MARCIALONGA: 50th EDITION

Marcialonga: 50th edition on January 28th-29th
A lot of champions writing its history
4 victories for De Zolt and Aukland (Jørgen), among women Canins is the best
In 2023 the 4 “senators” receive the 50 completed-editions certificate

Change is the motto behind number 50, a friendly number for Marcialonga O.C., organizing the 50th edition of the ski-marathon taking place on 28th and 29th January 2023.
Time, situations, thoughts and protagonists change but improvement and growth stay the same. One of the most aspired ski-marathon in Italy and in the world keeps on set higher goals.
Marcialonga, “The number fifty edition” is written on the new 2023 logo, specifically created for this important goal, achieved thanks to thousands of souls, volunteers, institutions and associations in Fiemme and Fassa valleys, in Trentino - Italy.
It seems like a hundred years have passed since that 1971, with skis made out of wood and bamboo sticks. More than 1000 skiers on the first starting line, 6000 two years later only and over 7000 in the last editions. A lot of champions wrote their name on the Roll of Honor, from Ulrico Kostner, winner of the first edition until Ermil Vokuev, first in 2022. Among men, the Italian Maurilio De Zolt (1986, 1987, 1991, 1992) and the Norwegian Jørgen Aukland (2003, 2006, 2012, 2013) represent the best ones with 4 victories each. Following with three victories: Tord Asle Gjerdalen (2015, 2016, 2017), Jerry Ahrlin (2007, 2009, 2011), Michail Botvinov (1993, 1997, 1998) and J. Jesus Gutierrez (1999, 2001, 2002). Double victory for: Ulrico Kostner (1971, 1978), Johann Muhlegg (1994, 1999) and Anders Aukland (2004, 2008). Speaking of “50”, Anders Aukland, on the podium for 5 times (beyond his two victories, he finished 2nd in 2012 and 2015, 3rd in 2013) turns 50 on September 12th.
As far as women are concerned, the legendary Maria Bonaldi Canins, multi-sport champion (ski, mtb, road cycling) accomplished 10 victories in a row, from 1979 to 1988. Following, five victories for Guidina Dal Sasso (1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999) and three for Britta Johansson Norgren (2016, 2018, 2019). Last but not least, with two victories: Tatiana Bondareva (1992, 1993), Cristina Paluselli (2005, 2006), Hilde G. Pedersen (2007, 2009), Jenny Hansson (2008, 2010), Seraina Boner (2011, 2013) and Katerina Smutná (2015, 2017).
The loyal “senators” Costantino Costantin, Odillo Piotti, Luigi Delvai and Fabio Lunelli are about to proudly receive the certificate attesting their 50 finished editions.
It is still soon to talk about snow and skiing, yet many have already taken the chance to sign-in for 2023.
Efforts, joys and emotions concentrate in the final climb “Mur de la Stria”, a brand new “gem” conceived by the O.C. to make the last meters even more challenging. 583 meters with 9.90% difference in height, reaching 20%. If cyclists fear the Belgian “Mur de Huy”, Marcialonga’s skiers will fear “Mur de la Stria” as well, where the final ranking will probably be decided.
News is a daily thing at Marcialonga and this is only the beginning!

© Newspower