Dolomite Mountains, a leading Italian company specializing in guided mountain travel, is offering an opportunity for amateur and avid cyclists alike to join an exclusive bike race in Italy’s Dolomites in July 2015.
National Geographic described this Italian Granfondo as “one of the biggest, most passionate, and most chaotic bike races on Earth”.
The July 1-6, 2015, event cycles over breathtaking Dolomite mountain passes while enjoying the camaraderie of 9,000 cyclists from more than 40 nations. The Maratona dles Dolomites is the one of the most popular Granfondo road biking races in Italy. This annual, single-day road bicycle race takes riders across four to eight spectacular mountain passes.
Mass participation cycling events have been popular in Europe for decades and are gaining momentum worldwide. Over time, the Maratona, one of the biggest Italian Granfondo bicycle races, has attracted an increasing number of fans, to become one of the most important amateur cycling events in the whole of Europe.
While the 9,000 places for this race sell out quickly each year, there are guaranteed entries through the Dolomite Mountains program. Rates for participants include the entrance fee and five nights lodging (double room accommodation) at €2.880 per person (single rate € 3,760). If the partner is not participating in the event the rate starts at € 1,650/person. Lodging is at the 5-star Relais & Chateaux Rosa Alpina. (See: http://dolomitemountains.com/en/summer_fall_trips/bike3235.htm).
The package includes a tour briefing with logistics and map, guaranteed race registration, all breakfasts (including pasta breakfast on race day), two dinners at the hotel, an aperitif in the kitchen of Restaurant St. Hubertus, dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, cleaning service for bike gear and services of a bike mechanic for four days, one sport massage, services of a local English speaking Professional Bike Guide for two days (three cyclists per guide), private transfers as per itinerary, local medical and evacuation insurance, local tourist tax and Italian VAT tax. Airport transfers are available upon request at an extra charge.
Warm up rides cum touring and sightseeing before Day 5, race day, are scheduled with guides and technical assistance as needed.
Maratona dles Dolomites starts in La Villa in Alta Badia with three course options: a short course of 55 kilometers (34.1 miles) with four passes to cross; a middle course of 106 kilometers (65.8 miles) crossing six passes; and a long course of 138 kilometers (85.7 miles) climbing over eight passes. The first four passes are the same for all.
At the start of the event, participants are free to select the route best suited to their ability; they may alter their course during the event. All riders complete the four pass Sellaronda course first. After completing this, riders can either choose to finish the race or proceed directly onwards with the Middle course, followed by the Maratona course. The roads are lined with tens of thousands of cheering spectators, and the entire event is broadcast live on Italian national broadcaster RAI. Along the courses, seven refreshment stations are manned by volunteers; riders can strengthen themselves with food and drink. All courses end in Corvara in Badia (end 1,561m / 5,120′). A post event celebration concludes the day.
Dolomite Mountains srl is a local company in the Dolomites which for over 15 years has crafted adventures within one of the most beautiful natural settings on Earth. Types of trips offered include hiking, biking, Via Ferrata, climbing, snowshoeing, photo safari, skiing, self-guided and luxury trips. Customized guided and self guided active trips and luxury and gourmet adventures take travelers off the beaten path for authentic experiences that reveal the real Dolomites. For trip information and reservations call 866-247-4860 or log on:
http://dolomitemountains.com/en/home.htm
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