I’ve got a ballot entry to the Maratona dles dolomites and just looking into the logistics of it.
If you done this event before, where did you fly to, did you take your own bike and if so how did you transfer from the airport to event village with your bike etc…?
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I haven’t done the event but have vacationed and ridden in the area. We flew into Venice, took a train to Bolzano and spent the night (long trip) then hired a car to get up to the mountain villages. Bus options are pretty limited up there. Not the easiest trip, but very worth it, it’s one of the most beautiful areas on earth in my opinion.
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Me too! Though I don’t know if I will do it. I really want to do the marmotte granfondo des Alpes again. Last year they were separated by only 1 week originally but the marmotte has been moved forward for 2025. Anyway like last year, I’ll chuck my bike in the car and just drive.
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I’m beginning to think it’s going to be too much hassle getting there. It’s a holiday and I don’t really fancy hours upon hours travelling on planes, trains and automobiles. Shame really as it looks amazing scenery.
Visiting that area as a holiday was 1000% worth it. I would go back in a heartbeat. Not sure how bringing a bike and doing the race will change logistics, but getting to Bolzano is really not that bad, and from there it’s like an hour car ride up to the mountains.
Like going to the IRL Zwift shindig in Mallorca Spain. I’d love to go, but the quickest flight involves a near 9 hour layover before the last flight. One other itinerary had a 40-some minute layover after a transatlantic jaunt, which is so far too short for such a long flight. Things could change for the OP though. Friends got married (nearly 8 years ago) in Punta Cana DR, and we couldn’t get an itinerary that was less than a horrific 12-hour layover filled mess. Then, just this year Delta offered a direct flight out of the local hub. We jumped on it right away. From 12 to 20 hours to something like 5? Weird, but so much better than the earlier options (and we avoided ATL!).
Keep your eyes open, things might change in time to pull it off (not sure when that event happens)
Like the Zwift event, packing my bike because they aren’t guaranteeing bike availability there (Um, WHY NOT??!!?? There are rides on this trip), and going through at least 2 airlines, and some itineraries having massive layovers, yeah, I WANT my bike to disappear, get mangled.
It is 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Venice. It is 2 to 2.5 hours drive from Innsbruck. The latter is the quickest approach. Train Innsbruck to Brunick gets you 38km away. From where you could get a taxi.
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Or… (and you know you were thinking it!)… ride it 
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I did the event last year with a tour company (UK) and everything was super smooth, efficient and well-planned, plus fun as you are in a knowledgeable group, though you do pay for it vs. DIY. Expensive but memorable 4 days. Half-board, transfers, mechanic etc all available.
Stayed in La Villa a couple of km from start-finish. As far as I could tell practically every hotel, B+B etc is blocked in some kind of oligopoly so getting accom on your own is really tough (or v far out).
You could try some kind of hybrid where you sort out some items yourself but then use a tour co for just the coach transfers perhaps if they allow it.
It’s so good though, just do it. I never had a successful ballot in 3 attempts, the tour companies can sort out entry too.
I have done it previously and was lucky enough to secure a ticket for next year too. It’s an absolutely incredible region and the Sella Ronda has to be the most spectacular loop the world - insane and simply jaw-dropping … but to set expectations lower and allow for upside, it’s kinda rubbish and everyone hates it 
Getting to Corvara or similar is a pain. Train close, drive or transfer all the way. But once you’re there, there’s nothing else on this earth that’s close 
I had a hotel overlooking the start / finish a few years back. Completely random as we were there for walking, via Ferrata and climbing.
Oh and I likely would but I would only be coming from UK and not a long trip (from US).
You can also fly to Verona and drive from there, a bit further but some airlines don’t fly to Venice/ Innsbruck or flight times don’t suit.
Passo Gardena
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I’m going in 2025. Will fly into Venice with my bike, hire a car and drive for ~3 hours to La Villa where my hotel is. Booked the hotel a couple of months ago as they tend to sell out very quickly. I don’t think that’s too much hassle really?
Love the Maratona and the area, it is well worth making the effort if you can.
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When you put it like that it’s not too much hassle, but I’m a big wuss and don’t like driving abroad 
I would be happy to take over your entry if you decide not to go. Sadly I was not lucky for second year in a row.
For topic author, fly to Venice or even Milan and rent a car. For accomodation I would recommend you send inquiry go Alta Badia tourist office. Much cheaper than booking or airbnb, did it twice. Try to stay in La Vila or Corvara.
I just bought my ticket and really really want to go but I also want to do the Marmotte again but if I can’t I will contact you
Looks ghastly
Stunning pic
If you live close to Gatwick, there are now a few direct flights to Bolzano. You can then hire a car, its about a 1h45min, very beautiful drive.
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