Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel 2026 Bike Tour: Road to the Stelvio

This first day is all about shaking off the travel cobwebs and immersing yourself in the magic of a UNESCO World Heritage cycling destination. A morning transfer transports you deep into the heart of the Dolomites region. The final destination is Corvara, the epicentre of the Dolomites cycling region. If you’re eager to turn the pedals, several warm-up ride options are available: from gentle spins through quiet valleys to climbs that offer a first taste of what’s to come. There’s also the option of jumping on your bike before reaching Corvara and riding into town through breathtaking high-mountain landscapes.

Whichever way you start, the spirit of the Dolomites will meet you right from day one. 

Today is all about getting to know your surroundings and discovering what makes the Alta Badia so special and a mecca for cycling holidays in the Italian Alps. Heading out of Corvara, a network of peaceful valleys, switchback climbs, and breathtaking vistas awaits.

Whether you prefer a chill ride along valley roads, a rewarding climb to take in the views, or a longer loop through spectacular Dolomitic landscapes, there’s an option to match your legs and mood. Take the afternoon to rest the legs and take in the growing buzz in town as Maratona fever kicks in.

Today’s ride is all about embracing the climbs that have made the Dolomites a cycling legend. Choose from multiple route options, including the legendary Sellaronda Loop over Passo Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, and Campolongo, or test your legs by adding on the Passo Giau and Falzarego.

This day offers pure road cycling heaven in the Dolomites, building confidence for your Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel 2026 challenge. Make sure to stop for an Espresso and admire the extraordinary theatre of mountains that surround you before heading back into Corvara for an afternoon massage or spa visit. 

Easy day. The main event is a relaxed spin down to the Maratona Village to collect your race pack in the town of Badia and soak in the festive atmosphere. 

If you’re tempted to stretch your legs a bit more, a detour on the way back includes a gentle climb into the peaceful Armentarola Valley. Then it’s time to rest, refuel, and let the anticipation build; tomorrow you’ll ride one of the world’s most extraordinary granfondos. An early evening race briefing will ensure you get any last questions answered and feel fully ready to crush your ride tomorrow.

The big day has arrived! After an early breakfast, you’ll roll out toward the start line in nearby La Villa, joining a procession of riders from all over the world sharing the same mix of nerves and excitement. The atmosphere is electric: church bells ring, fans cheer, and the Dolomites glow in the morning light.

The first loop is shared by all course lengths, allowing you to assess your progress and select the most suitable challenge. The CyclingHero support team will be there shortly after the start and after you complete your first loop to provide fuel, liquids, spare clothes and encouragement.

A full description of the race and the distances can be found here. Whichever option you choose,  the sense of achievement as you cross the finish line in Corvara is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Celebrate with your fellow riders and the CyclingHero support team, and enjoy the after-ride festivities only a few steps from your hotel.

After the exhilaration of race day, today is one of transition and relaxation. An early climb out of Corvara soon gives way to a long descent to the tranquil bike paths that wind through South Tyrol’s vineyards and river valleys. Your final destination is the charming spa town of Merano, once the capital of the County of Tyrol and still radiating in its past Habsburg glory.

Unwind with a stroll through the pedestrian old town, take a soak in the fantastic thermal baths, or down a well-earned Pils at the local Forst brewery. You’ve conquered the Dolomites, now it’s time to recharge before tomorrow’s epic Alpine challenge.

Today is all about one thing: the Stelvio Pass, one of the most iconic climbs in the cycling world. The ride begins gently, following the Adige River Valley from Merano through endless apple orchards and alpine villages, a relaxed prelude to what lies ahead.

From Prato allo Stelvio, things get real and the road begins its legendary ascent: 48 perfectly coiled switchbacks that rise to the summit at nearly 2,800 meters (9100 ft). Pace yourself, enjoy the rhythm of the climb, and let each turn of the pedals bring you closer to the sky.

At the summit, take a moment to absorb the view and the accomplishment: you have tackled a true cycling legend, featured in countless Giro d’Italia battles. Finally, the reward for your hard work: an unforgettable descent into the buzzing mountain town of Bormio, framed on all sides by pure alpine spectacle.

Your final day in the saddle lets you choose how to write the last chapter of this adventure. From Bormio, several options await, each offering its own reward.

Take it easier with a short scenic spin up to Laghi di Cancano, with its serpentine switchbacks and turquoise lakes. Or, step it up with the ride up the Bormio side of the Passo Gavia, a high-mountain classic that embodies everything about Italian alpine cycling.

For those chasing a truly heroic finale, the ‘Queen Stage’ combines the brutal Mortirolo and Gavia from the legendary Ponte di Legno side, a route that defines the word epic. 

Back in Bormio, celebrate your journey over a well-deserved meal and a toast to conquering Italy’s most iconic mountain passes, CyclingHero-style.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Bormio as you take in the last mountain views of this unforgettable Dolomites to Stelvio cycling challenge. It’s time to pack up the bikes and say arrivederci to the Alps, and perhaps start dreaming of your next CyclingHero adventure.

Our team will assist with departure logistics and transfers. Until next time, keep exploring, keep climbing, and keep riding like a Cycling Hero.