Alta Badia Is Just Waiting To Be Discovered... By Bike

Some passions last for the summer, whereas others last a lifetime. Over recent years, Alta Badia’s passion for cycling is really making this destination stand out, representing the ideal setting to experience spectacular moments on two wheels, and with new events and interesting proposals being introduced every year. Alta Badia is in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has become a point of reference for even the most demanding cyclists.

It’s here that, in 1987, the “queen” of cyclosportives, the MARATONA DLES DOLOMITES-ENEL, was born, the event that gathers some 9,000 cyclists and counts more than 33,000 enrolment requests from all over the world. The 32nd edition will take place on Sunday 1st July and, as is now the tradition, will involve the following Dolomite Passes: Campolongo, Sella, Pordoi, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola.

The three routes will also remain same: the Maratona itself covers 138 km with a 4,230 m difference in altitude, the ‘Medium’ route covers 106 km with a 3,130 m difference in altitude, and the ‘Sella Ronda’ route covers 55 km with a 1,780 m difference in altitude. The theme of the next edition is balance. In a world of continuous turmoil, inequality among mankind, walls being built instead of bridges and exaggerated consumption of our available resources, it is more necessary than ever for us to find new balances in order to survive. If your name has not been selected and you still want to take part, you have one last chance: purchase one of the 193 charity registrations available online. These are broken down into ‘Gold’ registrations at €250, Platinum at €500 and Crystal at €1,500. You can buy one from the event’s official website on 22nd March, from 18.00.

If you are unable to take part in the much-coveted Maratona dles Dolomites, another two cycling events are held in June which are non-competitive and open to everyone, without the need to register:

DOLOMITES BIKE DAY and SELLARONDA BIKE DAY.

These two events actually follow the route of the Maratona dles Dolomites and, just as for the Cyclosportive, the roads involved are closed to traffic.

The Dolomites Bike Day will be taking place for the second time on Sunday 17th June. The Dolomite passes, Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola, play the leading role in these cycling events, a setting of epic feats that have gone down in cycling history. The route winds its way around the circuit, starting from Alta Badia to reach Arabba and the Livinallongo valley, crossing the Campolongo Pass, before then continuing to the Falzarego Pass and then the Valparola Pass, going on to reach the villages of La Villa and Corvara, the final destination. The route is closed to traffic from 09.30 to 14.30 and covers 51 km with a 1,290 m difference in altitude. It is recommended to follow the route in an anti-clockwise direction.

The now traditional SELLARONDA BIKE DAY will be held on Saturday 23rd June, when the passes around the Sella Group will be closed to traffic. Cycling enthusiasts can take part in the thirteenth edition of this non-competitive event between 08.30 and 15.30.

BIKE FRIENDLY: CYCLIST-FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS

Summer in Alta Badia is all about cyclists, their love for the sport and for the stunning Dolomite landscape. During the summer, Alta Badia offers a range of tourist services for cyclists known as the "Bike Friendly” initiative, focusing on both road cyclists and mountain bikers. The tourist information offices provide road maps with recommended routes, and the partnership with the specialised Dolomite Biking Schoo allows group or individual excursions to be organised daily.

There are lots of discounts available for tourist accommodation, bike rental companies and shops selling spare parts and clothing, restaurants, and specialised mountain lodges, meeting the needs of all those who take delight in practising this sport. “Bike Expert” and “Bike Friendly” hotels provide everything that cyclists need: storage areas where it's possible to clean and repair bikes,  bicycle racks, tool boxes specifically for bicycles, laundry services, a hearty and well-balanced breakfast and a cold dish or cakes in the afternoon to boost energy levels. Cable cars transport bicycles free of charge.

GUIDED BIKE TOURS

In May, June and July, Alta Badia will once again be offering its Guided Bike Tours. From 21st May until the end of July, you can go cycling every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday accompanied by expert local guides. Each day, two trips will be available to suit two different levels: “tour” for experts and “hobby” for intermediate cyclists. These trips allow you to reach the most iconic places and passes of the Dolomite mountains that have made history in the Giro d’Italia, all accompanied by expert guides and with complete peace of mind. It's possible to book the excursions, costing €27.00, at the Alta Badia tourist offices, or at any “Bike Expert” or “Bike Friendly” hotel.

E-BIKE SHARING AT THE SUMMIT AND IN THE VALLEY. E-BIKE EXCURSIONS 2,000M ABOVE SEA LEVEL

Thanks to the E-Bike Sharing scheme with the brand new Pinarello e-bikes, it’s possible to conveniently cycle from one place to another, both up in the mountains and in the various villages, allowing you to reach the three natural parks within the ‘Movimënt’ Area. It’s also important to point out that these bicycles are electric and are therefore very easy to ride. These outdoor activities are therefore also suitable for less sporty people, who simply want to enjoy the views of the Dolomites on two wheels.  The stations where bikes can be dropped off and picked up are located above Col Alto, Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega and in the villages of La Villa, Corvara and La Val. Pinarello has launched its first e-bikes in Alta Badia, thereby strengthening the partnership between this tourist destination and the famous bicycle brand.

E-BIKE WAYS - HOW TO ENJOY NATURE TO THE FULL, EFFORTLESSLY ON TWO WHEELS

There will be three routes to follow on Saturday 22nd September, as part of the second “E-Bike Ways” event dedicated to electric mountain bikes, which can be hired from Piz La Ila, 2,000m above sea level. Prior to departure, participants will be given a map indicating the easy, intermediate and difficult routes to follow. Various mountain lodges will be providing local culinary specialities and healthy dishes for the cyclists as part of the event.

SELLARONDA BY MOUNTAIN BIKE

Alta Badia offers a variety of possibilities for those who love mountain bike excursions. It is, for example, the ideal starting point to visit the Sellaronda by MTB. You can take your bike on the cable cars, allowing you to effortlessly reach the summit before facing the breathtaking descents and single trails dedicated to mountain bikers. You can follow the route in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and it is recommended to go accompanied by an expert mountain bike guide.

ALTA BADIA - CICLI PINARELLO: TWO NAMES, ONE GUARANTEE

Consolidating the partnership between Alta Badia and Pinarello Cycles:  Alta Badia offers excellent standards of hospitality with over 300 5, 4 and 3-star hotels. When combined with Pinarello Cycles, the bicycle brand par excellence, a top-quality holiday is guaranteed. With the arrival of e-bikes at e-bike sharing stations, Alta Badia has become even more of a home to this famous brand from Treviso.