Giro delle Dolomiti: 40th edition with some highlights

The Giro delle Dolomiti in South Tyrol has been very popular with racing cyclists for years. The stage trip takes six days in midsummer through the mountain world of the Dolomites. The event is not a race, but has more of an RTF character. On each stage, however, the times are stopped with transponders on a climb and daily winners and an overall ranking are determined. If you want, you can compete with other participants in this way. The majority of the individual stages start and end in Bolzano. One stage of each tour starts at a more distant place, usually Prad am Stilfserjoch.

In 2016 the Giro delle Dolomiti celebrates its 40th edition. Reason enough for Velomotion to talk to Carlo Bosin, the president of the organizing club SV Dolomiten Radrundfahrt.

Velomotion: Signore Bosin, the Giro delle Dolomiti will take place in July 2016 for the 40th time. How is the anniversary celebrated?

Carlo Bosin: We will publish a book that commemorates the 40 most beautiful stages that have been ridden in these 40 years. The stages are presented with photos, maps, elevation profiles, all important figures and, of course, detailed descriptions. All participants of the 40th edition will receive an issue as a souvenir. There is also an additional stage in 2016: on Wednesday, when the peloton usually takes a rest day, we ride a short but tough additional stage from Bozen to Obereggen. There we determine the "special price of the 40th edition" on the rise. The best-placed woman and man of this mountain time trial participating in the full tour will be awarded this special prize. And the award ceremony on the last day of the tour will also be a special anniversary celebration.

What are the scenic highlights this year?

Each stage has its own highlights. On the 1st stage we pass the famous Rittner earth pyramids. The second stage leads over the Grödnerjoch and the Würzjoch into the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites. Sciliar, Sassolungo, Sella Group, Peitlerkofel and Geisler Group are just a few of the impressive rock formations that we will pass on this day. On stage three we enjoy panoramic views of the Adige Valley on the ascent to the Mendel Pass and on the descent from the Gampenjoch. During the ascent to Obereggen on day four, the peaks of the Latemar mountain range watch over the riders. Stage five leads over the 2 serpentines of the Stelvio Pass, which probably needs no further explanation. In the 48th stage we ride from the foot of the Catinaccio to the Fassa Valley and then turn to the secluded Valle San Nicolò, an insider tip. On the final stage, the road to Kohlern opens up an impressive view of the Bolzano basin and the Adige Valley.

Who invented the Giro delle Dolomiti back then?

The Giro delle Dolomiti was born from a group of friends, all passionate racing cyclists. Within three editions, the tour has already grown to 500 to 600 participants. And the great interest continues to this day.

What accounts for the success of the event?

On the one hand, definitely the good organization. On the other hand, it is above all the magic of the natural beauty and breathtaking landscape through which the Giro delle Dolomiti leads year after year.

Has the concept of the event changed since it was first held?

Yes, up to the 21st edition it was a purely tourist tour without lists of results. Starting with the 22nd edition, a competition component was added. Since then, the time for an ascent has been timed for each stage, the times of the timed routes during the tour have been added up and a ranking created. Today there are many age groups and categories as well as ratings for individual starters and teams. Nevertheless, it is not a race, but a successful mixture of the original bike tour and a certain competition component.

What are the plans for the coming years? What will the Giro delle Dolomiti look like in 2020?

Roads for the Giro delle Dolomiti are currently being completely or partially closed to motorized traffic. It may be that increasing requirements and official regulations will make this process more difficult in the future. We'll see. In terms of concept, we're seeing sections of the field getting fitter. It could be attractive for them to offer the Giro even more as a competition. For the sixth stage this year, we will try to time two mountains instead of just one.

Signore Bosin, thank you very much for the interview and all the best for the Giro delle Dolomiti.