Maratona dles Dolomites Tour FAQ's

A Gran Fondo is a mass-participation cycling event that brings together riders of all levels to tackle a challenging, timed course often through iconic landscapes and famous climbs. Originating in Italy, the term translates roughly to “big ride”, and today Gran Fondos are celebrated worldwide for their mix of endurance, competition, and community.

Unlike a casual bike ride, a Gran Fondo feels like a true cycling festival. Riders start together in a large peloton, chip-timing tracks your effort, and multiple route distances are typically offered so cyclists can choose the challenge that suits them. The atmosphere combines race-day excitement with supportive camaraderie, local culture, and world-class organisation.

The Maratona dles Dolomites is one of the most prestigious and sought-after Gran Fondos in the world famous for its dramatic Dolomite mountain passes, sweeping alpine roads, and an unforgettable sense of achievement when crossing the finish line.

The Maratona dles Dolomites isn’t just another sportive it’s cycling mythology brought to life. Here’s why it’s one of the most famous and revered cycling events in the world.

• The race is known for being a test of endurance with significant elevation gain.
• Climbing: Participants face numerous mountain passes and steep gradients.
• Endurance: The event requires significant grit and physical stamina.

Dolomites Location and Regions in Northern Italy

The Italian Dolomites are situated in northeastern Italy in the Italian Eastern Alps, spanning the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They are located north of the Venetian plain and near the Austrian border. 

• Location: The mountain range stretches across several provinces, including Belluno, Bolzano, Trento, Udine, and Pordenone.

The Dolomites are a dream destination for road cyclists, offering world-class climbs, breathtaking scenery and some of the most iconic switchbacks in Europe. Below are the most celebrated cycling routes in the Dolomites, enjoyed by amateurs and professionals alike.

The Dolomites are filled with unforgettable natural landmarks, each offering its own spectacular scenery both on and off the bike. Here are some of the most iconic highlights in the region.

Cycling climbs in the Dolomites are extremely demanding, known for steep gradients, long sustained ascents and technical roads. Elevation gains commonly range from 1,500 to 2,500 metres across 80 to 100 kilometres, with unpredictable mountain weather adding to the challenge.

Our accredited Maratona tour operator partners will be hosting and supporting you on this tour. Once your tour booking has been confirmed through payment of a deposit, Après Vélo will introduce you to our lead host, and all communication thereafter in relation to the specifics of the tour will be conducted amongst yourselves.

With the Après Vélo Cycle Tour, you will always have at least one ride guide on the road with the group. Depending upon the group size, there may be two ride guides.

We have access to road bikes are available for rent for the tour at an additional cost. If interested, please select YES on booking request, and an Après Vélo representative will provide further details.

Our tour price is priced based on double occupancy. A Single Occupancy is an additional charge (speak to us when booking) that secures a private room for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone and would prefer a roommate, please notify us when booking.

Cancellations may occur. However, the boutique nature of our tour keeps our groups small, so this is unlikely. If we do have to cancel the tour due to insufficient participants, Covid-19 or for some other unforeseen circumstances, we will naturally provide you with prior notice and refund monies paid to date. However, we will not be liable for any flight or insurance costs you have incurred, as well as any other incidental bookings / reservations you have made.

We ask all customers to pay a non-refundable deposit, which confirms their reservation. The balance is due 120 days before departure.

It is a requirement that insurance is taken out for your Maratona dles Dolomites tour at the time of booking, as this should then cover you immediately, should anything occur between the time you book and departure/return.

Yes, it is a requirement that you provide a medical certificate to be eligible to ride on our Mallorca trip. We believe this is mostly for your protection and is good practice to undertake prior to any cycling trip.