Around 1,500 athletes from fifteen countries descended on Predazzo, Italy, for the 18th edition of the Marcialonga Cycling Craft, choosing between the granfondo (135 km, 3,900 m of elevation gain) and the mediofondo (80 km, 2,488 m of climbing) through the spectacular Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa.
In the granfondo, Giuseppe Orlando (born 2000) rode to a dominant men’s victory, stopping the clock at 04:09:50, with Danilo Celano finishing 3 minutes 4 seconds back and Franz Wieser a further 46 seconds adrift in third.
Roberta Bussone — winner of the 2024 edition in 4:47:34 — successfully defended her women’s granfondo title, finishing in 04:50:12. Franziska Tanner was runner-up at 11 minutes 32 seconds, with Elisa Leardini completing the podium 19 minutes 49 seconds behind.
On the shorter mediofondo, Lorenzo Zumerle (born 2002) claimed a convincing men’s win in 02:26:48, with Matteo Freddi 1 minute 20 seconds back and Austria’s Daniel Webhofer a further 58 seconds behind.
Women’s mediofondo honours went to Valeria Delladio in 02:52:34, with Michela Santini 1 minute 34 seconds adrift and Germany’s Henriette Beil 2 seconds further back in a tight podium finish.
The event also drew notable celebrity participation, including former World Cup alpine ski racer Manfred Mölgg. The course winds through the legendary Marcialonga valleys — including a passage through South Tyrol and Veneto into the province of Belluno — before the 135 km riders tackle Passo San Pellegrino and the demanding Passo Valles, the shortest but steepest ascent on the route. Riders are then treated to breathtaking views of the Pale di San Martino before descending through the ancient forests of Paneveggio Natural Park back to Predazzo.
The Marcialonga Cycling Craft forms part of the Alè Challenge, Nalini Road Series, and Cycling Italia circuits. For Orlando and Bussone, victory on these roads means joining a distinguished roll of honour in one of Italy’s most scenic and demanding granfondos.
Marcialonga Cycling Craft results HERE
Photo Credit: Marcialonga Cycling Craft
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