Maratona Lungo

The Maratona Lungo is a real feast of climbing for all you mountain lovers out there. The trip combines the Maratona four day trip with some extra days to enjoy the other great routes in the Dolomites. It's sure to be a real trip to remember!

Our week is based in Corvara, in the heart of the Dolomites. where we'll spend the start of the week tackling the legendary Giro climbs of the Pordoi, Staulanza, Marmolada (Fediaia), Plan de Corones and Duran. The culmination of the tour will be participation in the 2012 Maratona dles Dolomites, the biggest and best sportive event in Europe.

Our base for the entire trip will be the luxurious Hotel Posta Zirm in Corvara. The hotel combines a warm welcome with a very special spa and delicious local cuisine. We're now in our fourth year at this hotel and it always receives top marks from guests.

What’s Included?

Four Star Accommodation (Single occupancy room)
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotel and restaurants
Airport transfer and travel to and from race
Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary Energy Drink and Bars
Cyclefilm Maratona dles Dolomites Reconnaissance DVD
La Fuga Welcome Pack
Race Registration

What’s Not?

Flights
Lunchtime meals
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks
Incidental Expenses

The Knowledge

• Tour: Maratona dles Dolomites Lungo
• Accommodation: 7 nights 4 star, Corvara
• Airport: Treviso / Venice Marco Polo
• Event: Maratona dles Dolomites
• Trip Vibe: One centre location allows plenty of time for riding and relaxation.
• Event website: www.maratona.it
• Price: £2575 - single occupancy
• Price: £2050 double occupancy

Maratona Lungo

Day 1

Arrival at Treviso / Venice Marco Polo Airport. Transfer by minibus to our base in Corvara. Depending on arrival time, it may be possible to do a short ride.

Day 2

Featured climbs:

Passo Fedaia (Marmolada) (2131m)

Passo Pordoi (2239m)

Passo Campolungo (1875m)

Our ride today takes us over the Passo Fedaia better known as the Marmolada. The start of the climb takes a single track road that picks it's way through a deep rock lined gorge, with numerous spectacular waterfalls adding to the drama. The climb then rejoins the main road for the final ascent to the summit with some steep pitches at the end to test your resolve.

The Fedaia features regularly in the Giro d'Italia, most recently as a mountain top finish in stage 15 of the 2008 edition, won by subsequently disgraced Italian climber, Emmanuele Sella. To complete the loop, we will ascend another legendary climb, the Passo Pordoi from the west and return to Corvara over the Passo Campolongo.

Day 3

Featured climbs:

Passo Duran (1605m)

Forcella Staulanza (1773m)

Today's ride takes in a classic loop comprising the demanding climbs of the Passo Duran and Passo Staulanza. The Duran is one of the steepest climbs in the region climing almost one thousand metres over it's 12.5km length. The Duran is characterised by it's lack of hairpins, often taking the most direct route up the mountain with sections upto 13%.

After a hair raising descent into the remote village of Dont, the climb of the Staulanza begins immediately. More benign compared to the Duran, the Staulanza climbs up through ski villages to reach an impressive summit dominated by the barren rockfaces of Monte Pelmo. From there we descend to Selva di Cadore and retrace our steps to Corvara.

Day 4

We complete three days of tough riding with a visit to the Plan de Corones, scene of some epic Giro action featuring gravel roads reminiscent of the Coppi Era. We will climb by the exact route used for the mountain time trial in the 2008 Giro, won by Frano Pelizzoti, giving you a chance to compare your climbing skills to those of the pros!

Day 5

We are joined by the four day Maratona group today and will take in a lap of the Sellaronda to give you a taste of what’s to come on Sunday. Our guides will be on hand to give you expert advice on how to conquer the Maratona. Will return to hotel, enjoy a late lunch with the rest of the afternoon to spend as you wish.

Day 6

Todays cycle is a gentle ride around Corvara. The aim is to spin the legs and loosen things up for the challenge tomorrow. Lunch will be had at a café en route. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax, enjoy the hotel, and make final preparations for tomorrow. Your bike will receive a final check over from our mechanic and your race number fitted.

Day 7

The Big Day! The hotel will serve a breakfast suitable for the day's activities with generous helpings of pasta. We will then take the short coach ride to the race start and arrive with enough time to grab a pre-race espresso or two. Your guide will be on hand to pass on some last minute words of wisdom and escort you to the starting pen. After a tough (and hopefully enjoyable) race, we'll meet you at the finish with some cold drinks and congratulations. Then we'll hit the pasta party for some serious refuelling and a chance to check the results board. A refreshing shower and perhaps a power nap await you back at the hotel. The rest of the evening will be spent toasting our success and enjoying some great food and drink in the hotel restaurant.

Day 8

A day to relax and enjoy your last few hours in Italy. Your bike will be packed up ready for your flight home. Our minibus will transfer you back to the airport.

Maratona Lungo