Maratona dles Dolimites - 2nd July

Graham K rode this annual event which attracts thousands of riders, celebrities and TV coverage.
This was the third time I have ridden this event which takes place amongst glorious mountain scenery that provides superb walking as well as riding. There are three routes and I was planning to do the longest; 88 miles over five passes, Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo (again), Giau and Valparolo.
The forecast was not good; close to freezing for the 6:30 am start with the possibility of rain and cold temperatures at the summits. I set off wearing most of the kit I had brought with me including gilet, wind-proof jacket, head-band and long-fingered gloves. It did not go as well as I had hoped. I felt breathless from the start and had to go even slower than my usual plodding way up the climbs. This put me under pressure from the cut-off time for the long route. Although I was climbing poorly, over the years my descending has improved a bit and I made it with 15 minutes to spare.
That gave me the privilege of tackling the Passo Giau; 10km at an average of 9.3%. I managed this in one hit - but very slowly. The time pressure was still there but I thought I had a chance of making the finish cut-off time if I pressed on. The final Valparolo climb is long but not too steep however I was making heavy weather of it. I attributed this to general malaise but, in retrospect, I think I was not eating enough - very silly! I had to make frequent stops after one of which I toppled over whilst re-mounting acquiring bruised ribs to take my mind off the tired legs.
The final descent towards the finish took me past my hotel with just 6 km to go. 6 km can seem a long way when you are tired and I'm afraid the temptation was too much. I diverted straight to the hotel bar. 
I was a bit disappointed with my day but, now I'm back home and regretting the absence of all that glorious scenery, I feel drawn to having another go! In any case, the rest of the week spent walking in the mountains (and enjoying the odd beer) made it all worthwhile.