Alex the ‘golden chamois’ of the Saslong and Bilora in the trenches

Alex Oberbacher wins and achieves a hat-trick at the Dolomites Saslong HM

The Val Gardena 'chamois' fill the podium with Clara and Piazza

Martina Bilora from Lecco dominates the women's race

Great work by the organizers of the Gherdëina Runners to clear the snow at high altitude

'This race is the most important of the season for me,' a statement that speaks for itself from Alex Oberbacher, winner of the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon for the third time. Among the women, Martina Bilora from Lecco won, making no mistakes in her first appearance at the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon. A big celebration took place at Monte Pana, from where 1200 legs (the maximum allowed) set off for the 21 km race 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: starting as the favorite, especially considering the significant absence of the 2023 winner Daniele Felicetti due to a muscle tear, Alex Oberbacher led the race from the first kilometers, distancing the group of rivals on the first significant climb of the day. Once he set his pace, there was little the competition could do, and upon arrival at Monte Pana, the 'golden chamois' Oberbacher celebrated his third victory at the 'Saslong' with arms raised, following his wins in 2018 and 2022. 'My race went well, I'm sorry for the absence of Daniele Felicetti because I know he is very strong and I wanted my revenge. I am happy with my performance; winning at home is always a great emotion, with people who know me and my family cheering for me.'

Oberbacher's big Val Gardena celebration was enriched by the 2nd and 3rd places of his ASV Gherdëina Runners teammates Luca Clara and Georg Piazza. For Clara, it was the first podium at the home race, leaving the young runner more than satisfied: 'I am really happy with this result; I did my best to maintain my pace and run the race at my own rhythm. I hope to confirm myself at these high levels in the future and improve even more,' added the 2004-born runner at the finish, while the experienced Piazza echoed: 'Before the start, I didn't feel extremely well, I started the race at my own pace without trying to keep up with the leaders at all costs. I set up a comeback race, increasing my pace in the high-altitude sections, and then in the descent, I recovered to finish third. Now that I have some experience... it’s worth using it!'

In the women's race, it was anticipated that a 'Martina' would win, with Bilora prevailing over her colleague and friend Cumerlato. 'I am really happy. The race started well, but in the tougher uphill sections, I admit I had some doubts, and indeed, my opponents caught up, I am naturally quite insecure and do not like to be in the lead. I realized I would make it in the very last kilometers... The course is incredible,' said the winner Bilora, with the second-placed Cumerlato adding: 'I have no regrets about this race; I gave my best. The goal was to win, but I am still happy with my performance, I knew well that Martina (Bilora) was in shape and that this race suited her... and to think that it was I who invited her to participate!' The podium was completed by Anna Santini from Fiemme in her first appearance at the Dolomites Saslong: 'What a spectacle! I knew the course a bit because I frequent it with my family and friends for my hikes, but it is truly beautiful. I always try to give my all in the ascent because the descent is not my forte, I am satisfied,' added the athlete from Cavalese at the finish.

Enthusiasm in the organizing committee of ASV Gherdëina Runners led by Manuela Perathoner, who brings home another successful edition thanks to a 'tested and organized team. Our work team is experienced; we divide tasks and carry them out with care and attention. My thanks go to all the collaborators and especially to the athletes!' added President Perathoner. It is worth noting that several sections were run on snow cleared by volunteers with real 'trenches' characterizing the race.

For runners, the appointment is set for the Dolomites between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa in 2025! The 7th edition of the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025..."