The Dolomiti Superbike is a classic marathon mountain bike race. Taking place in a glorious setting, the route traces a loop through impressive passes and beautiful valleys of the Dolomites. It’s no wonder it is popular. It is also a prestigious race to win, having hosted the UCI XCM World Championships in 2008, and it always attracts a star-studded field.
This year’s edition of the Dolomiti Superbike is going to take place on Saturday, 09 July, 2016. The legendary mountain bike marathon in Alta Pusteria leading through Villabassa, Braies, Dobbiaco, San Candido and Sesto is traditionally sold out. However, after last year’s record with 5,500 participants the total number of available places was reduced by 700.
“Safety is our major priority.”, says Kurt Ploner, president of the organisation committee, “There is always a remaining risk and we need to be prepared for any kind of scenario.” The outstanding success of the long distance mountain bike race over the last two decades is also due to the individual support provided to each athlete. “It is our goal to maintain these high standards and keep participants satisfied.” Therefore, the number of starting places has been reduced to a maximum of 4,800.
2015 was massive!
With both, Olympic Games and World Championship scheduled for this year, most of the world elite athletes have already confirmed their participation. Also to start are the winners of the past three editions: Tiago Ferreira from Portugal, Periklis Ilias from Greece and Kristian Hynek from Czech Republic.
Will Hynek bring his team mate Alban Lakata along?
Ferreira and Periklis also represented the Dolomiti Superbike Team during the famous stage race Cape Epic in South Africa finishing in fifth position. In this year’s edition both tracks, over 119 km, as well as over 59 km, need to be approached anti-clockwise.