Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel
An unmissable challenge for cyclists from all over the world: the passes around the Sella massif, just for them, on a day dedicated to sport and sustainability
For years, the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel has felt like a ritual: 8,000 cyclists, selected by lottery from thousands of applications, travel from all over the world with one goal in mind - to experience the rare sensation of riding through the Dolomites when the roads fall silent and the mountains seem impossibly close. On Sunday, 5 July 2026, at 6:30 a.m., the start in La Villa is a collective spark: legs, breath, eyes lifted to the horizon. What follows is a day to remember, with the finish in Corvara, and seven names that are not just passes but stories: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Falzarego, Valparola and Giau. All closed to traffic, as if the Ladin valleys opened exclusively to those who choose the bike - and the good kind of effort.
For those chasing the full challenge, there's the Marathon route: 138 km with 4,230 m of elevation gain. Riders looking for a different pace can opt for the Medio (106 km, 3,130 m) or the Sellaronda (55 km, 1,780 m) - the "legendary" loop that captures the essence of the passes with a more moderate effort. Three ways to feel the same enchantment: the climb that demands respect, the descent that gives freedom, the light that shifts - curve after curve.
On Saturday, 4 July, the celebration extends to the youngest riders with Maratona for Kids, created to introduce children to sport and support the Dynamo Camp Foundation. Because the Maratona has never been only about performance: it's also about community, awareness, and choice. And choice is at the heart of the 2026 edition, whose theme is "Pax" - thinking about peace, talking about it at the same altitude, and then truly trying to turn it into action, pedal stroke by pedal stroke, where the mountains become a symbol of fairness. Sustainability, too, is not a buzzword here, but a cornerstone - through initiatives renewed year after year to reduce environmental impact and make the event increasingly responsible.
Can't be there in person? The Maratona can also be followed live on Rai channels, with guests and features dedicated to the extraordinary landscapes of the Dolomites.
Road closures are established by the prefectures of Bolzano (Bozen), Trento and Belluno and are guaranteed until the official end-of-race vehicle passes. Refreshments, mechanical support and medical assistance will be available at Passo Sella until 11:15 a.m.
