides based on departure times
Dates:
June 26 – July 3, 2012
Package Price:
$2,895
Single supplement:
$650
Options:
Optional pick-up in Venice – call for details
- Arrival and departures from the Verona VRN airport or Milan & Venice by shuttle
- For arrivals and departures see our Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Details
- Optional pick-up in Venice – call for details
Our groups are kept small so reserve your spot soon. To make your reservation please submit your reservation form along with a credit card deposit of $300. Note: deposits are refundable within 3 months prior to the tour date minus a $100 processing fee. Final amount will be due 3 months prior to the tour departure date.
To Sign Up Click Here:
Register Now!
Once you have reserved your tour an account will be created for you that will be used to track and update your customer information required for your tour. This will include your contact information, rider profile and various tour options. You will be able to view or update your information at any time.
Final payments are due 3 months prior to the tour date. These can be paid by check or credit card. Checks can be sent to the address below.
Checks:
Payable to: Granfondo Cycling Tours
13753 Woodgate Pl,
Poway, CA. 92064
Or by Credit Card (Visa / Master Card)
Travel insurance … also known as trip insurance, is recommended for anyone traveling in a foreign country. They are relatively low cost and can protect against unexpected cancellations and depending on the company can provide additional medical coverage, property damage, theft etc. For our tours we recommend CSA Travel Protection. When purchasing please mention that you are with our group. Agent initials CAP and producer code W8000182.
Airfare assistance … For a good source on tickets you can contact Connoisseur Consolidators 1-888-646-6522. If you call, please let them know you are with Granfondo Cycling Tours.
Cancellation Policy … In the event that you have to cancel your trip the following rules apply to regularly scheduled tours. Private tours may have additional guidelines.
- 100% of deposit refunded within 30 day of payment
- $100 administration fee within 3 months prior to tour start date
- 50% refund within 1 month prior to the tour start date
- Medical emergencies are on a case by case bases
- Travel insurance is always recommended
