MARCIALONGA ROAD RACE READY TO ROLL

Predazzo (Italy) hosts the 8^th Marcialonga Cycling Craft

Over 2150 cyclists expected to cycle through the Dolomites

Two courses along four tough uphills and alpine passes

Kick-off on Friday with a ‘Mini’ event for kids and youngsters

 

 

Countdown almost over. The 8^th running of the well-renowned Marcialonga Cycling Craft road race in northern Italy will get on the saddle in a few days only, on Sunday 29 June, and Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa are ready to welcome over 2150 cyclists from all over the country and from abroad. Athletes and sport passionates from 16 nations – including Australia, Lebanon, New Zealand and Russia amongst the others – will be gathering in Predazzo city centre where both routes will start and close.

The ‘short’ race (80 km total length, 1.894 meters total climb with maximum gradient 18,2%) will only ride the Lavazé Pass, while the ‘long’ course (135,4 km total length, 3.279 meters climb – max. height 2.038 meters on Valles Pass – with maximum gradient 19,2%) will go through the three alpine passes of Lavazé, San Pellegrino and Valles.

Riders will compete against each other and themselves on timed climbs which will count towards the King and Queen of Mountain competition for the fastest cyclists set on the Lavazè Pass (sponsored by Craft) and San Pellegrino Pass (sponsored by ITAS).

The 8th Marcialonga Cycling Craft road race is part of the Alé National Challenge series and forms the Combined Event ‘Punto3 Craft’ along with last January’s Marcialonga XC ski-marathon and the Marcialonga Running event scheduled on September 7^th.

Flipping through the updated entry list Italy’s Matteo Bordignon and Claudia Gentili are two of the favourites, but they will surely battle it out with Dainius Kairelis of Lithuania, German-born and Italian resident Schartmüller, or Italian Orsucci, Vaccaroni and Cunico. Famous Italian XC skiers such as Cristian Zorzi, Fulvio Valbusa and Fulvio Scola are also expected to join Sunday’s Cycling Craft event.

Entries are still open, registration fee is € 35 until Friday and those who register on Saturday will pay € 40.

On Friday 27 June the Minicycling event for children (7-16 years of age) will liven up the town of Predazzo along an urban gymkhana circuit. Both on Saturday and Sunday the Expo Marcialonga will be open to everybody and kids might enjoy a delicious Nutella Party on Sunday morning. Music, fun and drinks will be served on Saturday evening in Predazzo too.