HERO Südtirol Dolomites
The most spectacular mountain bike marathon in the Dolomites, a stage of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup
About HERO Dolomites
A legend of the Dolomites on two wheels
The HERO Südtirol Dolomites is one of the most famous and feared mountain bike marathons in the world. Every year in mid-June, the village of Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in Gröden), in the province of Bolzano, becomes the start and finish line for an epic challenge winding through some of the most celebrated landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites: the Sella Pass, the Sassolungo group, the Alpe di Siusi, and the trails of Val Gardena.
Three routes, one legend
The race offers three tracks, all characterized by relentless elevation gains and climbs that test even the best professionals on the international circuit:
- Long course — 86 km with approximately 4,500 meters of positive elevation gain, reserved for the most highly trained riders;
- Medium course — 71 km with approximately 4,100 meters of elevation gain;
- Classic course — 60 km with approximately 3,200 meters of elevation gain.
The tracks cross technical single trails, alpine dirt roads, and high-altitude passages that offer breathtaking views of the Dolomite spires, making the HERO as grueling as it is evocative.
A World Cup stage
Since 2025, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites has lent its name to the entire HERO UCI Marathon World Cup circuit, the premier world championship for mountain bike marathons. The race is an official World Cup stage, featuring the strongest international specialists in the discipline, joined by thousands of amateurs ready to test themselves on the same courses as the champions.
More than just a race: the bike festival
The main race is surrounded by a true bike festival, with side events for the whole family. The HERO Kids is a non-competitive ride dedicated to children aged 4 to 12, while the HEROE Gourmet is an e-mtb tour exploring the flavors of the Alpe di Siusi, organized in collaboration with the Selva di Val Gardena tourist board and Alpe di Siusi Marketing. The event is also recognized for its environmental commitment through the HERO TO ZERO project, which was awarded the UCI Climate Action Award.
An unmissable event in the heart of South Tyrol
The HERO Südtirol Dolomites is now a symbol of the South Tyrolean sporting summer and a perfect opportunity to discover Val Gardena, with its Ladin traditions, South Tyrolean hospitality, and Dolomite landscapes that are unique in the world.
HERO Dolomites — edition 2026
2026 Edition — The Sixteenth
The sixteenth edition of the HERO Südtirol Dolomites took place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with the start and finish in Selva di Val Gardena. The race served as the fourth seasonal round of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup, attracting approximately 2,100 participants from dozens of nations. The professional race began at 7:10 AM.
In the men's 86 km race, Spaniard David Valero Serrano triumphed, while in the women's 60 km race, Italian Claudia Peretti took the win. As is tradition, the race traversed the most spectacular trails of the Dolomites between the Sella Pass and the Sassolungo.
Programme HERO Dolomites 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — The Race
- 7:10 AM — Professional start from Selva di Val Gardena
- Long course 86 km (approx. 4,500 m elevation gain)
- Medium course 71 km (approx. 4,100 m elevation gain)
- Classic course 60 km (approx. 3,200 m elevation gain)
2026 Winners
- Men (86 km): David Valero Serrano (Klimatiza Orbea Team) — 4h30'11"; 2nd Diego Rosa; 3rd Tim Smeenge
- Women (60 km): Claudia Peretti (Olympia Factory Team) — 3h53'48"; 2nd Rosa Van Doorn; 3rd Paula Gorycka Kurmann
Side Events
- Friday, June 12 — HERO Kids, non-competitive ride for children
- Sunday, June 14 — HEROE Gourmet, food and wine e-mtb tour on the Alpe di Siusi
Highlights HERO Dolomites 2026
Prices HERO Dolomites 2026
Practical information — HERO Dolomites
Getting there
Selva di Val Gardena can be reached by car via the A22 Brenner motorway, taking the Chiusa/Val Gardena exit and following the SS242 along the valley. The nearest train stations are Chiusa (Klausen) or Bressanone, which are connected to Selva by local bus lines. The most convenient airports are Bolzano, Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice.
Registration
Registration for the race is done online via the official website herodolomites.com. Places are limited and rates vary based on the booking period (early bird rates are more affordable). The HERO Kids event has a fee of 25 euros with spots limited to 500 children; the HEROE Gourmet is reserved for 200 participants.
Tips
As this is a high-altitude race with significant elevation changes, good physical preparation, proper equipment, and layered clothing to handle mountain temperature fluctuations are essential. We recommend booking your accommodation in Val Gardena well in advance.
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Where does it take place — HERO Dolomites
Selva di Val Gardena