This year’s Etna Marathon will give competitors a taste of the future Italian XCM Championships course, with the latter event to take place there in 2013.
With the tricolore jersey up for grabs on the famed slopes next season, the sixth edition of the Etna Marathon has been moved to an autumn date, in tune with timing of next year’s championships.
It will also carry some extra distance. Organisers have extended the course to 80km, some 10km more than previous editions.
The route includes almost 3,000m of ascent, with two new climbs introduced, including the race’s new high point at Monte Conca.
There's plenty of climbing in store for competitors at the Etna Marathon. Photo: Mongibello Team
The race will again start and finish in the host town of Milo, with organisers and the local council being assisted in setting the course around Parco dell’Etna by experienced former cycling pro Paolo Alberati.
Entries for the race are already open with registration and more information available at the event’s website.
The 2011 edition of the race was won by Italian Marzio Deho and British Champion Sally Bigham.