Cycling the Dolomites incl Passo Pordoi & Passo Sella | Maratona Recce

[@derx6666]

Love it Phil. Will be watching it again a few times before riding the Maratona in 2025, after missing out in 2022. Looks like most of the group that went in 2022 is trying to get back in for next year. I booked via a tour operator with a guaranteed Maratona entry, so no lottery for me. Just hope for better weather than you had 😬Also wish I had your weight and similar power as I have now, would make it quite a bit easier 😄Hope I can get away with 2.5wkg on the climbs, and maybe dipping to 3wkg on the really steep parts.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Marco 🙏 - so pleased to hear this has got you fired up for the Maratona ‘25 ! It’s a massive event - so so many cyclists. I have one more video to edit and release and then will edit the Maratona . Bits of the Sella are moderately steep, but not for long . The Giau is a long and tough climb (10km @ 9%) so you need to save energy for that. There is a very short climb just before the finish that is very steep - Ol Mur del Gat (15%) - that needs some VO2 punch. You’ll see on the video

[@derx6666]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Thanks Phil, looking forward to the video 👍 I know all about the Giau and the Mur del Gat 😬Just hope I can keep building on my current form, maybe lose a few extra kg's in the process and I'll probably be fine. I just like to be as prepared as I can. Recently found a neat webbased training platform called biketerra. It lets you upload a GPX of the route you want to ride, and it will generate a road to ride on with the appropriate gradients and trainer control. So I'll be training on the Maratona route for sure this winter, so I know what to expect.

[@agnesrosalinde]

I loved the cat and also watching you all without a helmet.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Ha ha - we miss the cat !🐈 more to come in the next video

[@Larry-h6q]

So beautiful! ❤

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Agreed Larry - beauty on another level 🤩🇮🇹

[@kevstephen9393]

Stunning scenery 👌

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Absolutely Kev - views on views 🤩💯

[@carloschiesaro3265]

Spectacular views Phil. Heartwarming ride for sure. I know the weather wasn’t good at the Maratona this year but I’m glad you arrived early and enjoy the spectacle of the Alps!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Carlo 🙏 - as you will see when I complete the edit, the weather was not at all pleasant for the event itself 🥵 - but was indeed incredible to get a few beautiful days in the Dolomites (on balance I still prefer Bormio … but it’s like comparing a Porsche and Ferrari ! )

[@fastbreakm7788]

Truly inspirational shot from you! 😀 I guess apple pie was so delicious 😋

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Volha 🙏 - that’s very generous of you to say so ! The strudel was sensational 💯

[@agnesrosalinde]

Ook soo beautiful over there, Phillip.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Lovely to hear from you Agnes ! Yes - it’s exceptionally beautiful in the Dolomites 🤩 How are you doing ?

[@foundfoundfound1]

the 6 minute plank & all that (sounds like 6 minute abs from "something about mary"). if someone can hold a plank for 2-3 minutes then some variation (added difficulty or instability) is usually prescribed: eg. 3 contact point planks, swiss ball roll out, ab wheel, paloff press (obliques), or hollow holds. as with the plank the objective is to avoid extension of the lumbar spine.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks FFF 🙏 - good tips, and I will include some for the reasons you say. The plank is also about getting the body into a movement pattern where the arms are used to being in a more aero position (parallel to the ground). But it’s also become a bit of a how long can I go endeavour !