How to train for Sportful Dolomiti Race
Often called the toughest gran fondo in Europe, the Sportful Dolomiti Race tests riders over remote, quiet passes in the southern Dolomites.
Entries: Entries open in November with options for gran fondo and medio fondo routes.
What Sportful Dolomiti Race demands
The grueling Passo Manghen alone requires 20 kilometers of sustained climbing. Excellent climbing stamina and endurance are essential.
Your preparation roadmap
20 weeks recommendedWinter on the trainer
Prepare for sustained alpine passes including Cima Campo, Passo Manghen and Passo Croce d'Aune.
2x30 min at 92 to 96% FTP simulating the savage slopes of Manghen.
20 min threshold with repeated standing accelerations.
6 hours outside with over 3,000 m of climbing.
4x10 min at 55 rpm on high resistance.
Routes (approximate, recent editions)
- Gran Fondo — about 204 km and 4,900 m climbing over Cima Campo, Manghen, Rolle and Croce d'Aune
- Medio Fondo — about 120 km and 3,200 m climbing
Key climbs & sectors
- Passo Manghen
- Passo Rolle
- Passo Croce d'Aune
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Sportful Dolomiti Race?
The grueling Passo Manghen alone requires 20 kilometers of sustained climbing. Excellent climbing stamina and endurance are essential.
How many weeks do I need to train for Sportful Dolomiti Race?
We recommend 20 weeks of structured training to build a durable aerobic base, sustained climbing or gravel power, and event-specific stamina.
Can I prepare for Sportful Dolomiti Race indoors on a trainer?
Prepare for sustained alpine passes including Cima Campo, Passo Manghen and Passo Croce d'Aune. High-quality interval workouts and threshold blocks are often more time-efficient on an indoor trainer.
What are the key climbs and sectors of Sportful Dolomiti Race?
Passo Manghen, Passo Rolle, Passo Croce d'Aune. Official routes can vary across editions — always verify current course details on the official website.
When do entries open for Sportful Dolomiti Race?
Entries open in November with options for gran fondo and medio fondo routes. Consult the official site at https://www.sportfuldolomitirace.it for entry details and registration openings.
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TrainCraft is not affiliated with Sportful Dolomiti Race. Route figures and elevations are approximate and based on recent editions. Always verify current routes, dates and entry regulations on the official Sportful Dolomiti Race website.