From Alpine Sunrise to a Solo 140 km Test: Lessons Learned on the Maratona dles Dolomites
That’s when things started to unravel. My legs began to protest, doubt crept in, and the weather turned hostile, as mountains often do: hail, fog, and a rapid drop in temperature
At six in the morning the sun was shining, my legs were responding, and the mountain looked magnificent. Yet, only a few hours later everything would change. I was about to start the Maratona dles Dolomites, one of Europe’s most beautiful and legendary cyclosportives. Out of 55 000 applicants, only 12 000 bib numbers are drawn—and I was lucky enough to get one, together with a few friends. 😊
Setting off–the “easy” route
We had planned the shorter course: 110 km with 3 000 m of climbing. Because we weren’t super‑well prepared, we chose safety over ambition. In reality, however, that “short” route is far from easy.
The sun was high, the village priest gave us his blessing. 😉
I felt great. When the point came where the short and long routes diverged, I thought, “Why not try the long one?” So I turned onto the 140 km, 4 000 m ascent route—solo.
When everything turns upside down
That’s when things started to unravel. My legs began to protest, doubt crept in, and the weather turned hostile, as mountains often do: hail, fog, and a rapid drop in temperature. At the summit (2 200 m) it was 3 °C. I was soaked, freezing, and completely drained.
I crossed the finish line, but at what cost?
At the bottom, still wearing my helmet, I could barely understand what anyone was saying. I was almost catatonic, utterly exhausted.
Then I saw them—my friends. They were there, present, wrapping me in warmth, helping me regain my bearings, and bringing me back to myself. 😉
Reflections—more than just a cyclosportive
Yes, it was “just” a sport event. 😉
But the experience left me with several concrete lessons:
- Never underestimate a mountain pass, whether on the road or in life.
- Your mind can lift you up—but your ego can also trap you.
- Believe that things will improve afterward, because they eventually do.
- Even amid hardship, look for a spark of light, a hint of softness, a sliver of sky whispering, “Hang on, you’ve got this.
- In the coldest descents, what truly matters are the people waiting for you at the bottom.
Conclusion
I’m no Mike Horn, but that day I faced my own trial. I finished proud, certainly, but also a little more humbled. The real victory wasn’t the distance covered; it was the reminder that perseverance, humility, and the support of friends are the true gear that gets us through the toughest climbs.
