Alex “golden suede” from Saslong. Bilora is top in the trenches in the snow

«This race is the most important of the season for me.» A declaration that speaks for itself that of Alex Oberbacher, winner of the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon for the third time. Feminine success of Martina Bilora from Lecco that to first appearance at the half marathon of the Sassolungo he’s not wrong. Big party in Monte Pana, where 1200 legs started (maximum number allowed) at a time of the 21 km race of the event organized by the ASV Gherdëina Runners.

After crowning the winner of the Giro d’Italia, Tadej Pogačar, Monte Pana celebrates the winner of the Dolomites Saslong: who started with the odds, also considering the heavy absence of the 2023 winner Daniele Felicetti due to a muscle tear, Alex Oberbacher led the race from the first kilometres, separating the group of rivals in the first important climb of the day. Once he imposed his pace, there was little the competition could do and at the arrival of Monte Pana The “golden suede” Oberbacher celebrated his third victory at the “Saslong” with his arms in the air after successes in 2018 and 2022. «My race went well, I’m sorry about Daniele Felicetti’s absence because I recognize that he is very strong and I wanted my revenge. I’m happy with my performance, winning at home is always a great emotion, with people who know me and my family who come to cheer.”

The great Oberbacher festival in Val Gardena is enriched by the 2nd and 3rd place of the ASV Gherdëina Runners teammates Luca Clara and Georg Piazza. For Clara it is the first podium at her home race, which leaves the young runner satisfied to say the least: «I’m really happy with this result, I did my best to maintain my pace and do the race at my own pace. I hope to confirm myself at these high levels in the future and improve further” adds the class of 2004 upon arrival, while expert Piazza echoes this: «Before the start I wasn’t feeling extremely well, I started the race at my own pace without trying to keep the leaders at all costs. I set up a comeback race, increasing the pace at altitude and then on the descent I recovered until I finished third. Now that I have some experience…I might as well use it!”

In the women’s challenge it was clear that a “Martina” would win, with Bilora getting the better of her colleague and friend Cumerlato. «I’m really happy. The race started well, but in the toughest uphill sections I admit that I had some doubts and in fact the opponents fell behind again, I myself am quite insecure and I don’t like being in front. I understood that I would be able to make it in the last few kilometres… The track is incredible” declares the winner Bilorawith the second place Cumerlato That adds: «I have no complaints about this race, I gave my all. Victory was the goal, but I’m still happy with my performance, I knew well that Martina (Bilora) was in shape and that this race suited her… and to think that I was the one who invited her to participate!» Anna Santini from Fiemme completes the podiumat the first appearance at the Dolomites Saslong: “What a show! I knew the route a little because I frequent it with my family and friends for my hikes, but it is truly beautiful. I always try to give everything uphill because downhill isn’t my strong point, I’m satisfied” adds the athlete from Cavalese upon arrival.

Enthusiasm in the organizing committee of the ASV Gherdëina Runners led by Manuela Perathoner, who brings home yet another successful edition thanks to a staff: «tested and organised. Our work team is well-established, we divide the tasks among ourselves and carry them out with care and attention. My thanks to all the collaborators and especially to the athletes!» adds the president Perathoner. It should be underlined that several sections were run on snow shoveled by volunteers with authentic “trenches” which characterized the race.

For runners, an appointment in the Dolomites between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa in 2025, with the seventh edition of the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday 14 June.

men’s ranking

1) Oberbacher Alex Asv Gherdeina Runners 01:37:50; 2) Clara Luca Asv Gherdeina Runners 01:41:40; 3) Piazza Georg Asv Gherdeina Runners 01:44:55; 4) Danesin Daniele Missulteam Como Asd 01:46:03; 5) Ramoser Patrick Laufverein Asv Freienfeld 01:46:12; 6) Rasom Mauro US Dolomitica Asd 01:46:25; 7) Zorzi Nicolo’ Us Cornacci Tesero Asd 01:47:17; 8) Griesser Martin Laufverein Asv Freienfeld 01:47:36; 9) Hiller Arnold Sportclub Merano 01:52:10; 10) Stecher Frowin Run Card 01:53:17

Women’s ranking

1) Bilora Martina GS Orecchiella Garfagnana 01:58:55; 2) Cumerlato Martina Asv Gherdeina Runners 02:01:33; 3) Santini Anna USD Cermis 02:04:19; 4) Engl Katia Ssv Bruneck-Amateursportverein 02:13:16; 5) De Santis Claudia Run Card 02:15:17; 6) Rabensteiner Marialuise SG Eisacktal Raiffeisen Asv 02:19:04; 7) Pighini Sylvie Run Card 02:20:43; 8) Rusu Maria Nicoleta 02:21:09; 9) Beck Anja 02:21:54; 10) Mitterrutzner Natalie Run Card 02:22:58