Roberta Bussone snatched the victory thanks to a fabulous performance. © Alex Faedda / alex faedda

Fabulous performances at the Maratona dles Dolomites

The 38th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites took place on Sunday. Luca Cavallo and Roberta Bussone won the Maratona course, the most challenging route at 138 kilometers and over four thousand meters of elevation gain.

July 06, 2025

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The roads were closed to traffic, allowing the participants to enjoy the magnificent Dolomite passes despite the effort: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena Pass, Giau, Falzarego, and Valparola. In addition to the Maratona route, covering 138 kilometers with 4.230 meters of elevation gain, there was the intermediate route, covering 106 kilometers with 3.130 meters of elevation gain, and the Sella Ronda route, covering 55 kilometers with 1.780 meters of elevation gain.

The race became exciting right from the first climbs of the Sella Ronda: A group of eleven riders broke away, but at the Campolongo Pass, Spaniard David Mayo, runner-up in the last edition, left everyone behind. In the women's race, Roberta Bussone dominated from the start, breaking away from her rivals early on and embarking on a long solo run.

Cavallo wears down the competition

As so often happens, the race was decided at the Giau Pass: Piedmont native Luca Cavallo first caught David Mayo and then overtook him, en route to victory on the ramps of the Falzarego and Valparola passes. "We started strongly in a group of ten, and I set the pace at the Sella Pass. But then I broke a spoke on my wheel and couldn't change it, so I had to adapt. I decided to give it my all at the Giau to catch David Mayo. I caught and overtook him, and despite sliding on every corner, I was able to cross the finish line first. I'm overjoyed."

Luca Cavallo after his victory. © Alex Faedda / alex faedda

In the men's race, Luca Cavallo took first place with a time of 4 hours, 25 minutes, and 35 seconds. Second and third places were taken by Spaniard David Mayo with 4 hours, 28 minutes, and 8 seconds, and Giuseppe Orlando with 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 17 seconds.

Bussone shines in the women's category

There was also a great performance among the women, namely from Roberta Bussone from Piedmont, who won the Maratona with an impressive time: "I am overjoyed. I rode strongly from the start and then paced myself well. For me this is an incredible success. It is not easy to combine my passion for cycling with work. I am really touched. Last year at my birthday party I promised myself that I would try to win. This victory more than rewards every sacrifice." To be precise, Roberta Bussone rode the Maratona route in 5 hours and 7 minutes, followed by Martina Cavallo with 5 hours and 24 minutes and Carmen Moser with 5 hours and 25 minutes.

In the middle distance, Stefano Bonanomi, Stefan Kirchmair, and Danilo Celano took the top three places. In the women's race, Laura Simenc Kramar took first place, followed by Michela Santini in second and Elisa Leardini in third.