The most beautiful mountains in the world, the Dolomites, declared a world heritage site, have provided an incomparable backdrop to the great exploits of cyclists, ever since Gino Bartali inaugurated the Giro d'Italia on the Rolle in 1937. Great feats but also splendid rivalries, incredible backstage and fiery duels, with no holds barred, between alliances and reprisals that make cycling not only a sport but also a metaphor for life.

Fausto Coppi irresistible to everyone on the Falzarego and Pordoi, Magni risking his life on the downhill to defeat those two giants. The Swiss Koblet on a couple of occasions stronger than our champions, on the Gardena and the Sella. But also Gaul's victory in the freezing cold of Bondone, in a stage that had to be cancelled and that concealed major irregularities. Merckx's feat at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the greatest of his inimitable career. Moser damaged by the organisers on the S. Pellegrino, his splendid quarrels with Saronni, those twelve seconds that Baronchelli missed forever, Battaglin's record. Roche's betrayal of Visentini at Sappada. Bugno too generous on Pordoi, Pantani's spectacular ascent on Fedaia and the sensational truth about the events in Campiglio. Right up to the applause for Nibali in the snow on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

All this while also recalling the history, art and culture of those splendid villages and mountains. And to close, Michil Costa tells us all the secrets of the Maratona delle Dolomiti, a paradise for those who deeply love cycling.