Maratona dles Dolomites © Christian Staffler / A. Faedda

The 37th Maratona dles Dolomites is history

The 37th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel took place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites, this year dedicated to "mutatio". And if it is true that everything is change, the race has found new winners with Giuseppe Orlando in the men's category and Laura Simenc in the women's category.

July 08, 2024

From: pm/sn

A cloudy sky greeted the 8050 participants - 7422 men and 1028 women - of the 37th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites. A cycling marathon dedicated to "mutatio", the constant metamorphoses that characterize the contemporary world. And if everything changes, the three routes that run through the Dolomite passes, an indispensable part of cycling history, remain true to themselves. So the race, starting from La Villa, will be opened as always by Michil Costa on his vintage bike at 6:30 am.

The passes of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel are, as always, unforgettable: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola. In addition to the marathon distance of 138 kilometers and 4.230 meters of altitude, there is the middle distance of 106 kilometers and 3.130 meters of altitude and the Sellaronda of 55 kilometers and 1.780 meters of altitude.

Orlando with a “trick” to victory

This year, too, the live broadcast from the national broadcaster RAI 2 will follow the race from the start to the finish of the first place finishers. Men A small group of nine runners broke away and at the Cernadoi junction, the turning point between the middle and long distance races, seven of them decided to tackle the actual marathon course. In the men's race, three remained on the Giau, the Spaniard David Majo and the Italians Giuseppe Orlando and Michele Negri.

David Majo, Giuseppe Orlando and Tommaso Elettrico (from left) formed the men's podium. © A. Faedda

But on the Falzarego, David Majo and Giuseppe Orlando attacked resolutely and started the final sprint, which Giuseppe Orlando won with a time of 4:30 hours, while Tommaso Elettrico came third. "I used a trick," explained Giuseppe Orlando, "I told my breakaway rider that I was fine, but in reality I couldn't feel my legs anymore. So he slowed down a bit and we reached the finish line together. I was first in the last corner and overtook him. I am overjoyed and dedicate this victory to my grandfather, who died a week ago."

Slovenian Simenc wins women’s race

In the Women Slovenian Laura Simenc sets the tone: on the Sellaronda passes she breaks away and after a few kilometers has a five-minute lead over her closest pursuer, Roberta Bussone. Meanwhile, the rain sets in. However, the bad weather does not prevent Laura Simenc from continuing her solo race, which she wins in 05:30:31,1. Roberta Bussone takes second place, while Ils Van der Moeren climbs to third place on the podium.

The fastest women: Roberta Bussone, Laura Simenc and Ils Van der Moeren (from left). © Christian Staffler / A. Faedda

The Middle distance The men's podium consists of the Austrian Stefan Kirchmair and the Italians Stefano Stagni and Riccardo Zanrossi, who take first, second and third place respectively, while the women's podium sees Giulia Medri in first place, Martina Cavallo in second and Rasa Rumsaite in third place. Winners of the Sellaronda are Thomas Hintner, Andrea Raimondi and Patrick Seber in the men's category and Michela Santini, Carmen Moser and Martha Maltha in the women's category.