Maratona dles Dolomites 2026 Complete Guide — Italy's Cycling Gran Fondo Queen, 7 Dolomite Passes and How to Train For It

By Ramon Curto · Updated 2026-05-08

On Sunday July 5, 2026, the 40th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites rolls out — Italy's most prestigious cycling Gran Fondo and, for many, the most beautiful in the world. 138 km and 4,230 m of total climbing across seven Dolomite passes (Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo again, Giau and Falzarego/Valparola), with a pre-dawn start in La Villa and finish in Corvara, in the heart of Alta Badia. 9,000 lottery winners out of approximately 35,000 international applicants will ride completely closed roads through the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. This guide covers what neither the official site nor the finishers' blogs lay out in full: how the day really breaks down, what to eat, how to train for 24 weeks for an event you can't simulate on flat roads, and what really happens when you hit Passo Giau with the tank empty after four passes already in your legs.

📑 Table of contents

1. Key data
2. About the race
3. The course — 138 km and 7 passes
4. History and roll of honour
5. Registration and prices
6. Getting there
7. Where to stay
8. Weather
9. How to train — 24-week plan
10. Pace calculator
11. Personalised race plan
12. Race plan
13. Nutrition
14. Kit
15. FAQs
16. Comparison with other Gran Fondos

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The Maratona dles Dolomites is not a professional race nor a light tourist challenge — it's an amateur Gran Fondo of the highest level with roads completely closed to traffic all morning Sunday, UNESCO World Heritage Dolomite scenery and a level of attention to detail you only understand when you live the Costa philosophy: the Costa family has organised it for 40 years from their Hotel La Perla in Corvara, with the motto "Eroica fatica, eroica bellezza" (heroic effort, heroic beauty). Each year it raises over €100,000 for charity.

Is it for you?

The Maratona assumes you arrive with:

• 2+ seasons of regular cycling (8–12 h/week sustained).
• Ability to do 4–5 h rides with 2,500–3,000 m of climbing without breaking down.
• An estimated FTP of at least 2.8–3.0 W/kg if you want to finish the Maratona inside the cutoff comfortably. With 2.5 W/kg you'll finish, but it'll be tight.
• A road bike in good condition (workshop-checked, gears well-adjusted, brakes sharp — there's 4,000 m of descending).
• Mental stability: rolling out at 06:30 with 8 °C at the start, hitting the Giau with 22 °C heat, and lasting 7–8 h in the saddle isn't for everyone.

If you've been riding for three months or never done a long pass, the Maratona isn't your event yet — pick the Sellaronda route (55 km), perfect for first-timers, or wait another year.

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06:30 CET, start from La Villa town centre. Five corrals by registration order. The first 3 km are flat through the valley toward Corvara. Warm up beforehand — cold legs + 8 °C + adrenaline is a recipe for starting badly.

5.8 km at 6.1 % average. The first notch of the day and everyone's eager — DON'T GET INTO IT. Climb at solid Z2 (~70 % FTP), breathe through the nose if you can. Summit at 1,875 m. Technical 6 km descent toward Arabba.

9.2 km at 6.9 % average up to 2,239 m. The Pordoi is the iconic "Giro d'Italia pass" — Coppi tribute at the top. 33 numbered switchbacks from Arabba. Stay in Z2 (not Z3 yet). Once over, long descent (10 km) toward the Sella.

5.5 km at 7.9 % average up to the highest point of the race: 2,244 m. Brutal views of the Sassolungo group. Here you'll start to feel the cumulative climbing — stay conservative. Panoramic summit.

5.8 km at 4.5 % average — the gentlest of the high passes. Summit at 2,121 m. Fast and technical descent toward Corvara — respect the corners, there have been serious crashes here.

At km 60 you pass through Corvara and Sellaronda route riders finish here. You continue to the second loop.

Same pass as the start. Legs grumble; now with 60 km and 1,700 m+ accumulated, you feel it. Stay in Z2 — the Giau awaits.

After the Campolongo descent, Medio riders turn toward Corvara and finish at 106 km. You take the detour toward the Giau. This is where the real Maratona begins.

9.9 km at 9.3 % average. Summit at 2,236 m. One of the toughest amateur cycling climbs in Europe. No respite — constant 9–11 % ramps with no flat section. Your race is decided here:

• If you've managed the first 4 climbs well (Z2, ~70 % FTP), you arrive with reserves and climb at tempo (low Z3, 75–80 % FTP). You'll do it in 60–80 minutes.
• If you've ridden the early passes in high Z3 or Z4, you arrive empty. You'll walk a section (no shame — 30 % of riders walk parts of the Giau).
• Eat 80–100 g of carbs in the hour before the Giau — start eating climbing the second Campolongo, not halfway up the Giau.

Winning strategy: first 4 passes at 70 % FTP, hit the Giau with legs and climb at tempo. Not the other way round.

After the Giau comes the Falzarego — 11.5 km at 5.8 % average to 2,105 m, with a final detour up to Valparola (2,192 m). Sounds gentle after the Giau and indeed it is, but with 100+ km in the legs and 3,500 m+ accumulated, the final ramps weigh. Solid Z2. Summit with views of the Tofane.

20 km of technical descent with flat sections. Watch the corners — serious crashes nearly every year on this descent. Finish in Corvara with applause tunnel. Medal, pasta party, photo. You cry or you don't, depending on you.

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The Maratona was born in 1987 as a small idea by Michil Costa — at the time a hotelier at Hotel La Perla — to celebrate amateur cycling through his Alta Badia homeland. The first edition had around 165 riders. Forty years later, the event has become the most coveted Gran Fondo in Europe, with four applications per slot.

Maratona route records (138 km):

• Men: ~4 h 33 min (Roberto Cunico, ITA, 2014). Historic record few amateurs ever come close to.
• Women: ~5 h 25 min.

Numbers that put things in perspective — a "fast" amateur typically runs 5:30–6:00 h. The average finisher is between 7 and 8 hours.

Costa philosophy: the family keeps the event anti-commercial, without big banners, with obsessive attention to sustainability (refillable bottles, eco-friendly internal transport, charity fundraising). It's one of the few major Gran Fondos that feels more ceremony than mass event.

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• Opens: first week of November 2025
• Closes: mid-November 2025
• Drawn: second half of January 2026
• Probability of success: ~25 % (35,000 applications for 8,500 slots)
• How: maratona.it → register, choose route (you can pick 2 priorities), pay €15 deposit (non-refundable, secures your participation if drawn).

If drawn: you'll be notified by email + your name appears on the website. You have 7 days to confirm and pay the rest (~€140–170 total).

If NOT drawn: alternatives:

1. Charity slot (€350–500): guaranteed entry via partner foundations (Race4Hope, Cassa Rurale Alta Badia Foundation, etc.). Limited but accessible if you act fast.
2. Hotel package slots: some official Alta Badia hotels (Hotel La Perla, Hotel Capella, Sassongher) have a quota of slots offered as package (hotel + bib). Pricey but reliable.
3. Cycling tour operators (InGamba, Cinghiale, etc.): packages of €2,500–4,500 with bib included, accommodation, transfers and guide. If you want guarantee and service, this is what you book.
4. Try again next year. If you've paid the deposit this year and weren't drawn, the next year you have priority ("loyalty point" system).

• Bib: €140–170 (lottery) or €350–500 (charity).
• Alta Badia hotel 4 nights (July): €400–1,200/person in double room.
• Flights: €200–600 depending on origin.
• Transfers + car rental: €200–400.
• Food + extras: €200–400.
• Bike rental (if you don't bring your own): €300–500 for 4 days.
• Total: €1,500–3,500 per person depending on budget and whether you bring your own bike.

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Alta Badia has no airport of its own. Options are:

The fastest drive option from Northern Europe. Direct Easyjet and other low-cost flights from London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam. Recommended if coming from Northern Europe. Car rental ~€200–400 / 4 days.

Best for arrivals from Spain, France, Portugal. Vueling and Ryanair have direct routes Barcelona/Madrid → Verona. Car rental and drive up the A22 to Bressanone, then 1 h on mountain roads to Corvara.

Big airport with international (including transatlantic) connections. Further but a good option if coming from outside Europe. Rent car in Munich and drop down the A22 via Innsbruck.

• Fly to Verona or Munich → train to Bolzano (Italy) → SAD bus line to Corvara (1.5 h, €5–8). Convenient if you're NOT bringing your own bike (you'd use Alta Badia rental).
• Note: with your own bike, mountain buses have limited bike capacity — confirm in advance with SAD.

• Bring your own bike: ideal but costly (€80–150 each way by air + bike case). If you fly to Innsbruck/Verona and drive, no extra cost.
• Rent locally: Carpisa Sport (Corvara), Ciclo Solleva (San Cassiano), Pedevilla (Corvara). Carbon Cervélo/Specialized/Pinarello bikes from €60–80/day. Reserve 3 months ahead. Bring your own saddle and pedals (cleat-fit).

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Alta Badia is a small valley with three tourist hubs. All are 5–10 minutes by bike from the La Villa start.

The zero-stress option. You walk out from the hotel, finish and shower 200 m from the line.

• Hotel La Perla (5*, ⭐ recommended): the Costas' hotel, organiser of the event. Unique atmosphere, packages with bib, massage included. €450–700/night. The "all-inclusive" choice.
• Hotel Sassongher (4*): historic, views of the Sella. €280–450/night.
• Hotel Capella (4*): elegant, central location. €280–400/night.
• Hotel Ladinia (3*): comfortable and affordable. €150–230/night.

Slightly cheaper + Michelin restaurants.

• Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa (5*, Aman group): top-end, St. Hubertus restaurant 2★ Michelin. €600–1,100/night.
• Hotel Diamant (4*): family-run, great terrace. €230–380/night.
• Hotel Fanes (4*): strong spa, ideal post-race recovery. €250–400/night.

Good base if you want to train pre-race with views of the Sella.

• Hotel Cappella (4*): comfortable, good kitchen. €230–380/night.
• Hotel Sassongher (also option here): €280–420/night.

If travelling with family or group, apartments in Pedraces (3 km) start at €120–200/night for 4 people. AirBnB and Booking have good supply, but book 6+ months ahead — Alta Badia fills up.

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• La Villa (1,430 m): 8–14 °C
• High passes (Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego): 4–8 °C at sunrise on the summits.

Layer up. Short-sleeved jersey + thermal vest + arm warmers + leg warmers + light gloves. As the sun rises and you climb, off come leg warmers and arm warmers. Don't start in just short sleeves and no vest — the first Campolongo descent at 50 km/h in shadow stings.

• Valleys (Corvara, Arabba): 18–24 °C
• High passes: 12–18 °C
• Strong UV above 1,500 m. SPF 50 sunscreen is mandatory — a Dolomite sunburn lasts a week.

Afternoon storms are classic in July in the Dolomites. If you arrive late at Falzarego (after 14:00), watch the sky:

• If thunder: STOP AND DESCEND. No discussion. Summits are guaranteed lightning. The organisation has sweep buses on each pass.
• If raining without thunder: carry on, but with extreme care on descents (asphalt + cool temperature + hot brakes = crash).

• meteomont.gov.it — official Italian mountain weather service.
• meteoblue.com — micro-forecasts per pass.

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Goal: build aerobic engine and muscular foundation. Volume, low intensity.

• Typical week: 8–10 h total. Monday rest. Tuesday 1 h Z2. Wednesday 1.5 h with 4×8' Z3. Thursday 1 h Z2. Friday rest. Saturday 3–4 h Z2. Sunday 2 h Z2 + cadence work.
• Z2 = 60–70 % FTP (you can talk in short sentences).
• If you live in flat terrain, smart trainer or simulator saves you. Zwift, Wahoo SYSTM or TrainerRoad work well.
• Strength gym 2×/week: squats, deadlifts, core. Crucial to maintain posture for 7+ hours on the bike.

Goal: raise threshold (FTP) and add elevation gain.

• Typical week: 10–12 h. Keep 2 intensity days: Tuesday VO2max intervals (5×4' Z5) and Thursday threshold intervals (3×12' Z4 / 90% FTP).
• Saturday long ride 4–5 h with 1,500–2,500 m+ — find real 8–15 km passes, climb in Z3, descend, climb again.
• Sunday recovery 2 h Z2.
• FTP test every 4 weeks (20 min all-out, 95 % of value = FTP).

Goal: simulate the Maratona — 5–6 h with 3,000+ m of climbing.

• Typical week: 12–14 h.
• Saturday ride 5–6 h with 3,000+ m of climbing. If you don't have mountains, plan a weekend in the Pyrenees / Sierra de Madrid / Alpujarras and do a 5-pass day.
• Start testing nutrition — gels, bars, bottles with sports drink + salt. 80–100 g carbs/h.
• Sunday 3 h in Z2 with tired legs from Saturday — simulates the "next day" mental load.
• Technical test: a long technical descent (10+ km) to get used to braking and corners.

Goal: arrive fresh. Maintain intensity, drop volume.

• Week 23 (8 days out): -30 % volume. Keep 2 short Z4 sessions (45 min with 3×6' Z4). Weekend ride 2.5 h with 800 m+.
• Week 24 (race week): -50 % volume. Mon-Tue 1 h easy. Wed 30 min with 3×1' Z5 (keep edge). Thu rest. Fri 30 min flush. Sat 30 min activation. Sunday: Maratona.

• Have I done at least one ride of 4+ h with 2,500+ m of climbing in the last 2 months? If NO → Sellaronda.
• Does my estimated FTP exceed 2.8 W/kg? If NO → consider Medio (106 km).
• Have I descended long passes in dry and wet conditions? If NO → invest 2 weekends in technical descents first.
• Have I eaten 80–100 g carbs/hour for 5 h without GI distress? If NO → your nutrition isn't tested — practice it 4 weekends out.

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Realistic time bands for the Maratona (138 km, 4,230 m+):

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Generate your personalised race plan based on your FTP, weight and experience. The tool gives you split times and per-pass advice.

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• Z1–Z2 (60–70 % FTP). Even if you have spare energy, DON'T attack.
• 8 °C on cold legs + adrenaline = injury. The first 30 minutes are real warm-up, not racing.
• Sip small amounts every 10 min even without thirst.

• Solid Z2, max 70 % FTP. It'll feel slow. That's correct.
• Eat 80 g carbs/h: a gel every 30 min + a sip of bottle every 15 min.
• At summits, eat solid food (bar or date) — gels every 30' lower absorption by 4 h.
• Passing Corvara (km 60), you should feel legs + stomach OK. If NOT → you know the deal: defensive management.

• Start eating heavily 30 min before the Giau (second Campolongo). Arrive with 100 g carbs available.
• On the Giau: low Z3, 75–80 % FTP. NOT Z4 — would leave you empty for Falzarego.
• If you feel hollow: walk 200 m, eat, drink, get back on. No shame — 30 % walk parts.
• After the summit: swallow a solid + 200 ml liquid before descending. You'll be 20 min without swallowing during the descent.

• Falzarego in solid Z2 — 3,500 m+ already in legs, don't push.
• Final descent to Corvara: caution. 4,000 m+ accumulated braking heats up. If you hear squeaking or feel softness in the lever: stop 30 seconds, let cool.
• Finish: medal, beer, pasta party. You've done the Maratona.

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• Carbohydrate loading the 2 days before: 8–10 g/kg/day. Pasta, rice, white bread, fruit.
• Hydration: 2.5–3 L/day water + electrolytes (1 sachet/day).
• Zero alcohol the 2 days before. Saturday is for sleeping well, not beer with dinner.

• 80–100 g carbs: oatmeal bowl + honey + banana + 1 egg + coffee.
• 500 ml water + electrolytes.
• 1 espresso 30 min before start (caffeine = +5 % performance).

Goal: 80–100 g carbs/hour. Over 7 h of racing = 560–700 g total carbs.

Liquid: 500–700 ml/h with electrolytes. Over 7 h = 4–5 L. There are 5 aid stations on course — refill bottles at ALL.

• Km 30 (post Pordoi): Maratona Punto Ristoro — fruit, water, isotonic.
• Km 50 (Gardena): short, refill bottles.
• Km 75 (post Campolongo 2): full — fruit, sandwiches, energy.
• Km 95 (Giau): THE KEY POINT! — fruit, cold water, salts. Stop 2 minutes here.
• Km 122 (Falzarego): last — fruit, water.

• 30 min: recovery drink (4:1 carbs:protein) + banana.
• 1–2 h: pasta party (included in bib) — pasta + salad + beer if you fancy.
• Dinner: real food, protein, carbohydrates. Hydration until midnight.

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• Road bike, not gravel or MTB. Carbon ideal but aluminium works.
• Gearing suited for 9–10 % gradient: minimum 34-tooth small chainring (compact) + 32 or 34-tooth large cog at the back. With 11-28, the last 4 km of the Giau will be pure suffering.
• Wheels: carbon ideal, but reliable aluminium also fine. Disc brakes recommended for long, wet descents.
• Workshop service the week before: gears well-adjusted, new brake pads, correct tyre pressure (5–6 bar road).

• Mandatory. No helmet, no start.
• Aero isn't necessary — ventilation matters more in July (heat in valleys).

• Short-sleeved jersey + bib short with comfortable chamois (tested on 4+ h rides).
• Foldable thermal vest (you'll descend 4,000 m at low temperatures).
• Light arm warmers + leg warmers for the first 30 min and cold descents.
• Short-finger gloves + technical high socks.
• Glasses with interchangeable lenses (clear for cold morning, dark for midday).

• Approved helmet.
• Bike in good condition (they check brakes and gears).
• Spare tube + pump or CO2.
• Multi-tool with allen keys.

• Spare inner tube + patches.
• 2 large bottles (750 ml each).
• Charged phone + waterproof case.
• Power bank if carrying Garmin or power meter.
• SPF 50 sunscreen + SPF lip balm.
• Oakley/Rudy-style glasses with anti-fog.
• Bike bag for air travel.

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Entry to the Maratona dles Dolomites is by lottery (sorteo). It works like this: in November 2025 registration opens at maratona.it, you pay a €15 deposit (non-refundable), pick up to 2 priority routes. In January 2026 the draw happens and chosen names are published. Odds are ~1 in 4 (35,000 applications for 8,500 slots). If not drawn, you can opt for charity slots (€350–500), packages with official hotels or wait for next year with priority. If drawn, you have 7 days to confirm.

Depends on your level and prior experience:

• Sellaronda (55 km, 1,780 m+, 4 passes): first mountain Gran Fondo. If you've never done a long pass and train 4–6 h/week, it's perfect. The route covers the iconic Sella Ring.
• Medio (106 km, 3,090 m+, 5 passes): intermediate step. If you have 1–2 seasons on the bike, have done a 4+ h ride and train 8–10 h/week. Sub-7 h comfortably.
• Maratona (138 km, 4,230 m+, 7 passes): the queen challenge. If you have 2+ seasons, have done several 5+ h rides with 3,000 m+ and train 10–12 h/week. If in doubt, don't — do the Medio.

A road bike, carbon or aluminium, in good condition with compact chainring (34) + 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. The last 4 km of the Giau (constant 9–11 %) demand a big big rear cog — an 11-28 will make you suffer. Disc brakes are recommended (better control on technical and wet descents). If you're renting, Carpisa Sport (Corvara), Ciclo Solleva (San Cassiano) or Pedevilla have Cervélo / Specialized / Pinarello from €60–80/day. Always bring your own saddle and pedals.

These are the two reference European Gran Fondos. Key differences:

• L'Étape du Tour (France, July): 145 km, ~4,500 m+ (varies by chosen Tour stage). Spectacular route but more exposed to sun and heat (Maritime Alps in July = 35 °C in valleys). 16,000 bibs.
• Maratona (Italy, July): 138 km, 4,230 m+, 7 passes. Cooler (Dolomites are higher = fresher air). 9,000 bibs (more intimate). Roads completely closed all day (in L'Étape they reopen earlier). Costa philosophy = better attention to detail.

Verdict: if you can only do one, the Maratona wins for scenery, organisation and atmosphere.

Yes, in Alta Badia there are 5–6 shops with professional carbon fleets. Carpisa Sport (Corvara) and Ciclo Solleva (San Cassiano) are the two largest. Cervélo R5, Specialized Tarmac, Pinarello Dogma — from €60–80/day (4-day package: ~€220–300). Reserve 3 months ahead, July fills up. Bring your own saddle and pedals (saves adaptation). Verify size with the shop's bike fitter.

Yes, totally. The Maratona pasta party in Corvara is legendary — real Italian pasta (not the generic marathon kind), Tyrolean folk music live, beer and wine, festive atmosphere with all finishers. Included in bib. Starts ~14:00 and lasts until 18:00. Recommended plan: cross finish line → shower at hotel → return to pasta party in clean clothes. Don't skip it — it's part of the Costa experience.

Afternoon storms are classic in July in the Dolomites. Golden rules:

• If thunder: stop, descend to shelter, call organisation (number on bib). Sweep buses pick up.
• If raining without thunder: carry on, but brake with extreme care (slick asphalt + hot brakes + technical corners = crash). Descents at max 30 km/h.
• If a storm catches you up high (Giau or Falzarego): the organisation has shelter buses on each summit. Stop, take cover, wait 20–30 min. The storm usually passes.
• Anti-storm: attack the morning hard (controlled Z2, yes, but no long stops). Fast riders pass Falzarego before 14:00 — slow ones face higher risk.

Depends:

• Sellaronda as first: YES. 55 km and 4 passes at a comfortable pace is perfect. You'll experience the Dolomites without breaking yourself.
• Medio (106 km) as first: YES if you have 1–2 seasons and have done 4 h rides.
• Maratona (138 km) as first mountain Gran Fondo: NOT RECOMMENDED. You need to have done other long events (200 km flat or 100 km with 2,500 m+) before tackling 138/4,230 with 7 passes. High risk of not finishing (cutoff at 16:30) or injuring yourself.

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Verdict: the Maratona is the most balanced — good distance, demanding climbing without being extreme, UNESCO scenery, best organisation on the European calendar. The one that gives most value per euro and experience. If you had to do ONE Gran Fondo of your life, it'd be this.

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• Official site: maratona.it
• Wikipedia: Maratona dles Dolomites
• Alta Badia tourism: altabadia.org
• Italian Cycling Federation (FCI): federciclismo.it
• Strava — Passo Giau segment: Passo Giau salita
• Mountain forecast: meteomont.gov.it

• European cycling event calendar 2026
• L'Étape du Tour 2026 guide
• Quebrantahuesos 2026 guide

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Last updated: 2026-05-08. If you find outdated information, contact us.