Registration open for Marcialonga Cycling Craft, Italy on 4th June 2017
Taking place in Trentino, Italy on 4th June 2017, it's the 3rd event of the Gran Fondo World Tour
The Marcialonga has both a Medio Fondo of 80 km and a Gran Fondo 135 km which is available for both racers and non-competitive cyclists.
The idea of the Marcialonga goes back a long way. In 1969 Italian athletes officially took part in Vasaloppet for the first time. Giulio Giovannini and Roberto Moggio managed to cross the finish line and the year after they were followed in the expedition by Nele Zorzi and Mario Cristofolini. As enthusiasm mounted, there came the idea of creating something similar in the two valleys of Fiemme and Fassa, adding typical Italian warmth, seasoned with lots of imagination to the exertion of covering such long distances.
Here in the Italian cradle of cross-country skiing, the four founders were supported by a determined team of collaborators later to be joined by new volunteers.
But what should it be called? In the end the name “Marcialonga” or Long March was chosen as it was felt to neatly encapsulate the idea of the hard work and friendly competition of the athletes as well as the involvement of the spectators of such great event.
On 7th February 1971, the Fiemme and Fassa valleys heard the echo of the gun shot which signaled the start of the first Marcialonga, destined to revolutionise the history and traditions of skiing.
After more than 45 years, Marcialonga has become an event not to be missed in the world of winter sports and summer cycling.
For those without a racing licence, wishing to take part in the competitive race, a medical certificate for cycling is required.
Pro, Elite and Under 23 are admitted only for promotional purposes upon invitation from the Organising Committee and will not be ranked.
Registrations are open at: www.marcialonga.it