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ITALY · SPORTIVE

MARATONA DLES DOLOMITES
TRAINING PLAN.

The Maratona dles Dolomites is the classic Italian sportive — 138km over 7 Dolomite passes with 4,230m of climbing. Ballotted entry, 9,000 riders, closed roads from dawn. Arguably the most beautiful sportive on the calendar.

138 km·4,230 m climbing·6-10 hours·July

PICK YOUR WINDOW

HOW LONG TILL YOUR MARATONA DOLOMITES?

Count back from your event date. Pick the weeks-out plan that matches your window. Each one is a week-by-week framework built around the demands of this specific course.

EVENT INTEL

WHAT THE MARATONA DOLOMITES ACTUALLY DEMANDS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • ✓Seven passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego, Valparola
  • ✓Passo Giau is the crux — 9.9km at 9.3%
  • ✓Altitude 1,200-2,240m across the day
  • ✓Early start (pre-dawn) — means the first climb is in darkness for some
  • ✓Technical descents demand road-race confidence

COMMON MISTAKES

  • ✗Racing the first three passes when the hardest (Giau) comes after 4 hours
  • ✗Poor descent technique on Pordoi and Gardena losing 30+ minutes
  • ✗Altitude-naive riders struggling with heart-rate drift on the upper passes

PACING

Start conservative — the first three passes are warm-up. Giau is the race. Control HR on Giau below threshold for the bottom half, hold the line for the top. Falzarego is the victory lap but still 600m of climbing — respect it.

FUELLING

90-110g carbs/hour. Feed zones are excellent (Italian sportives understand food) but own-supply is faster. Water at every tap — Dolomite sun is deceiving.

KIT

Climbing bike. 34x30 minimum. Light windproof gilet — descents are cold even in July. Sunscreen on arms + legs — Dolomite UV is brutal.

FAQ

MARATONA DOLOMITES TRAINING, ANSWERED.

How long should I train for the Maratona dles Dolomites?

For the Maratona dles Dolomites (138km with 4,230m of climbing), most riders benefit from at least 12-16 weeks of structured preparation. If you've been riding consistently, 8 weeks of focused work can still be enough to transform your result. Pick the weeks-out plan that matches your window.

What's the typical finish time for the Maratona dles Dolomites?

Most amateur finishers complete the Maratona dles Dolomites in 6-10 hours. The spread is driven by climbing fitness more than flat speed — the course has 4,230m of vertical, and pacing the climbs is what separates a strong finish from a suffering one.

When does the Maratona dles Dolomites take place?

The Maratona dles Dolomites typically runs in July. That sets the training window: count back from your event date and pick the weeks-out plan that matches.

What's the biggest mistake riders make at the Maratona dles Dolomites?

Racing the first three passes when the hardest (Giau) comes after 4 hours

How should I pace the Maratona dles Dolomites?

Start conservative — the first three passes are warm-up. Giau is the race. Control HR on Giau below threshold for the bottom half, hold the line for the top. Falzarego is the victory lap but still 600m of climbing — respect it.

WANT THIS BUILT AROUND YOUR FTP?

READY FOR A PLAN MADE FOR YOU?

The framework above gets you in the right territory. Roadman coaching builds it around your FTP, your life, and your weeks remaining.

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