Dolomites Raid & Maratona
Riding Days
9
Number of Nights
8
Total Distance
660 - 743km
Total Climbing
16,500 - 18,950 metres
Difficulty
5 - Most difficult/5
At a Glance
Dolomites Raid & Maratona trip is nine days of immersion and exploring the Dolomites on two wheels, culminating in the Maratona dles Dolomites event. Experience all the magical climbs and historical passes of the Italian mountain ranges before finishing the week with the most beautiful granfondo in Europe. From the super steep Mortirolo to the mighty Stelvio and the jagged limestone pinnacles of the Sellarona, your journey will be as demanding as it is beautiful.
The Dolomites Raid & Maratona starts in the beautiful town of Bellagio on Lake Como. You'll take in some spectacular riding close to the lake as well as experience one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. The route will bring you some spectacular riding across the most mythical mountain range of Italy. After leaving the flat of the lakeshore you'll traverse your way up the Valtellina valley taking in a few climbs along the way. You'll ride the giants of the Gavia, Mortirolo and Stelvio, climbing and descending your way over to Tyrol and the Ladin heart of the Dolomites. Our chosen roads are often used during the Giro d’Italia professional stage race, where they battle it out for the ‘Maglia Rosa’. The route will offer tough challenges and spectacular roads in equal measure, and we are sure that by the end, you will have had the experience of a lifetime.
It won't be all hard work, not only will you have magnificent views around each corner, but each night you will arrive at delightful hotels where you will be able to relax and unwind amongst spectacular backdrops or take some treatments at the spa before tucking into delicious local food and wine specially prepared to showcase the diverse regions through which you'll be riding.
Tour Highlights
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Asphalt
Traverse the Dolomites from west to east and ride it’s most legendary roads made famous by the Giro d’Italia.
Tour Highlights:
- Tackle the Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo, Giau, Costalunga, Pordoi, Sellaronda passes and others
- Sample the culinary delights of Pizzocheri, Canederli, Speck and Strudel and delicious wines of Rosso di Valtellina
- Save the best for last, ride the Maratona dles Dolomites granfondo at the end of the week
Book Tour
€4,000.00 – €4,950.00
Overview
Lombardia and Valtellina Region
The first part of your trip will be in the Lombardia region. It is one of the largest regions in Italy and is home to the famous Italian lakes of Como, Garda and Maggiore. You’ll get to experience Lake Como, home to the rich and famous and scene of several famous movies. George Clooney is a notable local resident having also filmed Oceans Twelve at the lake. Casino Royale also was filmed at several locations on the lake. You’ll see the beauty for yourself when you arrive and understand immediately the fascinating attraction.
Lombardia (Lombardy in English) is rich in cycling heritage being one of three regions in Italy where cycling is a way of life. Many of the famous Italian professional cyclists, past and present, hail from this region. Names such as Fiorenzo Magni, Felice Gimondi, Francesco Moser, Giuseppe Saronni, and more recently, Maurizion Fondriest, Ivan Basso, Gilberto Simoni and Paolo Savodelli. These riders have dominated the Giro d’Italia and races outside of Italy and learnt their trade on their home roads of the Lombardia region.
Lake Como is particularly special to cyclists with the Giro di Lombardia, one of the monuments (the name given to the oldest one day races) of cycling taking in a lap of the lake in its parcours. The course has traditionally included the Ghisallo climb which winds its way up from the lake shore at Bellagio to the chapel of Santuario Madonna del Ghisallo at the top. In the 1949 the priest persuaded the Pope to admit the Madonna del Ghisallo as the patron saint of cyclists and it has become a shrine to cyclists both living and deceased ever since. The walls are adorned with memorabilia to the fallen and the statue outside the chapel pays tribute to all cyclists.
The nearby museum is also worth a visit if you have time. After leaving the shore of Lake Como you’ll head into the Valtellina valley and head towards the base of the Stelvio which has been scene to many epic battles in the Giro d’Italia. Valtellina is also home to excellent wines and the locals are campaigning for it to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The dominant grape type is Nebbiolo and produces a delicate, elegant wine. The valley was scene to a natural disaster in 1987 when a massive landslide caused by heavy summer rains cut off the valley and caused many villages to be destroyed taking with it some loss of life. The ensuing mudslide travelled 2.7 kilometres destroying everything along its path.
Dolomites and Sud Tirol
What more can be said of the Dolomites? That one word sends the shivers down the spine of any cycling aficionado. The unique rock pinnacles of the Val Gardena, the Sellaronda loop, the hairpins of the Passo Pordoi, the epic battles of the Giro d’Italia that have been fought out on the Marmolada and Passo Giau. The Dolomites have been the backdrop for some epic clashes between the legends of cycling.
Not only has cycling history been carved from these mountains but European history has also been played out in the jagged rocks of these spectacular peaks. During the First World War the Dolomites peaks were a horrific battlefield between the Austro-Hungarians and the Italian armies. Relics from that period are still being uncovered all the time as different seasons reveal more artifacts from beneath the snow.
As you crest the summit of the Stelvio you will arrive into Sud Tirol. Sud Tirol is the predominately German speaking region of Italy and benefits from a significant amount of self governance from Rome. It was originally part of Austria until after the First World War when it was annexed to Italy. The cultural identity is still very much Austrian and has a completely different feel as a result.
You’ll last few days are based in the Val Badia area of the Dolomites. The area is nestled deep inside the Dolomites and is host to one of the important World Cup ski races. It is often referred to as the heart of the Dolomites Mountains. The valley has a different feel from the the surrounding valleys as it has its own language; Ladin, and important legends and cultures. Ladin is now really only spoken in this valley and it is thought to have been preserved due to the isolation of the valley until fairly recently at around 100 years ago.
The importance of the unique rock formations of the Dolomites, magical alpine landscapes and the diverse valleys of this region, was recognised in 2009 when the Dolomites became a UNESCO world heritage site.
The roads you will explore are often used during the Giro d’Italia, where they battle it out for the ‘Maglia Rosa’. The route will offer some extremely tough challenges on some incredible and spectacular roads and we hope that by the end of it you will have had an experience you will never forget and enjoy all of this with some great friends.
Stelvio, Mortirolo & Gavia climbs
The Passo dello Stelvio is famous the world over. You know about the 21 famous hairpins on Alpe d’Huez, right? Well, the Passo dello Stelvio has 48. You know all about the monstrous Tourmalet at 2,115 metres, yes? The Stelvio tops out at 2,757 metres. There’s just nowhere else like it. Located on the edge of the Italian South Tyrol province and the Swiss border, the “Three Languages Peak” above the pass is aptly named because of it’s confluence of Italian, German, and Romansh languages.
The Passo del Mortirolo may be Stelvio’s smaller brother, but its tortuous 18% stretches led no lesser rider than one Lance Armstrong to declare it the hardest climb he’d ever ridden. It’s synonymous with Marco Pantani now as when the Giro d’Italia includes the climb, the summit is often designated as the ‘Cime Pantani’ A monument to one of Italian most famous cyclists marks the end of the super steep section after 8km of the climb.
The Gavia is another legendary climb in cycling history with American Andy Hampsten being the first non-European to win a Grand Tour in 1988 due to his ride over this climb. The day saw freezing conditions and snow blizzards as the riders climbed from Ponte di Legno. At the time the top part of theGavia wasn’t fully sealed and many of the final kilometres were on hard packed gravel roads. Hampsten, riding on the American 7-Eleven team was prepared with ski gear where other riders suffered in shorts and short sleeves. The American was the fastest descender and took minutes off the race leader Franco Chioccioli into Bormio where he sealed his victory. Images of Chioccioli from that day show how badly prepared he was with his clothing.
Famous Cyclists
Climate
Gearing
Details
What's Included
- 8 nights 3 & 4 star accommodation
- All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotel and local restaurants*
- Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
- Full mechanical support with our professional mechanics
- On the road lunches freshly prepared daily
- Airport transfers
- Digital route files and route maps for each day of riding
- Guaranteed Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel race registration
- Complimentary energy nutrition
- La Fuga welcome pack
*Meals are included up to a specific budget after which a supplement will be applied
What's not Included
- Flights
- Lunchtime meals at cafes
- Travel insurance
- All drinks with meals
- Incidental expenses
- Bike Rental option available during the checkout
Itinerary
You will be met at the airport by our La Fuga guides who will transfer you to the first hotel in Bellagio. The journey time is around 1hr 15 mins. On arrival at the hotel your bike will be unpacked and built ready to go. Depending on flight arrival times it should be possible to do a warm up rde to spin out the legs after the journey.
Our suggestion is a ride to the top of the Ghisallo climb which starts just outside of Bellagio. Our mechanic will be on hand to make
sure your bikes are in tip-top condition for the riding ahead.
There will be time to wander into the center of Bellagio should you wish and just relax overlooking this beautiful and iconic lake. We will eat at the excellent Ristorante alla Darsene in an alfresco dining area overlooking the little harbour only a stone’s throw from our hotel


The day will start with a relaxing breakfast watching the sun climb high over the mountains overlooking the lake. Your ride will start the day with a short ferry crossing across the lake to Varenna to start the ride as soon as we roll off the ferry.
As you climb away from the lake, you’ll have some kilometres uphill and through the valley before you start the Culmine San Pietro, which clings impressively to the rock face as it climbs higher and higher. You’ll descend towards the town of San Pellegrino Terme, which is world-renowned for its mineral water. The next challenge is the Passo San Marco, almost 19km long. With some steep ramps on this climb, you climb away from the populated towns and villages and into an isolated mountain range. An excellent descent finish takes you down to the Valtellina floor before a flat run into Poggiridenti and a well-deserved refreshment.


Your day will start with a hearty breakfast ready to fuel your ride into the heart of the mountains. Once out of Sondrio the ride up the valley allows for some warm-up before hitting the infamous Passo del Mortirolo.
Once you pass through Tirano you’ll be moments away from starting the Mortirolo. This climb is synonymous with Marco Pantani. The Mortirolo is 12km long and averages 10.5%. The first 8km are the hardest as you reach the Marco Pantani memorial, before it eases off. You’ll descend down to the town of Aprica before shooting down the Passo dell’Aprica to Edolo.
Next up is the Passo di Gavia from Ponte di Legno. The climb is 17km reaching over 2600m. The desolate summit of the Gavia is one of the most evocative points on the whole route and will bring to life Andy Hampsten’s epic ascent and descent in blizzard conditions to win the 1988 Giro d’Italia. This YouTube clip will give you an idea for what the riders went through in the Giro d’Italia of June 1988. The descent of the Gavia is narrow and technical; take care. This was where Hampsten actually won the Giro.
You’ll arrive in Bormio, and be able to relax with a drink or unwind in the spa of this excellent hotel.


Today will seem almost like a rest day. We roll out of the hotel directly up the Stelvio. The Stelvio is a real giant at 2757m. It is the second-highest pass in Europe and is famous for the 48 hairpins which decorate the upper slopes of the northern side of the climb. There are a total of 60 hairpins on the climb in total. The Giro d’Italia has used the Stelvio many times in recent editions but almost without question, they climb from Bormio, which is the side that we will tackle. We’ll then crest the summit and descend down the majestic hairpins down towards Parto allo Stelvio.
You cross the language border at the top of the Stelvio into the German speaking region of Sub Tirol. It marks the start of a long down hill of around 75km all the way to Merano. You’ll take a scenic route away from the main road along a bike path which traces the Val Venosta where the majority of Italy’s Apples come from. From Merano, a popular Spa town, you’ll have a flat 30km to Bolzano on a beautiful cycling path. From Bolzano, we will take a a transfer to La Villa in Val Badia where you’ll spend the next 5 nights.




Now you can unpack your bags without having to move on as you’ll spend the remainder of the trip getting to know the area in depth. Today’s ride is a circular loop Our ride today takes us over the Passo Fedaia better known as the Marmolada.
The start of the climb takes a single-track road that picks its way through a deep rock-lined gorge, with numerous spectacular waterfalls adding to the drama. In particular, the Serrai di Sottoguda is a must-see on this route, which pierces through a gorge to reveal waterfalls and caverns.
The climb then rejoins the main road for the final ascent to the summit, with some steep pitches at the end to test your resolve.
The Fedaia regularly features in the Giro d’Italia, most recently in 2014, with Stefano Garzelli taking the points on the top of the steep climb slipping to second on the stage.
To complete the loop, we will ascend another legendary climb, the Passo Pordoi, from the west and return to La Villa over Passo Campolongo.
OPTION 2 – 52km – 1690metres
Passo Campolongo (1877m), Passo Falzarego (2199m)
With 5 days of riding in your legs, you may want to take it easy today in anticipation of the Maratona dles Dolomites event on Sunday.
In order to prevent your body from going into complete recovery mode, we propose a short 51km ride from Corvara out onto the Campolongo before turning east and heading up the Falzarego.
Today aims to keep your body used to pedalling, enjoy the scenic views, and soak in the atmosphere of the Dolomites.


With all those kilometers in your legs you’ll be welcome for a really easy day today.
Today’s ride is just a short ride out to the easiest climb out of the valley to have a coffee and then head back to via the Maratona expo to check out what goodies are available to buy before heading back to the hotel for a relaxing time.
Your guide will give you a briefing regarding the Maratona event covering the difficult climbs, how to ride the event, and what tricky bits to watch out for. Your number will be fitted to your bike and it will be an early night to prepare for your final day’s ride in the Dolomites


Today is the big day! An early start will mean that we’ll make our way downhill to the race start and you’ll be tucked in the grid by 5:30 am in anticipation of the 6:30 am start.
You’ll have the opportunity to decide which of the three courses you would like to tackle whilst you are out on the course. La Fuga will be waiting for you on your second time through Corvara to replenish your bottles or allow you to take on energy bars.
Then it’s off on the second circuit to either tackle the almighty Passo Giau or the slightly tamer Passo Falzarego. After an enjoyable ride, we’ll be waiting for you just over the finish line with a cold drink and some snacks where you can sit and recuperate, whilst reliving the event with fellow competitors.
We’ll return to the hotel where we’ll have one last celebratory meal to toast an excellent week of riding.


This is the day to relax and enjoy your last few hours in Italy, one final breakfast overlooking the beautiful mountain vistas. Your bike will have been packed by our La Fuga mechanic and loaded onto the minibus ready for the journey back to the airport. What a week it’s been, full of challenging and spectacular riding, full of memories and friendships. You’ll spend a lot of time looking through the photos and remembering this week of superb riding.
Accommodation
La Fuga have been taking guests to Hotel Silvio in Bellagio since 2008. The hotel is a beautiful villa with stunning views overlooking Lake Como. The owner Cristian leaves on his boat every morning before sunrise to catch the fish served in local restaurants that evening.
You’ll receive a warm welcome at this hotel and it’s always a favorite only a stone’s throw from the thriving town of Bellagio. For cycling fans, the hotel is located at the base of the Ghisallo climb which is hallowed in cycling tradition with the chapel dedicated to cyclists found at its summit.
The Lanzetti family welcomes you to this magical glimpse of Valtellina. The vocation to hospitality, respect and enhancement of a unique territory has led to the realization of a dream in the heart of the terraced vineyards. Armando and his family transmit their passion for the environment that surrounds them.
In addition to the undisputed protagonist Nebbiolo, Valtellina offers various opportunities from a food and wine, cultural and naturalistic point of view. Informal elegance and attention to detail make the Retici Balzi Wine Hotel – with its rooms inspired by Valtellina wines, the wellness area, the large relaxation areas, and the wonderful breakfast – the right place to relax and enjoy.
AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY IN BORMIO
Hotel Rezia in Bormio is the perfect destination for a wonderful holiday in the mountains.
The beating heart of Bormio since 1954, Hotel Rezia was the first hotel to be built in the centre of the village and is the ideal place during the HR event.
Upon entering, the lobby and common areas, with elegant and delicate lines, will magically take you back in time. You will then be warmly welcomed and accompanied in the comfortable and comfortable rooms and suites that combine a warm environment and a family atmosphere with careful cleanliness and attention to every detail. Here you will experience, at best, one of the most versatile mountain destinations of our Beautiful Country between relaxation at the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi and the Stelvio.
THIS IS THE PLACE…Where time stands still
The place to rediscover the pleasure of hospitality, experience elegance and satisfy your need for beauty. A lively and fascinating area where everything is designed to carefully safeguard the time you devote to yourself. Take your first steps inside the rooms of the new Stadt Hotel Città, in the Brasserie and at the Café: the perfect combination of colours and materials reveals how much attention we pay to the well-being of our guests. It can be seen in every single stylish detail, in the enchanting shades, and in the exclusive comfort.
Nothing is left to chance because … this is the place to dream.
The Hotel Melodia del Bosco is located in the very heart of the Alta Badia region, surrounded by the stunning Dolomites.
You can be sure of a warm welcome from the Irsara family in the renovated hotel where design is combined with natural materials for maximum comfort. You cannot help but fall in love with the uncontaminated countryside around Badia.
Before the Maratona race here you will be able to relax in this peaceful and quiet surroundings and enjoy the traditional dishes of Italian and South Tyrol cuisines from the restaurant or have the refreshment drinks served on the terrace with sun loungers.