After a year's break the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon is back! To celebrate the return, this popular event was given a brand new track and more than 1,200 participants turned up to take part. First to cross the line was Russian rider Alexey Medvedev. Valentina Frasisti from Italy was the fastest woman.
The seventh edition of the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon was a great success: sunny summer conditions shone down on the 1,200 participants as they cycled 86 km / 53 mi over three demanding climbs (Alpisella pass, Trela pass and San Colombano) with an altitude difference of 3,000 meters / 9,800 ft.
The reward for the leg-burning ascent was a wonderful panorama of the Stelvio National Park. In total, the international rider field from Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Colombia and Russia crossed eight lakes, four passes, twelve valleys and five alpine pastures. After a tough battle with the Colombian Arias Cuervo, the Russian Alexey Medvedev riding for the Polimedical team finished the race in 3:56:41. In the women's category, the GHOST Italia team athlete, Valentina Frasisti was fastest with a winning time of 4:54:40.
Along the shorter, 52 km / 32 mi long track with its 1,860 meters / 6,102 ft. altitude difference, there was a little less pedaling required, but by no means less rewarding. In the men's race, Moreno Trabucchi (ITA) beat the three-time winner Enzo Gnani (ITA). Monica Maltese from the Triangolo team, also from Italy, is the lucky winner in the ladies' division.
A breathtaking scenery with first-class single tracks, bike park sections, hard climbs and fast descents were all included in the comeback of the Alta Valtellina Bike Marathon. Both the participants and the numerous spectators were impressed by the new route. "A great trail and a perfect organization," summarized winner Valentina Frasisti. Anyone who couldn't make it this year should certainly keep an eye out for the next edition.
