The bike season has officially begun!

If two wheels are your passion, get ready to experience a summer as a protagonist. The bike season has officially started, and from Hotel Cristallo in Canazei, in the heart of Val di Fassa, you have direct access to a calendar of events that transform the Dolomites into a great stage for amateurs and professional cyclists.

Discover all the competitions and the days to mark on your calendar!

25 May: Marcialonga Cycling Craft

The Dolomite cycling season opens on Sunday 25 May with the Marcialonga Cycling Craft, one of the most eagerly awaited road races of the year.

About 1500 athletes from all over the world will be at the start, ready to put themselves to the test along two routes, mediofondo (80 km) and granfondo (135 km), which cross spectacular scenery between Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, with iconic climbs such as Costalunga, Pampeago, San Pellegrino and Valles.

Predazzo is the nerve centre of the event, with start, finish and an exhibition village animating the weekend. The route winds its way through scenic curves and challenging inclines, with gradients that test even the most experienced. An experience that mixes the fatigue of the climb with the enchantment of the Dolomites.

Saturday is dedicated to the youngest, protagonists of the MiniCycling, an obstacle race designed to introduce children to cycling in a festive atmosphere.

7 June and 13 September: Sellaronda Bike Day

Two days a year when the Dolomites are only open to cyclists: no cars, only silence, breathtaking climbs and panoramas. The Sellaronda Bike Day transforms the Sella massif into an exclusive circuit for those who love to cycle, with possible departure also from Canazei, just a few minutes from the ring.

You climb the four iconic passes of the Dolomite epic - Sella, Pordoi, Gardena and Campolongo - along a 53 km route with 1650 metres of altitude difference. It is not a race, but a party: open to everyone, without registration or chronometer, with over 20,000 participants each edition.

The event, now in its 19th edition, is an opportunity to rediscover the mountains at a slow pace, in freedom, riding any bike - racing, e-bike, mountain bike, even tandem or vintage. Helmet compulsory, desire to have fun essential.

14 June: HERO Südtirol Dolomites

In mid-June, the Dolomites turn into the beating heart of international mountain biking. The highlight is on Saturday 14th, with the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, one of the toughest and most spectacular off-road marathons in the world. More than 3,000 bikers from over 40 countries will compete on three routes (60, 71 and 86 km) through Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Livinallongo and Val di Fassa, climbing passes such as Gardena, Pordoi, Sella and Duron. Canazei is one of the key points of the route, easily reachable from the hotel.

The HERO is also a stage of the UCI Marathon World Cup and focuses on sustainability, with an organisation geared towards carbon neutrality.

But it is not just a race: from 12th to 15th June, the HERO Bike Festival lights up Selva di Val Gardena with events, music and activities for everyone, including children and families.

Hotel tip: if you love the atmosphere of big sporting events, experience the HERO from up close: spectacular stretches of the route pass only a few minutes away.

27-29 June: WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series

At the end of June, Canazei becomes the world heart of enduro. From 27th to 29th come the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the off-road World Cup. After the 2024 World Cup, the Val di Fassa is back as protagonist with the 9th stage of the international circuit, which gathers the world elite on the trails of the Fassa Bike District: Ciampac, Belvedere, Col Rodella.

The best riders challenge each other on 5 special stages, 40 km and almost 3000 metres of negative altitude difference, among mythical tracks such as Titans, Infinity and TuttiFrutti. Every detail of the routes remains secret until the very last, increasing the pathos of the competition. The heart of the event is the Ciasates village, next to the Canazei-Pecol cable car, just a few minutes from the Hotel Cristallo.

6 July: Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel

Seven passes in one day, 138 km of pure challenge: this is the Maratona dles Dolomites, one of the most famous granfondo races in Europe. On 6 July, 8,000 cyclists from all over the world set off from La Villa and tackle the legendary Pordoi, Sella, Campolongo, Falzarego, Gardena, Valparola and Giau. An event that is much more than a race: it is a celebration of cycling, a declaration of love for the Dolomites.

Canazei is not the starting point, but it is perfect for experiencing the event as a spectator: the Sella Pass and the Pordoi Pass are very close by and ideal for cheering on the racers or enjoying the passage in silence, between mountains closed to traffic.

Curiosity: the 2025 theme is ‘Lüm - Light’, symbol of energy and awareness.

11–13 July: D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica

713 km, 22 Alpine passes and almost 20,000 metres of altitude difference: the D+ Ultracycling Dolomitica is one of the world's most extreme trials on two wheels. It starts on 11 July from Vittorio Veneto, pedalling day and night, non-stop, through Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with the goal of arriving within 60 and a half hours.

The Val di Fassa is also the protagonist: the cyclists pass by Lake Carezza, cross Vigo, Soraga and Moena, tackle the Fedaia Pass, climb up to Canazei and then to the Sella Pass, the beating heart of the Dolomites.

A challenge of pure endurance, valid for the Ultracycling Italia CUP and as qualification for the Race Across America. Alongside the queen race, two shorter distances are also run: the 380, Ultrafondo (376 km) and the 180, GFI (181 km time trial).

22 July: Tour of the Dolomites

On 22 July, the Giro delle Dolomiti, a historic road event now in its 48th edition, returns. The second stage is all about the legendary Sellaronda, starting from Ponte Gardena and a spectacular ring that touches on Ortisei, Selva, the Sella Pass, Pordoi, Gardena and finally Arabba, Corvara and Colfosco, before returning.

Despite the cycling spirit, the fatigue is real: 107 km and 3,100 metres of altitude difference, with a time trial from Arabba to the Pordoi Pass to break your breath (8 km, 540 m D+). The roads remain open, but the pace is dictated by the peloton. Canazei, as always, is a strategic crossing point - perfect for a break, a cheer and a fill of energy.

And after a day on the pedals, there is only one right way to recover: wellness area, sauna, indoor pool and a defaticante massage at the Hotel Cristallo. The climb ends here.

3 September: RAD RACE Tour de Friends Italia

Friends Italia, a team cycling race that, from 1 to 6 September, brings amateur cyclists from all corners of the world to pedal through the magnificent Dolomites. The second stage will see the participants tackle 108 km and an ascent of 3,020 metres, from San Martino di Castrozza to Canazei.

Canazei will also be the starting point of the third stage, which will head towards San Vito di Cadore, passing through the famous Sella Pass, Corvara and Cortina d'Ampezzo. A unique opportunity to experience the excitement of the race together with 250 international cyclists, combining sport, challenge and fun.

The Val di Fassa is ready to welcome you with a bike season that combines sport, nature and passion. The events that characterise it are a unique opportunity to experience the Dolomites on two wheels, and the Hotel Cristallo is the ideal starting point for every cyclist. Just a few steps from the most exciting events, you will find a warm welcome and services designed for cycling enthusiasts, such as the bike deposit and the wellness centre to regenerate you after each ride.