Platelet researchers complete Italian bike race to raise funds for The Platelet Society

On the 1st of July 2018 four brave members of the platelet community travelled to Corvara in the Dolomite mountains in north eastern Italy to take place in one of the world’s toughest mass participation events in the cycling calendar; the Maratona does Dolomites. Over a distance of 138 km 12,000 competitors traverse 7 mountain passes including the picturesque Sella Ronda as well as the infamous Passo De Giau. Prof Khalid in particular had unfinished business here having had mechanical issues in a previous attempt!

The day started at 0430 with breakfast and a bike check (and lots of coffee!) before cycling the (additional!) 5 km to the start. Early arrival was essential to get a good place in the starting pen. At 0630, after a quick mass over the loudspeaker system (this is Italy after all), the starting gun fired.

The ride was uneventful for our competitors with some very speedy descents (90 kph top speed!) and some very slow climbs (a 10 km ascent at an average gradient of 10% took 70 minutes in the 30 degree heat). They had a wonderful day out with times posted between 6 and 9 hours. The huge portion of pasta divvied out at the end was most welcome.

Everyone slept very well that night!

Pictures from the event can be found at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmpYZwpP and don’t forget you can still donate to support the Platelet Society using My Donate