The Giro delle Dolomiti passed through picturesque landscapes. © Tobias Unterhofer / Sportissimus

The Giro delle Dolomiti explores the 3 Peaks

Even though there was no mountain time trial on Wednesday as part of the third stage of the 47th Giro delle Dolomiti, the pedals were still put to the test. This time, the international field of participants set off on an exploratory tour from Toblach and soaked up the beauty of the surrounding mountains in the South Tyrol-Veneto border region with all their senses.

July 24, 2024

From: dpa

Halftime at the 47th Giro delle Dolomiti! After the first two stages, an involuntary "rest day" was taken on Wednesday. Although, under cloudy skies and therefore pleasant temperatures, the cyclists still cycled in the far east of South Tyrol and also in the province of Belluno - only this time there was no timed section. The cyclists set off in small groups from the Nordic Arena in Toblach at 10 a.m. towards Lake Landro before tackling the climb up to Misurina. Most of them then did not miss the opportunity to ride up to the Auronzo hut and enjoy the unique panorama. After a refreshment and rest at Lake Misurina, the group pedaled over the Passo Tre Croci and Cortina back to Schluderbach and from there towards Toblach.

"I would have liked to ride against the clock again today and it annoys me that the chrono couldn't take place. Otherwise, I love the Giro delle Dolomiti, I'm taking part for the 15th time already. I always find the Stelvio Pass and the long climb up the Jaufen Pass particularly attractive, but unfortunately they aren't on the program this year. Will I take part again next year? Definitely!" said David Panciroli, a participant from the province of Reggio Emilia.

“No photo captures the beauty of this region”

This year, Belgian Chris Baeten is taking part for the 19th time. "I love the Giro delle Dolomiti. Today in particular (on Wednesday, editor's note) we have enough time to eat something and to chat with the other cyclists. During the first two stages I had the feeling that we were constantly being pushed. That doesn't have to be the case, after all I'm on holiday. But otherwise it's a dream. The landscape is incredible. I enjoy it every time I'm here. Even if I take 1000 photos - not a single one reflects the real beauty of the region," explained Baeten.

Chris Baeten with a curious cycling outfit © Sportissimus

On the recommendation of her husband, who has already taken part in the Giro delle Dolomiti several times, Sarah Höfer from Germany embarked on the cycling adventure in the Dolomites. "I really like it, especially because it's such a family-oriented event. It's not just about performance, performance and speed. I love the mountains, I like cycling in the mountains, but I'm just not fast. That's why I can't take part in most of the races because I run out of time. It's just cool here that you can ride along, that you meet up again at the refreshment stations. Riding out of Bolzano and then back in together was something special," beamed Höfer.

From the hills of Kentucky to the South Tyrolean Dolomites

Another cyclist making her Giro debut this year is a cyclist who made an extra long journey. Susan Tomboly comes from Kentucky and is taking part in two of the five stages of the tour: "It's so beautiful here. I'm not used to such long climbs. We don't have such high mountains in Kentucky, just hills. Accordingly, the climbs aren't that long. But I'm enjoying the event to the fullest. How did I find out about the Giro delle Dolomiti? My husband discovered it and then signed us up." Pure enthusiasm from the countless amateur cyclists who form the heart of the Giro delle Dolomiti.

Susan Tomboly comes from the USA. © Sportissimus

This year's edition will continue on Thursday with the fourth stage. It is the queen stage with a length of 137 kilometers and 2000 meters of altitude and takes the cyclists to the Würzjoch, among other places.

47th Giro delle Dolomiti – the remaining stages

Stage 4 – Würzjoch (Thursday, 25 July)
Distance: 137 km
Difference in altitude: 2000 m
Timed section: 7,8 km/553 hm

Stage 5 – Steinegg (Friday, 26 July)
Distance: 85 km
Difference in altitude: 1924 m
Timed section: 5,1 km/500 hm

Position in the overall ranking

g
Men
1. Mauricio Cuartas COL 44.31
2. Ralph Ziegaus GER +3.03
3. Eduard Rizzi ITA / Athlete Bike Team +3.35
4. Philipp Sprüssel GER +4.30
5. Moritz Egert GER / DGD Racing Team +5.19

women's
1. Julia Jederelhauser GER / Oberdorfer Radhaus 56.21
2. Daniela scratch GER / Next Level Racing +4.00
3. Carola Skarabela GER / Team Alé Germany +7.42
4. Elisabeth Sveum NOR / Kloppa Offroad Klubb +8.35
5. Katharina Seegers GER +11.31