Orlando and Portaluri fastest at the Sportful Dolomiti Gran Fondo

Thousands of cyclists complete one of the hardest Gran Fondos in the world  tackling legendary climbs in the Italian Dolomites

Photo: Winner Giuseppe Orlando (ASD Cycling Explorers) celebrates on the finish line in Feltre.

The Gran Fondo Sportful Dolomiti is one of the hardest sportives in Italy. The long route is 204 km miles with over 4,900m feet of climbing is a true test for any cyclist with four grand tour climbs (Cima Campo, Passo Manghen, Passo Rolle and Passo Croce d'Aune). In fact the event's tag line is "Only for real cyclists". There is a shorter 120 km Medio Fondo which still packs in 2,800m feet of climbing.

Ex-pro Manuel Senni, who won the race two years in a row, was back to defend his title. This year's race was again dominated by the Italians.

Giuseppe Orlando (ASD Cycling Explorers) was the fastest in a time of 6:06:43 with Patrick Facchini (Team Sildon Garda) in second 3m 6s behind and Riccardo Michieletto (ASD Zerotest) in third place 6s behind Facchini.

Manuel Senni finished in 7th place, 9 minutes behind winner Giuseppe Orlando.

In the women's Granfondo, Giulia Portaluri (TEAM DE ROSA SANTINI) was fastest in a time of  7:14:43 ahead of Sonia Passuti (Team Staweld Buzzolan) 52s behind in second place and Maria Elena Palmisano (ASD Garda Scott Mategia) was second 2m 38s behind in third place. Over 80 women and 1500 men completed the Granfondo, some out on the course for over 12 brutal hours.

In the Medio Fondo, Danilo Celano (Team Go Fast) was fastest in a time of 3:39:44 head of Marco Rinaldi 1m 13 behind in second and Filippo Bianchi (Asd Oop! Sport & Fitness) in third place 1m 15s behind in third place.

In the womens Medio Fondo, Carlotta Uber (Garda Scott Matergia) was fastest in a time of 4:03:23 ahead of Giulia Medri (Vis-Promotech) in second place 4m 27s behind and Luisa Isonni in third place 5m 47s behind.

Over 150 women and 1300 men completed the Medio Fondo, with some out on course for well over 8 hours.

Link to 2024 Sportful Dolomiti Race Results: https://www.datasport.com/live/ranking/?racenr=261090