Three photographers who know the territory well have thus immortalized the incredible spectacle that is repeated every year, in any climate. Here is the result
It was supposed to be a rainy, cold, gray day, instead at 6.30 a pale sun, and gradually getting brighter, greeted the 5615 runners ready to face the 34th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites this year dedicated to art. A small number, for the reasons we know well, but perfectly monitored: anyone who participates and collaborates in the Marathon, including the thousands of volunteers who made the race successful, have had a green pass as they have been vaccinated, cured or tested from Thursday onwards. It is therefore a marathon run in complete safety, a fundamental requirement and strongly desired by the organizers when, three months ago they decided that the work could finally be completed in all respects.
Because never like this year the Marathon is it possible to compare it to a work of art, starting from the majesty of the Dolomites this morning in great dusting, to the installations scattered along the route, to the cyclists who are real performers of a rhythmic dynamism that Balla Boccioni, Depero and, why not, Schifano would have liked, artists who have made speed their inspiration.
The cyclists, galvanized by the presence of the sun and also by the interruption of an abstinence that had lasted too long, went full speed, I decided to the 138 kilometers of the long route and over four thousand meters in altitude with all the enthusiasm and energy possible.
Obviously, not all cyclists try their hand at the long route, having the possibility to choose between three routes that have characterized the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel for years which wind through the legendary Dolomite passes all strictly closed to traffic: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Falzarego, Giau and Valparola. In addition to the Lungo with 138 kilometers and 4230 meters in altitude, there is the Medio with 106 kilometers and 3130 meters in altitude and the Sella Ronda with 55 kilometers and 1780 meters in altitude.
Thanks to Freddy Planinschek, Alex Moling and Denis Costa for these beautiful shots