Dolomiti Superbike: Course, Elevation & Route Profile

Course & Elevation

The loop starts and finishes in Niederdorf and crosses the Dolomites on changing road and forest-road sections. Two defining climbs arrive early, first from around kilometre 1.2 for about 3.2 kilometres, then from roughly kilometre 4.7 for just under 2.9 kilometres. Together they demand disciplined use of strength from the opening part.

The middle spreads the workload across shorter rollers and links before the decisive climb begins at kilometre 36.9. At almost 6.8 kilometres it is the longest major ascent and comes after substantial climbing has already accumulated. The loop has almost no net elevation change; the roughly 1,530 metres of climbing represent real work.

The official download page describes the course as a 60-km Dolomiti Superbike route with 1,570 metres of ascent. This is MTB in a high-mountain setting: changing weather, cool shaded sections and variable surfaces belong in the plan alongside the scenery.

Pacing Strategy

Keep the first two climbs deliberately below the red line. They arrive close to the start and make it easy to be carried away by a group; steady pressure on long ramps is more valuable than repeated surges. Use the easier links to eat and settle the legs for the second half.

The race is decided on the long climb from kilometre 36.9. Divide it into manageable sections and keep the cadence stable on changing surfaces. The main trap is treating descents as complete recovery: technical focus and braking still cost energy even when the gradient is negative. Changing weather and temperature should also influence your drink and clothing choices.

Training plan for Dolomiti Superbike: 12-week build

Plan for a roughly three- to five-hour MTB effort for the Short, depending on riding skill and conditions. The profile is mainly aerobic endurance, interrupted by steeper ramps and accelerations. Alongside steady kilometres, include controlled surges without turning every climb into an all-out effort.

Make long climbing blocks the centre of preparation, especially when they come after a tiring first half. Build rides with two early climbs and a longer closing block. Practise eating while climbing and holding an even effort; that protects you from fading on the ascent from kilometre 36.9.

Give descents and variable surfaces dedicated practice. Ride technical sections fresh at first, then repeat them after a climbing workout so vision, braking control and line choice remain reliable under fatigue. Support this with easy endurance days and enough recovery.

Prepare flexibly for the Dolomites: practise clothing and nutrition for warm exposed sections as well as cool shaded areas and weather changes. Test the complete setup on forest roads rather than introducing new tyres, pressures or clothing on race day.