This road cycling event through the Dolomites offers two challenging routes that showcase some of Italy’s most iconic alpine passes. The medium distance covers 80 km with 2,448 meters of elevation gain, while the long route extends to 135 km with 3,900 meters of climbing through legendary passes including Passo Costalunga, Passo Pampeago, Passo San Pellegrino, and Passo Valles.

The course begins in Predazzo with a gentle 16km approach to Moena before tackling the first climb to Costalunga Pass. This ascent features steady, manageable gradients that flatten in the final two kilometers. A thrilling 10km descent follows, passing the stunning Lake Carezza before the route’s most challenging section: the 14km climb to Pampeago Pass with its alternating steep pitches and recovery sections. Notably, the road from Obereggen to the pass is closed to vehicle traffic, creating a peaceful cycling environment.

Riders on the long route continue to San Pellegrino Pass, famous for its hairpin bends featured in the Giro d’Italia, before the final ascent up Passo Valles with its steep slopes beneath the imposing Pale di San Martino. The technical descent through Paneveggio Natural Park’s ancient forests completes the circuit back to Predazzo.

The Gran Fondo serves as the cycling component of the broader Marcialonga season, which includes cross-country skiing and running events. Athletes completing all three disciplines can join the prestigious Marcialonga Superstar Club. Participants need either a cycling federation card or can obtain a day card with proper medical certification from the event secretariat.