What a Ride! Highlights from Our Epic 2025 Maratona dles Dolomites Adventure

Cycling’s most coveted Granfondo. Italy’s most spectacular mountains. Here’s how we made the Maratona 2025 truly unforgettable.

Why the Maratona Is More Than Just a Race

There’s a reason the Maratona dles Dolomites is one of the most coveted cycling events in the world. It’s not just the legendary climbs, like the Passo Sella, Pordoi, or Giau, or the staggering beauty of the Dolomites. It’s the feeling you get riding through them: small, strong, connected, alive.

For 2025, our guests came from all over the world. For some, it was their first time cycling in the Dolomites, and were wide-eyed at every curve. For others, it was a return to familiar roads, chasing a personal best. No matter the goal, we were there to support them: every rider, every need, every story.

Race Day

There is a buzz of anticipation in the air as the procession of cyclists made its way to the start line in La Villa. It was cool, but spirits were high in the corral.

At 6:30 a.m. on the dot, adrenaline replaced nerves as riders launched into one of the most spectacular circuits in the cycling world.

The first ascent of the Passo Campolongo came quickly: short, steady, and almost too easy. It offered riders a rhythm to settle into, a warm-up for what was in store. 

The CyclingHero team was there halfway up the Campolongo to collect extra gear and clothing our cyclists had taken to the start. It’s quite chilly in the Dolomites at 6 am, so our presence meant you could bundle up for the start, then hand off what you didn’t need once you had warmed up.

Campolongo summit reached, a short downhill run had the riders at the foot of the Passo Pordoi and its long, elegant switchbacks, revealing panoramic views that felt almost surreal. The Passo Sella followed, with its majestic limestone towers and dramatic vistas, and then the mighty Passo Gardena.

Breathless and smiling, riders descended back into Corvara—and here came the first decision: end things here with the classic Sella Ronda loop under your belt, or press on and test your legs on one of the longer options. For those who decided to ride on, CyclingHero was strategically situated right after the start/finish with sustenance and support for the challenges ahead. Some had prepared a musette bag with their favourite energy products. Others dug into our supply of gels, bars, energy drinks and bananas before setting off again up the Campolongo.

After Arabba, a sweeping descent opened up towards the Civetta massif, its jagged peaks watching over the valley. Pain melted away, if only for a moment, in the face of such beauty.

Then, the real crossroads:

• Turn right to follow the route to the imposing Passo Giau, 10 kilometers of unrelenting gradient.
• Steer left towards the Falzarego, a more forgiving climb but still no cakewalk.

Whether they faced the Giau’s cruelty or the Falzarego’s long drag, every pedal stroke was a conversation between mind and body.

Everyone came back together for the descent of the Passo Valparola, and a final push up the short but tortuous Mür dl Giat before the gradual last stretch back into Corvara and a triumphant ride across the finish line.

Beyond the Maratona dles Dolomites

For the most adventurous the finish line was not in Corvara but in the mountain village of Bormio, after a 3 night/4 day extension that included ascents of the mighty Stelvio and Gavia passes. The prelude to the passes was an easier day mostly on bike paths into the spa town of Merano, the perfect take off point for an epic ride up the Passo dello Stelvio.

The Stelvio assault was followed the next day by arguably an even more spectacular pass, the Gavia, a perfect finale to a bucket list week.

Behind the Scenes: The CyclingHero Touch

So what made this a trip to remember? A few things:

Freedom to Ride Your Way

All of our tours are self-guided with support, giving guests complete freedom over their ride—but that doesn’t necessarily mean riding alone. Each day, we offered a guided ride option, which guests could choose to join or not. Many rode solo or with their own group, using our GPX files and the CyclingHero Companion App to choose from multiple route options each day.

Thanks to real-time location tracking integrated into the app, our team always knew where each rider was on the route, so we could offer immediate support if needed—no matter which option they took.

Race Day Support Like No Other

While the Maratona is a mass participation race, our guests had VIP support from before the starting gun to after the finish:

• Pre-Maratona race briefing: A session the day before went through all the key points related to race day, including what to wear, nutrition, and pacing.
• Post start drop-off station: We were right there early in the race to collect extra gear and clothing guests wanted to shed once they got going.

• Dedicated feed zone in Corvara: After the first Sella Ronda loop, we met our cyclists again at a strategic refueling point just beyond the start/finish. We offered fresh water, snacks, energy food, and—maybe most importantly—encouragement. Many guests used this moment to decide whether to tackle the medium or long course. We were there to support either choice.

• Post race aperitivo: what better way to replenish those calories than an early evening get-together with drinks and regional dishes in a spectacular setting? The venue was at the top of a steep climb, but thankfully this time it was reached with four wheels rather than two.

Van Support & Mechanical Assistance

Our dedicated support van was always nearby, ready to assist. More electrolytes or snacks? Want to call it a day and get a ride back? Mechanical assistance was also on hand every day for quick tune-ups or unexpected issues.

From Airport to Finish Line: We’ve Got You covered

From the moment our guests landed in Italy to the final day’s goodbye, CyclingHero was there with:

• Pick-up and drop-off from nearby airports
• Luggage transfers & bike box storage
• Daily ride briefings, insider tips, or a cold Coke at the top of the climb

We took care of the details so our guests could focus on their rides and relax afterwards. And our guests agreed:

The Maratona and Stelvio Bormio Gavia extension was a bucket list trip and so glad that CyclingHero were there to guide and support. The CH team are Italy Cycling experts. Definitely coming back next year! -Mike H.

The race itself was a great event and CyclingHero provided support along the route. The atmosphere in Corvara during Maratona week was awesome. Overall, I highly recommend CyclingHero to participate in the Maratona and to enjoy the Dolomites for a few days before or after the race. -Fabrice C.

Premium Comfort & Gourmet Recovery

We handpick our boutique hotels that blend cycling practicality with alpine elegance. Post-ride, you could expect spa zones, hearty local meals, and that perfect glass of wine.

Evenings were relaxed, communal, and joyful—whether over a regional tasting menu or a pizza shared with riding friends. The Dolomites are our backyard and we love to share our favourite restaurants, hikes, and aperitivo spots.

The CyclingHero Philosophy

• No group pressure
• No rigid schedules
• Just a well-orchestrated balance between freedom and premium support

Oh, and not to be forgotten...Puppers, our cycling dachshund made an appearance at key stops for morale boosting (and photo ops).

Ready for 2026?

We’re already planning the next edition—with some exciting new developments. In addition to the classic Build to the Maratona itinerary, and the 3-night extension to Bormio that includes the Stelvio and Gavia (and Mortirolo, if you are up for it!), you could choose to join our 3-night pre-Maratona training camp on Lake Garda that will provide the perfect setting for a last training push before the Dolomites. STAY TUNED!

CyclingHero at Passo Campolongo - Cheer Zone!