The Virtual Musette: A Road Cycling Blog

Good stuff. The Trilogy trailer certainly left me wanting for more.

Now, if you are not familiar with the three events mentioned in the clip, the Quebrantahuesos, La Marmotte, and the Maratona dles Dolomites, you might be slightly confused. These are all cyclosportives, and in the case of the Maratona, a gran fondo. As mentioned in my previous post, “An Italian Legend,” these rides are immensely popular, well-supported, and very challenging amateur one-day races. 

To give you and idea of just how difficult these races can be, here are the profiles from each:

Quebrantahuesos / Spanish and French Pyrenees / 205 kilometers (123 miles)

Major climbs: Somport, Portalet, Hoz de Jaca, and Marie Blanque / Elevation gain: 3,500 meters (11,483 ft.)

La Marmotte / French Alps / 174 kilometers (104 miles)

Major climbs: Col du Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, Alpe d’Huez / Elevation gain: 5,000 meters (16,404 ft.)

Maratona dles Dolomites / Italian Dolomites / 138 kilometers (82 miles)

Major climbs: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego / Elevation gain: 4190 meters (13,743 ft.)

It is obvious most cyclists are going to need any help they can get to prepare for these monster rides.  Enter Cyclefilm, the producer of The Trilogy, who has created a three part DVD series which provides full route previews, also known as Recce Films (pronounced “recky”, short for reconnaissance).  In addition to featuring the key climbs and descents, there is also information on the all important feed stations, and some discs will include interviews with previous event participants. Each DVD will also contain an installment of the “‘Sportive Survival Guide,” which will cover climbing and descending techniques, tips on group riding, bike set-up, clothing suggestions, and nutritional guidance.

For years, I’ve wanted to travel to Italy and participate in the Maratona, but with three young children (ages 4, 9, and 12), that dream will have to wait awhile. For the time being, I’ll have to live vicariously through such things as Cyclefilm’s The Trilogy. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive review in the coming weeks.