CORTINA D’AMPEZZO -- The historical town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites will once again host the renowned motor race ‘The Dolomites Gold Cup’ from July 21-24, which will include a recently established nocturnal stage as well as the usual breath-taking backdrop and dream-worthy cars.

 Alfa Romeo will be the Presenting Sponsor for the historical event and Giulia Quadrifoglio the forerunner of the race. The competition promises four days of sheer adrenaline and the possibility to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Southern Dolomites.

 Following the technical check on July 21, the actual race is set to begin on the morning of July 22 when crowds will gather to witness the contestants battle against each other on the winding mountain roads.

 Race cars built between 1919 and 1961 will be participating in the competition, with an extra special category reserved for those from the period of 1962 – 1965, considered to be of a particular historical interest and renowned for their impressive sporting capacities.

 “The Dolomites Gold Cup is becoming more and more of an international event. It will involve teams from 12 countries and this will include a journey into Austria, through the town Lienz, for the first time. It should be considered as the Heritage event for excellence through a wonderful blend of tourism and sport,” said spokesman for the cup, Alessandro Casali.

 The drivers’ abilities will be put to test by the carefully thought out course of over 500km, crossing from Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Austria. The first step of the drivers’ journey drivers will start from the charming town of Dobbiaco at the foot of the three peaks, and will then pass through San Candido, then onto Austria with the crossing of the Sillian, followed by the next step which leads to the popular tourist town of Lienz, where they can stop for a hard-earned lunch.

 After last year’s success, this summer’s Gold Cup will also include a nocturnal stage, where the contestants will start again from Cortina and cross the Passo Valparola. Support teams will then be waiting for them for dinner at Corvara in Badia, a town famous for hosting important sporting celebrations such as the ‘Giro d’Italia’ and the Skiing World Cup. The second stage of the race will see the drivers pass through the striking Passo Giau, and from there they will head on to Longarone and Belluno.

 Drivers to keep an eye out for include Giordano Mozzi, who won two years ago at Cortina and is keen to prove again his ability to roar along the roads of the Dolomites, as well as Arturo Merzario, also eager to repeat the success he had at last year’s Gold Cup, and finally Nino Margiotta who is seen as another top contender.

 Volvo will be also be present at the start of the race, which will see the debut of the stunning Volvo Amazon 121 from 1958, driven by the Margiotta-Perno crew.  The race will also boast the presence of the Volvo Amazon 122 from 1961 which will be driven by the Fabbri-Bertieri team, as well as the Volvo P1800 Jensen also from 1961, driven by Zanasi and Betini.

 For more information about the competition, visit www.coppadorodelledolomiti.it

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