Press release 11th December 2021

GOLDEN PARADE AT MARCIALONGA
GRÖNHOLM, KING OF RALLIES WILL BE THERE

Two and four-wheels champions on the track… but on the groomed trails from Moena to Cavalese on 30th January
Marcialonga, a myth for champions and ski-lovers since always
Vylegzhanin, Sundby, Bjørgen from cross-country to long distances
True protagonists are amateurs, the “bisonti” from all over the world

When thinking about a champion usually skidding, it is hard to imagine him with his foots on skis. This happens at Marcialonga, the classic-technique ski-marathon back on 30th January with its perfectly designed groomed trails from Moena to Cavalese, going up to Canazei.
Older motor-lovers would probably remember Marcus Grönholm, a true champion of rallies with two World titles, 30 victories and many podiums. He won the “Rally of the Thousand Lakes” for seven times in Finland, where 500.000 people gather to enjoy the show. The Finnish Grönholm signed up for the upcoming Marcialonga and will have fun on his skis, but without skidding. 
Bikers also love Marcialonga. Marco Melandri was on the track two years ago, he was 250-World champion in 2002 and multi-winner in Superbike. Another important presence is the Swedish Martin Söderström, an authentic tightrope walker with his MTB. 
Marcialonga is a true golden parade of champions coming from every sport. Olav Koss was there in 2009, he is considered as one of the greatest ice-skater ever with 4 Olympic gold medals and 3 World championships. In addition, the Olympic champion of canoeing Eirik Veraas Larsen took part in 2006 for his third time. In 2019, together with ‘Zorro’ Zorzi, Antonio Rossi, Paolo Bettini and Juri Chechi were there.
Marcialonga saw many great champions along its tracks, often hard to catch since they willingly signed up as amateurs. Among them, there were great champions of cross-country skiing from the past days.
In 2022, Marcialonga is valid for the circuit Visma Ski Classics, as it has been happening since the challenge was born. Among the pro-team, there are golden names from the cross-country skiing world.  For example, Maxim Vylegzhanin, World champion and with a silver Olympic medal, Martin Johnsrud Sundby, 2 Olympic golds and 4 World championships, Marit Bjørgen, 8 Olympic golds and 18 World championships. Above all, past winners seeking for new success are coming back, as Emil Persson, Petter Eliassen, Stanislav Rezac, Lina Korsgren, Britta Norgren Johansson, Anders Aukland, Tord Asle Gjerdalen.
Is it all? Absolutely, not! The president Angelo Corradini highlights that Marcialonga is mainly dedicated to amateurs. It has been snowing a lot in Fiemme and Fassa valleys, they are white covered, yet a great amount of snow is required, that is why 36 snow-cannons are working right now. 
Everyone is looking forward to January, with the many events next to the queen of the ski-marathon. Cross-country skiing for the youngest with Marcialonga Baby, Mini and Young, charity with Marcialonga Stars and some good old style with Marcialonga Story.
Amateurs are already waxing their skis; champions do not need to since double poling requires arms pushing from Moena to Cavalese. Preparations for the track are in full swing, a large part will be ready for Christmas time to… catch the right road to Marcialonga.

Info: www.marcialonga.it