Maratona dles Dolomites - anyone done it?

terrydel

I'm signed up for it, its on July 5th.
So a little under 3 months to train.

Wondering what its like, level of difficulty etc? I know theres a serious amount of climbing in it.

I am only really getting back on the bike now with last year being a write-off due to back injuries etc.
2013 I was flying, it was my first year really doing sportives, and finished the Sean Kelly 160 in a little over 6 hours.

So I am confident that if I can train well up to July, I have it in me to finish this.

Also, Im not sure if there are time cut-offs in this event? Cant seem to find an answer to that anywhere?

All opinions, thoughts etc greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

07Lapierre

@RAAM did it... It's tough! Huge numbers take part, so practice your track stand technique!

terrydel

07Lapierre wrote: »

@RAAM did it... It's tough! Huge numbers take part, so practice your track stand technique!

What technique?!! haha
I think I can do the 100 on the day if Im struggling (highly likely!) so that encourages me to at least go and give it a try.
If I don't, my entry covers me for next year, which is a nice bonus.

ht9zni1gs28crp

I applied but didn't get in through the lottery system...

WMP

I did it in 2013 and 14. Its tough! 4200hm over 138km as you can see from the website. Passo Giau which is 10km long at over 9 percent average is a killer as there are very few switchbacks on it. There is a cut off point just before it but I dont remember the cut off time. We just made it the first year. The second year we had short stops at every second food station and made it comfortably through.

Its a huge event but the crowds are only an annoyance (slowing to walking pace on first ramps) in the first 10km or so. You could try to get to the start of your starting block but that will mean getting there very early. Its not a hugh hassle though.

I didnt get a starting place year unfortunately. Entrance fee is high but you get a jersey, a very good quality gilet and the choice of a cap or ten euro back at the finish.

terrydel

WMP wrote: »

I did it in 2013 and 14. Its tough! 4200hm over 138km as you can see from the website. Passo Giau which is 10km long at over 9 percent average is a killer as there are very few switchbacks on it. There is a cut off point just before it but I dont remember the cut off time. We just made it the first year. The second year we had short stops at every second food station and made it comfortably through.

Its a huge event but the crowds are only an annoyance (slowing to walking pace on first ramps) in the first 10km or so. You could try to get to the start of your starting block but that will mean getting there very early. Its not a hugh hassle though.

I didnt get a starting place year unfortunately. Entrance fee is high but you get a jersey, a very good quality gilet and the choice of a cap or ten euro back at the finish.

Cheers mate, sounds more scarey by the minute!!
Ah well, will give it a go, Insha'Allah!

As someone who practically sleeps in hats, they can keep their tenner

Raam

Super route, tough route. I loved it. Trackstands, yeah for the first time up Passo Campolongo. It's also slow going up the second climb, Passo Pordoi. The rest are more spread out so a bit more space but you still have to dodge people. Giau was tough especially near the top, similar for the last climb of Falzarego. It's not so steep but it is long and at the end of a long day. The bonus 20% 200m section towards the end of the entire route was fun. Closed roads rock.

Lusk_Doyle

Did it with Raam last year. It's awesome! Carbon brake pads sound cool on steep mountain descents!

Lusk_Doyle

Here is my data from last year's event:

https://www.strava.com/activities/162639635

Here is evidence of the pain of the last 20% ramp just before the finish:



That's not me smiling btw, it's me about to let a roar of pain as my thighs felt like they were going to snap! Hence, the seated climb!

07Lapierre

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Here is my data from last year's event:

https://www.strava.com/activities/162639635

Here is evidence of the pain of the last 20% ramp just before the finish:


That's not me smiling btw, it's me about to let a roar of pain as my thighs felt like they were going to snap! Hence, the seated climb!

Smooth tarmac..no cobbles..no rain.. you had it easy!

terrydel

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Here is my data from last year's event:

https://www.strava.com/activities/162639635

Here is evidence of the pain of the last 20% ramp just before the finish:



That's not me smiling btw, it's me about to let a roar of pain as my thighs felt like they were going to snap! Hence, the seated climb!

Cheers mate, much appreciated! I will have a look at that info later on.
I don't do the whole strava thing myself, not my bag really. Basic cateye gives me all the info I need to know how Im getting on. But that log will deffo give me some help with this. Not sure what I've got myself into really, but feck it I will give it a go! I'd be fairly stubborn so if I get on the startline and feel reasonably fit and confident, then it will take serious hardship to stop me!
Its getting the training done in time that's my big concern, enough so that I feel I have it in me on the day.
Off out for a couple of hours now, eek!

Lusk_Doyle

07Lapierre wrote: »

Smooth tarmac..no cobbles..no rain.. you had it easy!

Done the real cobbles in 2011 at Paris Roubaix not like you with the soft version at Flanders so get out of that!

07Lapierre

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Done the real cobbles in 2011 at Paris Roubaix not like you with the soft version at Flanders so get out of that!

Got me there! ... after Flanders i've no desire to do Roubaix (well maybe)