9,000 cyclists at the starting line, 6 Dolomite passes starting from La Villa and arriving in Corvara, 6 hours live on RAI TV, over 1,000 volunteers and a unique atmosphere all make this a special event for bicycle enthusiasts worldwide.

First held in 1987 with 166 daredevils on the starting line, the Maratona dles Dolomites has grown year after year to become the Marathon par excellence. Just think, each year over 30,000 applications to take part are sent in, but for reasons of quality and safety "only" 9,000 participants are the chosen few.

"It's not just fatigue, it's not just contemplating or being contemplated by nature. The Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel means taking part in a form of spirituality shared by thousands of other people, it is the immersion of those who can and want to experience something special. It means diving into an arduous action and coming out of it hours later revived," says Michil Costa, patron of the event.

The routes of Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel are three: the shorter route, the "Sellaronda", takes in the 4 passes around the Sella, covering 55 km with 1,780 metres difference in altitude, the "Medium" route 106 km-long with 3,130 metres difference in altitude and the 138 km-long "Marathon" route with 4,230 metres difference in altitude. Demanding but fascinating, where the Giau pass, with its tight bends which have made cycling history, rules the roost.

For further information, program and events go on www.maratona.it.