Following the success of this summer’s Haute Route Series, organisers OC Sport have decided to return to the same Start and Finish cities in 2016. The three weeks of racing will take riders through the Pyrenees, Alps and Dolomites Swiss Alps in the same direction as 2015.
For the second year running the Haute Route Triple Crown will begin in Anglet Côte Basque. Riders will congregate on the Atlantic coast for the start of the 4th edition of the Haute Route Pyrenees (August 20th -26th 2016) and take on the beautiful, but brutal Pyreneen cols. Their journey will end once again next to the Garonne in Toulouse, France’s fourth biggest city.
Perennial host cities since 2011, Nice and Geneva will once again play host to the Start and Finish lines of the Haute Route Alps 2016. Nice’s fabled Promenade des Anglais will welcome over 500 amateur cyclists as they begin their journey on the 28th of August. This journey will culminate on the 3rd of September in the heart of Geneva’s Jardins Anglais on the shores of Lac Léman.
Geneva will then become a global capital for amateur cyclists, as it plays host to the start of the Haute Route Dolomites Swiss Alps (5th - 11th September). Riders will brave their way up some of Europe’s highest climbs on their way to the final finish line in the picturesque Italian city of Venice.
Stage details for each of the three Haute Route events are set to be announced in November. Rest assured however, the concept of the Haute Route remains the same. Each set of seven timed stages will consist of 800km in distance, 20 of cycling’s most storied cols and 20,000 metres of climbing. As always, riders will also benefit from our ever-growing set of services usually reserved for the professional peloton.
Second Sign-Up PhaseSign-ups for 2016 opened at the start of August, and many cyclists have since joined countless returning Haute Route riders in benefiting from the early-bird sign-up discount. Having closed the early-bird phase, the second phase of signups is open from October 1st until the 30th of November 2015. A number of options are available, cyclists can choose to sign up for one event, two events (Iron Riders) or even take on the ultimate challenge by signing up for the Triple Crown (three events). Riders can also sign up as a team or through our official charity partner Team Type 1. For more information head to http://www.hauteroute.org
Programme for the Haute Route 2016 Haute Route Pyrenees
(Anglet-Toulouse): 20–26 August 2016
- From Anglet Côte Basque to Toulouse
- Seven consecutive stages from Saturday 20th of August to Friday 26th
- Start Village opens on Friday August 19th .
- Closest airports : Biarritz-Anglet (Bordeaux, San Sebastien and Bilbao) and Toulouse
Haute Route Alps (Nice-Geneva): 28 August–3 September 2016
- From Nice to Geneva • Seven consecutive stages from Sunday August 28th to Saturday September 3rd
- Start Village opens on Saturday August 27th
- Closest airports : Nice, Genève-Cointrin
Haute Route Dolomites Swiss Alps (Geneva-Venice):
- From Geneva to Venice
- Seven consecutive stages from Monday September 5th to Sunday September 11th.
- Start Village Sunday 4th of September
- • Closest airports: Genève-Cointrin, Venice
01.11.2015
The appointment for the 30th Maratona dles Dolomite-Enel is set for Sunday 3rdJuly 2016. But the race to ensure a place in one of the loveliest rides in the world has started with pre-registration: from Wednesday 14thOctober to 4thNovemberyou can also send your request to take part solely to www.maratona.it.
The formula is always the same: the draw, which traditionally includes half Italian cyclists and half from other countries, will take place in the second half of November. To be precise there are 5,000names, while the other spaces (the maximum number is set at 9,000 participants) are divided into those who have the right to take part, official Maratona Tour Operators and more expensive registration where proceeds are donated to charity.
The three routesare also the same: the Maratona(138 km and 4230 m elevation difference), Medio( 106 km and 3130 m elevation difference) and the Sellaronda( 55 km and 1780 m elevation difference). As always they will start in La Villa and finish in Corvara, and are broadcast livefrom 6.15 am.
PRE-REGISTRATION
The pre-registrations are a real contest within a contestwhich creates new records every year. Last year there were over 31,000 requests from 71 countries.On 24thNovember, only at www.maratona.it, the first 193 registrations at an increased price will be made available for those who have not managed to find a place. The second batch will go on sale on 24th March 2016 with the last 193 registrations, also at an increased price.
The Maratonahas had a growing success on the roads of the Dolomites, especially among those from other countries. For example, last year there were over 1000 participants from the UK. But the large number of cyclists on the roadduring the whole summer season bears witness to the development of bike tourismon Dolomite roads. This has always been the aim of the Maratona, since its inception 30 years ago: to raise awareness of a new kind of mobility, one that is slower and less polluting, more respectful of the mountains and more silent and discrete.
The Maratonaalso stands out for another extremely important reason: charity. Thanks to the introduction of more expensive registrationthe Maratonabrings hope and concrete aid worldwide. In particular, the beneficiaries are the “Insieme si può”NGO Charity Association (www.365giorni.org), Assisport Alto Adige(www.sporthilfe.it) and the Alex Zanardi Association BIMBINGAMBA(www.bimbingamba.com).
A NEW LOGO FOR THE MARATONA’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
To celebrate 30 years of the Maratona dles Dolomites –Enelwe have decided to renew the event logo. We have done this by following the outline of the mountains that have always surrounded us, because the mountains are our home and the Dolomites are our heart. In the skilful hands of Manuel Bottazzo, the new logo symbolises a long journey of sweat, passion, dreams and madness… because you had to be a bit mad to imagine a bike Maratona through the Dolomites 30 years ago. The result is a monogramwith the Mthat represents not only the M of Maratona, but also the M of mountainwith its continual ascents and descents and its passes to cross, one after another. There is a special feature: if you look carefully, the top right-hand part of the Mrepresents the last two challenges of the Maratona: his majesty the Giau, where everyone signs their adventure in the Maratona, offering the most exciting moments; and the Valparola, because in that long, straight line that is always sunny(even when it is raining!) every rider finally has the end in sight, begins to smile and dreams of the well-earned descent towards the finish line.
The monogramis strong, powerful and geometrically perfect, but inside it has a heart of tremendous colours that represents these places. We want this to be closer to cyclists in particular and to responsible tourists in general.
CASTELLI DRESSES THE MARATONA
The partnership with Castelli continues with an important new feature: the company, which in coming years will become an increasingly important partner for the Maratona, has created two new models for the 30thanniversary race pack, one for menand one for women. These are devoted to the thousands of womencyclistswho increase year after year, bringing with them enthusiasm, passion and positive energy that infects all the participants.
THE JOURNEY, THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY THEME
The theme chosen to celebrate the 30thanniversary of Maratona dles Dolomites –Enel is the journey.
A journey of discovery, a journey of dialogue, of influences and of healing. In fact, we began many years ago and we have never stopped and for us the Maratonais truly a long journey that has never ended.
The journeyhas always been at the centre of humankind’s experience. A journey is a discovery of new places, environments and spaces, but it is also dialogue, enrichment and influence. However, the most important journey we make is within ourselves.
We are made up of relations. We are relations with others. Sometimes a journey can be healing and taking care of life’s wounds. A journey makes us light, free from care, breaks our bonds and reduces everything to what is essential.
What really counts is a journey towards beauty,which is invisible to an unobservant man. Beauty can be found within us if we embody it. Searching is already finding.
Our heartfelt best wishes to all of you… we hope our time on this journey is one of forgiveness and simple, real things, like silent steps in the mountains, hopes and dreams that never end.
Have a good journey.
Keep in touch, there are plenty of surprises in the coming months.
12.10.2015
Get ready for a fourth round of mountain bike action! About three months after the third edition of the Protective BIKE Four Peaks wrapped up successfully in Carinthia, Race Organisers have announced the date for the 2016 event of this spectacular mountain bike highlight. From June 15 thru 18, 2016, up to 1,000 pros and amateurs alike will get another chance to compete on four fascinating stages. The route as well as date for the online registration will be communicated soon.
For further information about the race visit bike-fourpeaks.de.
Protective BIKE Four Peaks
Since it's inaugural edition back in 2013, the Protective BIKE Four Peaks has become a red-letter day in every mountain biker's calendar. From June 15 thru 18, 2016, four action packed days will provide once again everything mountain bikers could ask for. Besides entering the race as single starter, every participant can also register for a team of (minimum) four mountain bikers.
21.09.2015
The 3rd Edition of the ENDURA ALPENTRAUM is waiting for the starting pistol to fire. On Saturday, September 12th, cyclists will be crossing the main ridge of the Alps from north to south – from Germany into Austria, to Switzerland, and on to Italy – in just one day. The registration list will close at the beginning of the week. Around 800 participants from 23 different countries are taking part in this unmatched adventure by road bike. For the first time, they will be able to select from three routes. On the long distance, racers will travel a total of 252 km (157 mi.), overcome an elevation change of 6,078 m (19,941 ft.), and cross six passes, from Sonthofen in Bavaria (start at 6:30 M) to Sulden/Ortler in Italy. The shorter distance of 146 km (91mi.) starts in Landeck and likewise ends in Sulden/Ortler. Cyclists will have to sweat through an elevation change of 4,315 m (14,157 ft.). Totally new: A third option with a short distance of 118 km (73 m.) and an elevation change of 2,936 m (9633 ft.). Racers will line up in Landeck, climb up to Pillerhöhe, then over the Reschen Pass, continue through Prad on the Stilfser Joch (Stelvio) pass, and proceed directly to the finish in Sulden/Ortler. The perfect route for road bike beginners.
Most of the participants, though, are hardened cyclists and have signed up for the long route over Stilfser Joch (Selvio) pass. As in previous years, racers will ride up Umbrail Pass from the Swiss side before climbing to the top of one of the highest road passes in Europe, Stilfser Joch pass at over 2800 m (9186 ft.) above sea level. Here, at the latest, we should have an idea of who will be the victor in the 3rd Edition of the ENDURA Alpen-Traum, the Alpine dream and nightmare race.
Mario Kummer, Olympic champion, world champion in team time racing, and ex-pro of the Telekom team, is an enthusiastic “Alpen-Traum Fan”, and will be taking part in the Third Edition of the ENDURA Alpen-Traum for the third time already. The 53-year-old covers around 10,000 km (6,214 mi.) while training per year and crossed the finish line in Sulden in 9:50 hours last year. Kummer doesn’t normally take part in Alpine marathons; the ENDURA Alpen-Traum is the only one in his racing schedule. “The Alpen-Traum has a cool story, you cross the Alps from Germany to Italy in one day. It combines everything that fascinates me about cycling: challenges, nature, speed, adrenaline, and the opportunity to share my experiences with others,” explains Kummer. “Last year, I had a lot of fun again, except during the first part, which was very wet and cold, and made it through the race in good shape,” he recalls. His tip for all the participants: “It’s all a matter of planning. You won’t be able to cut any more seconds or minutes from your time in the final week before the race. It’s much more important to be well-rested on the day of the race.“
Otherwise, the race this year is more undecided than ever. Enrico Zen who came in second last year and Bernd Hornetz from Karlsruhe are definitely two candidates for first place.
Having come in fourth last year, Bernd Hornetz, the best German marathon cyclist, knows what it’s all about, but was not in very good shape recently due to a bout of illness. Earlier this year, Enrico Zen dominated in the Ötztal race and the GP Charly Gaul in Trento.
This year, Hornetz from Karlsruhe has been focusing his training entirely on the ENDURA Alpen-Traum. Before the race, he took second place both in the Granfondo Felice Gimondi in Bergamo, Italy and the Granfondo Mt. Ventoux in France.
He has also successfully finished the seven-day Haute Route Pyrenees as preparation for the ENDURA Alpen-Traum Alpine dream and nightmare race.
The towns of Sonthofen, Landeck, and Sulden along with the organizers, PLAN B Event Company and RoadBIKE will be busy before and during the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly. ENDURA, the manufacturer of cycling attire from Scotland, is the main sponsor. The organizers are also happy to announce Continental, adidas eyewear, and SRM as three new sponsors.
Late registrations will be accepted on site in Sonthofen and Landeck. You can find the terms of participation and all you need to know about the ENDURA Alpen-Traum at www.alpen-traum.com
The facts about the ENDURA Alpen-Traum 2015
- Date: 12.09.2015
- Starting Locations: Sonthofen (GER) and Landeck (AUT)
- Finish: Sulden (ITA)
- Routes: 252 km / 6,078 meters in altitude, 146 km / 4,315 meters in altitude, 118 km / 2,936 meters in altitude
(routes subject to changes!) - Individual & team classification
- 6 classification categories (minimum number of participants 15): Men, Women, Master Men / Master Women (over 40 years), Senior Master Men / Senior Master Women (over 50 years)
- Maximum number of participants 1,500 riders
08.09.2015