Posts in Italy
Riding the Transalp

The BIKE Transalp is one of the original mountain bike stage races -- 7 days of riding across the Alps from Austria, through Switzerland and finishing in Italy. Each day consists of around 60 miles of riding and 10,000 feet of climbing (the Chequamegon Fat Tire is 40 miles with “just” 2,000 feet of climbing). Don’t worry though, I wasn’t actually crazy enough to attempt all 7 days.
Photo: TVB Tiroler Oberland Nauders © Klaus Listl

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Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga Trip

The Marcialonga ski marathon in Italy is one of the most popular events on the annual Worldloppet calendar. The classic-only event attracts thousands of skiers every winter and registration fills within minutes. What makes this event so popular? The trail winds its way through South Tyrol’s Fassa and Fiemme valleys in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, skiing through the snowy streets where villagers cheer on racers. Each town has its own special atmosphere, whether that’s a local band playing traditional tunes or kids lining up to practice their English. Don’t be surprised if they yell “die, die, die!” -- that’s Italian for “go, go, go!”

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The Val di Fiemme in Italy

The Val di Fiemme valley in Italy. This place is legendary for Nordic skiers. It’s home to the Marcialonga Worldloppet Marathon, has hosted multiple Nordic World Championships and will be the Nordic venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Many may recognize the Alpe Cermis alpine ski area as the Tour de Ski climb where Jessie Diggins just became the first American to win the Tour de Ski.

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Marcialonga Story

Walking to the start, the smell of pine fills the air like a tree farm during harvest season. But the only pine around the Lago di Tesero stadium is the fresh pine tar heated into skis for kick and glide at the start of the Marcialonga Story, a vintage ski race in the Italian Alps.

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