Course

17th Marcialonga Craft - 25.05.2025

THE TRACK

Departure in Predazzo. We head towards Moena, the ‘Fairy of the Dolomites’, and continue until we reach Jen Jan di Fassa, where we take the first climb towards the Costalunga Pass. These first 16km are slightly uphill, although very rideable. The Costalunga climb is very regular, without excessive gradients; in the last two kilometres before the pass, the road flattens out, allowing you to enjoy the view. From the Costalunga Pass, the long descent of about 10 km begins, passing along the Carezza lake and the village of Nova Levante. After a short ascent to the hamlet of S.Valentino, the road descends again to Ponte Nova, the lowest point of the route. This is where the ascent to the Pampeago Pass begins: the almost 14km climb alternates between short pedalable stretches and sections with significant gradients. From Obereggen to Passo Pampeago, and then downhill to Alpe Pampeago, the road is closed to vehicles, making it possible to pedal more leisurely.
After crossing the pass, we return to Predazzo, where it is possible to choose whether to stop on the medium route or to continue towards the San Pellegrino and Valles passes, thus completing the longer route. The descent from Pampeago Pass is very technical and in particular requires attention at Alpe di Pampeago, before the tunnel, due to a dangerous sharp bend.
Continuing along the long route, we tackle the San Pellegrino Pass, well known to cyclists and the scene of the sporting battles of the Giro d'Italia; epic above all are its hairpin bends that the granfondo Marcialonga Craft tackles on the descent to Falcade. This is followed by the demanding ascent of Passo Valles, the shortest but steepest climb, which leads to the imposing Pale di San Martino. Then comes the descent, which is technical especially in the first part, passing through the centuries-old trees of the Paneveggio Natural Park to arrive in Predazzo.