The Trilogy begins…Set in the heart of the truly stunning Italian Dolomite mountain range, the Maratona may be a relatively short 138km in distance but it’s a course that’s steeped from start to finish in pure Giro d’Italia history. It wasn’t long before this event became the most prestigious on the Italian Gran Fondo calendar, but don’t be fooled by the spectacular scenery. With 4,200 meters of climbing, covering 7 mountain passes (including the Passo Campolongo, Pordoi, Selle and strength sapping Giau) you’ll certainly be forgiven for thinking this is an easy ride. In ‘The Trilogy – Volume 1’ Britain’s top European Cyclosportive rider, Michael Cotty discovers just how inspiring and demanding the Dolomites can be as he covers the route in full.