#5MaratonasChallenge Day 3 - 1990-91 - A Beautiful Ride

It always takes a few days for me to feel at home in the mountains. Yesterday, I saw the dark side; the unpredictable and untamed alter-ego. Today, thankfully, things were different.

After a few days, I begin to descend better; climb better; and even gain small learnings that make the ride that much easier: things like when to put on a rain cape, and even when to eat and drink on the climbs.

Day 3 of the #5MaratonasChallenge was clearly my day of coming to an understanding with the mountains.

With 175 kilometres to ride, and 5,800 metres of climbing to complete, the 1990-1991 Maratona course was going to be another long day in the saddle.



Valparola and new ground

The day began with the same ascent of the Valparola pass as yesterday; before a long descent to Cortina, and a new loop up and over the Passo Tre Croci - an incredible little series of switchbacks.







Passo Giau

From the top of the Passo Tre Croci, it was a long fast descent back to Cortina.

Then, starting the Passo Giau from its very base, it was the first Haute Categorie climb of the day.




Giau to Fedaia - Take 2

From the top of the Giau, I descended fast to Capril; before ascending the Fedaia in far more pleasant conditions than yesterday.

The climb was just as unrelenting though, with the last 6 kilometres a constant 10-15% gradient.

I was pleased to reach the summit, and pleased to descend in the dry; for coffee and ice cream in Canazei.






Final passes

Fuelled by caffeine and ice cream, and a welcomed tailwind, the Pordio pass and Campolongo were all that was left to ride.

I was grateful to finish earlier, drier, and less exhausted than the day before.





Ride Summary





Kit Select: Assos campionissimo

Today's kit was the top of the range campionissimo bib shorts, jersey and gilet from Assos of Switzerland.

With the change in weather providing a huge increase in luxury alone, this kit just took things one step further. Without doubt it contributed to an easier day in the saddle.

Full review coming soon.

View the Assos campionissimo range at Wiggle






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