In an official press release, Marcialonga has announced a change of route, with the finish line in Cavalese in the opposite direction, a shorter and steeper ‘Cascata’ and the addition of the new ‘Mur de la Stria.’
Marcialonga never settles! This time, Marcialonga gets higher for real, and the 50th edition, taking place on Sunday, January 29, 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”, following the Ski Classics’ champions, 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. ‘Cascata’ represents 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. Everything 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, with 148 meters of difference in height and an 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 an 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, and now, going straight to finish the fascinating and mythical 70km.
“Mur de la Stria” is going to be a trending topic!
Petter Soleng Skinstad, 55th place in 2022, is already enthusiastic: “I look forward to the new finale of Marcialonga, which I believe is a great way to move this historical event into the future of long-distance skiing. The new finale is a perfect mix of traditional and modern skiing!” and gives some tips too: “I think the new finale will be perfect for the athletes with good uphill stamina, but who also has a really good uphill sprint. So look out for the “puncheurs” of Ski Classics, who can make short, hard sprints in the uphills!”
Those who are not competing need to read this, and for those at the starting line, those 583 meters represent the final essence. Five hundred eighty-three meters of passion, with people cheering along the track, with several cameras witnessing the movement and tired faces, those of Marcialonga’s skiers, having in the DNA one fundamental nucleotide: finish!
The Organizing Committee announced this innovation at the COOP headquarters in Oslo (Norway), honoring the country that, during the past 49 editions, reached 36.665 participants, the 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 is back to significant numbers.
Up to now, 6.687 registrations for the 2023 edition, for a maximum of 7.500. Six months left to January 29 and the 50th edition with many initiatives and opportunities to catch.
Marcialonga really never settles! You can find more information at www.marcialonga.it
