Nearly 3,000 racers from 27 nations and 82 Italian provinces are expected to compete at the Dolomiti Superbike on July 12. Among them will be South Tyrolean Mike Felderer, who won the Black Forest Ultra Marathon over 116km just 10 days ago. He'll be joined by two-time Giro d'Italia winner Gilberto Simoni, from Palu di Giovo. Italy's marathon champion, Mirko Celestino, is perhaps one of the favorites for the win in the men's race, and Elena Giacomuzzi is expected to return to defend her title in the women's race.
Ekkehard Dörschlag belongs to a group of long-time racers who have competited in various editions of the Dolomiti Superbike over the years. He was the winner of the very first competition and will return to the race this weekend.
"During the last months I've concentrated on long distances and during the past winter, I set a new world record in Tour Skiing at 18,288m above sea level over a period of 24 hours. Last weekend I attempted 'The Race across the Alps', an innovative 530km haul at 13,700m lashed with storms, rain and snow which I don't anticipate at the Superbike!"
"To celebrate this year's 15th anniversary, we've included a new stretch which leads straight up the Helm," said president of the organizing committee, Kurt Ploner. "In other words, competitors doing the long-distance course will have an additional elevation gain of 400m on about 2km of the course, while enjoying the Sexten Dolomites and a beautiful view of Hochpustertal."
Competitors will choose from two distances. The longer option will gain 3,658 metres (11,998 ft.) in 115.5 km (71.8 miles); and the short course will gain 1,785 metres (5,855 ft.) in 60.5 km (37.6 miles).
The race will be the only event in Italy where the GT Golden Race Series stops. The overall amateur winner of the long distance contest will get to take the golden GT bike home.
