Colavita Wisconsin Regional Cycling Team

I was able to sleep fairly well and got up in time for a group ride the next morning, the Sella Ronda. This route involves 4 climbs in about 55km. The first two climbs and descents were really different for me, but by the time I got to the Passo Gardena, the last one I was passing cars and cyclists on the descent. I even road past a Honda Repsol which was really cool because I have never seen one of those other than on tv.

Matt with a typical Wisconsin like "hill" in the background...right Matt?

The day before the Maratona most people that I knew did not ride, but I did about 1 1/2 hours around the Passo Campoglongo and enjoyed the rest of the day walking round Corvara. Some people took a ride on the ski lift or did some shopping outside of Corvara. While on my walk I managed to get some shots of Cipo riding right in front of my hotel. He literally stopped traffic and was looking very fit.

Many people spent the evening getting a massage or swimming at the spa. I watched some MotoGP and F2. Sports is nonstop here, both watching and participating so I really tried to soak it all in.

 
The day of the Maratona I was up at 4:30am as we had to be on the road by 5:30am for the 4k ride to La Villa. It was really cold and dark but we got to our pen and met the other 9 thousand cyclists. The start was full of media and about 4 helicopters covering the race. The spectators were wearing winter jackets, hats and gloves, really cold. The military was there almost on every entrance/exit and told us were to go based on our number.

The race got off on time with lots of cheering. It was fairly smooth and I never had to put my foot down so the start was better than I expected. We did the first 4 climbs that compose the Sella Ronda and then back into Corvara. I felt good, and took it easy on the wet descent of the Pordoi. I counted four ambulances and 1 helicopter on the descent. There were quite a few crashes and some of them looked severe. If you miss a turn you either hit rocks or literally fall off the mountain. I passed the Fausto Coppi memorial and did the next climb. I did not stop at the rest stops and felt really good completing the Sella Ronda. The second time up the Passo Campoglongo I could hear lot of riders family and friends yelling 'forca, forca'. One lady was really screaming, 'Franco, pedali forca, forca della faccio l'amore!'. Which I think means pedal with more force, like the force you use when you make love. It was really funny and I am sure Franco had a good Maratona.

Anyway a little later up the pass things really slowed down and I tried to get around on the right, but once I got closer I could see a rider with the last name of Lelli. I looked over and it was Massimiliano Lelli and Mario Cipollini. Max looked like he was having a good time, but Cipo was not talking to anyone. I road behind and really enjoyed the moment and managed to get off some pics. I slowly pulled away and looked back and thought I will never see him again.

Cipo and Lelli just before Matt put the hammer down and left them in his dust...

I got to the next rest stop and quickly realized you have to elbow your way in to get some drink and food. The rest stops are probably the most competative part of the ride.
I got out of there and started the descent into Arraba. Next was a 2k climb and rest stop before the Passo Giau which has 29 turns I think.

Around turn 12 I saw Cipo again. How he got in front of me without passing me I am not sure. He had his helmet and jersey off and was really going slow on the mountain. I rode behind him for 2-3 turns but I really needed to get going. Around turn 15 there was a mountain spring with some cold water. This was about a 20 minute stop but well worth it. On my way up the Giau there were numerous riders that had stopped and were looking exhausted. I finally made it to the top without stopping and took over 30 minutes to relax and enjoy the view.

After the descent we started the final climb the Falzarego. Towards the top the fans from Holland were really loud and had some alpine music that you can hear on the video on this climb.
After the Falzarego, I descended into La Villa and then the finish in Coravara and got 10 euro for finishing and turning in my number and GPS with no infractions. I was really tired but the ride was really exciting and very well organized. The staff at the hotel were outstanding and very professional and polite. I almost missed my plane in Venice due to a protest at the airport but we all got on at the last minute. I was so tired I slept most of the way. Overall, a beautiful experience, very well organized, delicious food and 7 intense mountains. 

Here are Matt's official results:  http://services.datasport.com/2010/velo/maradolo/ALFAY.HTM