Marcialonga

Marcialonga never settles! This time, Marcialonga gets higher for real and the 50th edition, taking place on Sunday 29th January 2023, announces a change of direction.

The starting line in Moena is untouchable: the cross-country skiers are heading towards Canazei and at the turning point under the stunning Dolomites, back again to Moena. Here, historically, they used to turn to Val di Fiemme. For those not trained enough, the Light finish line is in Predazzo. However, true “bisonti”, head down to Molina where they deal with the first new-in: an extension throughout the village, then back to Cavalese to face ‘Cascata’ ascent. And here is what’s new:

New finish at Marcialonga 2023

‘Cascata’ has representing both love and hate for everyone. 2.260 meters long, 146 meters difference in height and consequent average slope of 6.5%. Tales and stories of fights, escapes, debacles… anything happened here. Hairpin turns for the double poling champions, fighting with all their power, pushing harder and harder between cheers from people. Everything changes now! The ascent shortens to 1678 meters, 148 meters difference in height and average slope of 8.80%.

At the hairpin turn where Rio Gambis flows, skiers change direction and go straight forward to deal with the “Mur de la Stria” (The Witch’s wall), 583 meters with “just” 58 meters difference in height, with average slope of 9.90 %, reaching even 20 %! Here, in Summer, cars might feel the engine mumble. Then, skiers get to Viale Mendini, where once was the finish line. Here, 140 meters to go, once descending and letting the muscles rest. Now, going straight on to finish the fascinating and mythical 70 km.

Skiers already thrilled for Marcialonga 2023

“Mur de la Stria” is going to be a trend-topic! Petter Solberg Skinstad, 55th place in 2022 and Worldloppet Ambassador, is already enthusiast: “I look forward to the new finale of Marcialonga 2023, which I believe is a great way to move this historical event into the future of cross country skiing. The new finale is a perfect mix of traditional and modern skiing!” and gives some tip too: “I think the new finale will be perfect for the athletes with a good uphill stamina, but who also has a really good uphill sprint. So look out for the «puncheurs» of Ski Classics, who can do short, hard sprints in the uphills!”

Those not competing need to read this and for those at the starting line, clearly, those 583 meters represent the final essence. 583 meters of passion, with people cheering along the track, with severe cameras witnessing movements and tired faces, those of Marcialonga’s skiers, having in the DNA one fundamental nucleotide: finish!

The C.O. announced this innovation at the headquarters of COOP, in Oslo (Norway), honouring the country which during the past 49 editions reached 36.665 participants, first foreign country after Italy, this getting to 156.455.

Speaking of participation, since the pandemic seems calmer these days, people are beginning to be back to life as before (not forgetting the economic problem due to the war in Ukraine) and Marcialonga 2023 is back to its great numbers. Up to now, 6.687 registrations for the 2023 edition, for a maximum of 7.500. 6 months left to 29th January and the 50th edition with a lot of initiatives and opportunities to catch.