“The toughest and most spectacular mountain bike marathon in the world” - this is how the HERO Südtirol Dolomites is announced every year
Image gallery: HERO Südtirol Dolomites
Every year in mid-June, mountain bikers meet in the Val Gardena to crown their "Hero". Since 2025, this legendary challenge has gone global: The world's most spectacular mountain bike marathon lends its name to the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup. It comprises six races: Alongside the HERO Südtirol Dolomites in Selva Gardena, these take place in Calpe-Benissa in Spain, Capoliveri in Italy, Andorra, Kirchzarten in Germany, and Girona on the Spanish Costa Brava.
For 15 years now, mountain bikers have been starting in Selva Gardena at 1,563 metres above sea level. There are three categories: The Classic distance (60 km and 3,200 metres of elevation gain) leads to the Dantercepies and Pralongià high plateaus and over the Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi and Passo Sella in the Dolomites. The Marathon distance (86 km and 4,500 metres of elevation gain) includes the Val di Fassa and the Passo Duron alongside Dantercepies and Pralongià.
Then there is the intermediate distance (71 km and 4,100 metres of elevation gain) featuring the Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi and Passo Duron. Only mountain bikes are permitted, and helmets are mandatory throughout the competition - the use of e-bikes, tandems, or any other aids is not allowed. The HERO Bike Festival, featuring the HERO Kids Party, the Pasta Party, and the HERO Kids race for children aged 4 to 12, rounds off the event.
On the day after the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, it is the turn of the e-bikes. At the HEROE Gourmet, the focus is on relaxation: The route leads in several short stages to some of the most beautiful mountain huts on the Alpe di Siusi, where convivial aperitifs and various delicacies await you.
