lapinarello cycling marathon 2011
The wait has been long enough (2 years in fact) in order to live the emotions of the renewed lapinarello cycling marathon. In 2010, on the night before the event, a dangerous thunderstorm destroyed our hard efforts and the emotion of more than 3000 cyclists that lay their trust in our decision and want for a new refreshed event.
Tough on Sunday 17th July, 2011, you can finally challenge the goat and test your strength on the Monte Grappa climb.
The route is the same as last years, but inevitably new for everyone! The race shall depart from Treviso heading north towards Volpago, shortly arriving at Montello and Presa X.
From here, riders descend towards Crocetta del Montello, Cornuda and Maser where they will attempt to defy Forcella Mostaccin, an important and challenging climb loved by local cyclists.
Then to the highlight of lapinarello, the climb up Monte Grappa, departing from the direction of Fietta, best known as the Salto della Capra (Jump of the Goat).
This route is approximately 24 km in distance, starting from nearby Possagno (270 m a.s.l.) and finishing at the peak of Grappa (Cima Grappa -- 1740 m a.s.l.) , where the Ossario Militare (Military Monument) is located.
Half way up Grappa's climb, the road steepens, with 3 km exceeding an average gradient of 20%, coupled by a panorama which will leave you breathless. The climb is one which needs to be tackled with prudence and intelligence, in order to avoid being left 'hung out to dry' in the final kilometres towards the Ossario.
The ride then continues, bordering the Provinces of Vicenza and Belluno, descending the Northern side of Grappa into Feltre.
From here riders head south towards Treviso passing Valdobbiadene and taking on the climb of Combai , tamed by pro-riders during the Giro d'Italia in 2009 and famous for traversing the mountainous vineyards where Prosecco is produced.
Before coming to a close in the heart of the Trevigiana city, riders arrive at Montello once again, but this time from an easier entry point.