Maratona 2012 entry lists posted....

bigpikle

http://services.datasport.com/2012/velo/maradolo/

I was hugely lucky and got a place, so will be doing my 1st time next year 8)

Anyone else lucky enough to make it through the lottery or bought a package place?

3Pears

Bigpikle, congratulations and you wont be disappointed

We have a 13 strong group going, hard work has already begun :shock:

bigpikle

Likewise - I've heard nothing but high praise for the event so am really looking forward to it. I rode in Gran Canaria and completed the Raid Pyrenean last year and have been hooked on getting out into the mountains ever since. Likewise the training is under way and I'm really glad to have another concrete goal to focus me for the next 7 months

The logistics feel a little daunting though - how are you organising your trip?

Rich.H

I am in too. First time for me and i cant wait

Rich

3Pears

Bigpikle, Group are split, 3 of us are driving and staying the week (Oh and taking most of the bikes), 4 flying (birmingham to Venice) and staying 5nights and the remaining 6 driving and staying 4 nights

Bonus being we are hoping to take in the Tour de France stage or two in Northern France on return drive :P

alanp23

Me! Me!

I booked in through Holomites and am doing it solo. Arriving Thursday, leaving Monday.

I havent quite worked out the logistics but I am hoping to do the same as 3Pears as well and watching the start of Stage 2.

Really really excited about it....

alanp23

...or Stage 3. What ever is Tuesday...

bigpikle

I do like the idea of catching a TdF stage on the way back... ummm, thats got me thinking, but it means a car share really rather than flying :idea:

Rich.H

I am after a little advice as a first timer......

I currently have options on hotels in La Villa but was wondering whether to try and find something in Corvara?

Is their a clear benefit to taking one option over another?

My wife will be with me (not taking part) and will be looking to meet me at the finish but I assume its not too difficult for her to make her way Corvara in time to see me finish? Obviously, staying in La Villa means the start is easy to access.

Or is it better to do it the other way round and find a hotel at the finish?

Cheers

Rich

wjcrombie

Rich.H wrote:

I am after a little advice as a first timer......

I currently have options on hotels in La Villa but was wondering whether to try and find something in Corvara?

Is their a clear benefit to taking one option over another?

Rich

Stay in La Villa. The start is at about 7am so will be a very early start of the day and the road between La Villa and Corvara is closed all day anyway. Means you can role out the door and start and roll down the hill to your accommodation after you have finished and if your wife wants to support you she can stand on the road as it loops back through La Villa at the end.

3Pears

Rich H

+1 for La Villa, 0630hr start if she is keen to watch, although it would be hard not to engage with the buzz in La Villa leading up to the start gun

If she then wanders up to Corvara she can watch you complete the 1st loop, then there will be plenty going on near the finish to entertain (food, drink and music) her whilst waiting for you to finish

Rich.H

Thanks both for your replies - La Villa it is then

3Pears - thats exactly the sort of plan I had in mind. I am not sure that "keen" describes my wifes outlook at 6.30am on any given day but as a veteran of an Etape and last years La Marmotte, she knows what to expect

It does end up costing me though as we do end up staying somewhere nice :roll:

Cheers

Rich