Gran Fondos

Maratona dles Dolomites Cycling Experience 2026

Difficulty:
Thu, Jul 2 - Mon, Jul 6, 2026
Duration 5 days, 4 nights
Location Italy
Available places Only 12 places available
From £4,399pp

A five day Dolomites trip built around one of cycling's most iconic sportives. Across the week riders cover 307 km and 8960 m of climbing, with race day still demanding real legs even with route options.

Experience the Magic of the Dolomites with the Rouleur Team.

This five-day adventure drops you straight into the heart of the Dolomites to ride the prestigious Maratona dles Dolomites Gran Fondo with the Rouleur team.

The trip is built around the race, but it’s more than just one big Sunday.

You’ll ride iconic climbs, recce sections of the course, and get a feel for the unique culture of the region, with traditional Ladin food and time to explore the mountains between rides.

In partnership with Assos of Switzerland, every rider receives a full Assos kit and joins a relaxed ride-out with the Assos team and ambassadors before race day.

Your Gran Fondo entry includes a choice of three routes: the Sellaronda short course at 55 km with 1780 m of climbing, the middle course at 106 km with 3130 m of climbing, or the full Maratona at 138 km and 4230 m of climbing.

Difficulty: 4/5 - Very hard

Despite route options, the ride remains challenging and requires confidence on steep mountain roads. Riders must be comfortable with altitude and repeated climbing, as this is a key buildup to a major event.

Dining: Breakfast, on the road lunch stops and hearty local dinners are included to keep riders moving and recovering.

Who this is for: Best for cyclists who enjoy event atmosphere and mountain riding, and who can arrive with enough fitness to enjoy the weekend rather than merely survive it. Not for riders who assume a Gran Fondo product means a softened experience.

Arrival Airport
Venice, Italy
Departure Airport
Venice, Italy
Start Location
Covara
Finish Location
Covara
Total Distance
307 km
Total Elevation
8960 m
Longest Day
Day 4 - 138 km
Biggest Climbing Day
Day 4 - 4230 m

Day by Day

You land in Venice and transfer to Hotel Arkadia in the Dolomites, where you settle in for the days ahead.

There’s an optional 20–30 km shakeout ride to loosen the legs, before a traditional Ladin welcome dinner.

Over the meal you meet the rest of the group and get a clear briefing on the weekend and what to expect from the Maratona.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Friday is all about acclimatisation and a first proper look at the mountains. A guided 86 km ride with 2,070 m of climbing takes you over some of the Dolomites’ famous passes and recces several of the climbs you’ll tackle in the race.

It’s a working day on the bike, but also a chance to take in the scenery and understand the gradients.

The afternoon is left open: you can wander the village, sit in the hotel spa, or simply put your feet up.

Distance: 86km - Varied Terrain

Elevation Gain: 2070 m

Day 2: Acclimatization and Scenic Ride

Saturday is for exploring the Dolomites at an easy tempo.

In the morning you roll out for a 31 km ride with 800 m of climbing alongside the Assos team and ambassadors, keeping things light and saving energy.

Every rider receives a full Assos kit as part of the experience. Once the ride is done, you collect race numbers and slip into pre-race mode, with the rest of the day to relax.

Distance: 31 km - Rolling Terrain

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Day 3: Explore the Dolomites

Sunday is Maratona dles Dolomites Gran Fondo day.

You line up for one of the most beautiful and demanding Gran Fondos in the world, choosing from three routes: the 55 km Sellaronda with 1780 m of climbing, the 106 km Middle course with 3130 m, or the full 138 km Maratona with 4230 m of vertical. The long route runs to 138 km and 4,230 m of climbing, with shorter options available.

Whatever you pick, the script is the same: a series of epic Dolomite climbs, including Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella and Passo Giau, framed by sheer rock faces and tight, stacked hairpins.

Afterwards there’s a post-race meal, a chance to trade stories from the day with the Rouleur team and fellow riders.

Day 4: Maratona dles Dolomites Gran Fondo

Monday is for recovery and departure.

There’s an optional 45 km recovery ride with 670 m of climbing, a guided hike, or more time in the Hotel Arkadia spa if you prefer not to clip in again.

Later, transfers take you back to Venice airport, legs heavy, head full of mountains.

Distance: 45 km

Elevation Gain: 670 m

Day 5: Recovery & Departure

What's Included

Hotel accommodation and full ride fuel

Hotel accommodation and full ride fuel

Stays in well-chosen hotels each night, so every stage ends with a hot shower, a real bed and some quiet. Early breakfasts, practical lunches, local dinners and on bike nutrition through the event.

Entry to the Maratona Gran Fondo

Entry to the Maratona Gran Fondo

Guaranteed place on the start line of one of the world’s most iconic mountain events.

Mechanical support and sweep vehicle throughout the event

Mechanical support and sweep vehicle throughout the event

A van and mechanic on the road with you, keeping bikes running and riders looked after.

Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio)

Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio)

Experienced leaders in the bunch, setting tempo, reading the group and keeping things together.

Route planning and safety managent

Route planning and safety managent

The lines are drawn, the logistics handled, the risks managed so you can just ride.

Sports nutrition throughout the event

Sports nutrition throughout the event

Gels, drinks and on-the-bike fuel provided to keep you turning smooth all day.

INCLUDED

  • Lodging
  • Meals
  • Selected beverages (non‑alcoholic unless stated)
  • Hydration & nutrition on‑road
  • Pro guides
  • Mechanic & support vehicle
  • Partner kit on arrival (where specified)

NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights
  • Travel/bike insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcohol unless specified
  • Optional upgrades (transfers, daily laundry, e‑bike, single‑room supplement)

4* accommodation at the Arkadia Hotel, set in the heart of the Dolomites, giving you a comfortable base right beneath the mountains.

Maratona dles Dolomites Cycling Experience 2026
From £4,399pp
Thu, Jul 2 - Mon, Jul 6, 2026
Italy
Only 12 places available
Issue 127 - Italia! - Rouleur

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