Hero Südtirol Dolomites

More than 3,000 professionals and amateurs, representing over 40 nations, are ready to put themselves to the test on the legendary trails that wind through the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Saturday 13 June, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites returns. The 16th edition of the world’s toughest marathon is also the third round of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-Country Marathon World Cup. The circuit kicks off in February in Costa Blanca Calpe, Spain, then moves to the Island of Elba in May with the Capoliveri Legend Cup, and then to the foothills of the Pyrenees in Andorra. Next, it stops off in the majestic Dolomites, in Val Gardena, before crossing the border and arriving in Germany in July with the Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon. The grand finale takes place in September in Spain with La Tramun Sea Otter Europe.

The HERO Südtirol Dolomites unfolds mostly along dirt roads and mountain trails, crossing Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, Val di Fassa, and Alpe di Siusi, with the challenging climbs of the Gardena, Pordoi, Sella, and Duron passes. The heroes' appointment is set for 07:10 in the centre of Selva Val Gardena, where bikers from all over the world will line up in the starting grids (07:10 UCI women, 07:20 UCI men). Three routes are available:

• Marathon, 86 km (off road 69.9%, single trail 16.8%, on asphalt roads 13.3%) and 4,500 metres of altitude difference. Selva di Val Gardena, Gardena Pass/Dantercepies, Corvara, Pralongià, Arabba, Pordoi Pass (expected passage between 10:05 and 15:30), Pian de Frataces (expected passage between 10:10 and 15:15), Canazei (expected passage between 10:20 and 16:40), Campitello, Val Duron, Duron Pass (expected passage between 11:05 and 18:10), Selva di Val Gardena
• Medium, 71 km (off road 70.9%, single trail 16.8%, on asphalt roads 12.3%) and 4,100 metres of altitude difference. Selva di Val Gardena, Gardena Pass/Dantercepies, Corvara, Pralongià, Arabba, Pordoi Pass (expected passage between 09:25 and 15:00), Pian de Frataces (expected passage between 09:35 and 15:15), Canazei (expected passage between 09:45 and 16:40), Campitello, Val Duron, Duron Pass (expected passage between 10:30 and 18:10), Selva di Val Gardena
• Classic, 60 km (off road 55.5%, single trail 35.7%, on asphalt roads 8.8%) and 3,200 metres of altitude difference. Selva di Val Gardena, Gardena Pass/Dantercepies, Corvara, Pralongià, Arabba, Pordoi Pass (expected passage between 09:45 and 15:00), Pian de Frataces (expected passage between 09:50 and 15:45), Sella Pass (expected passage between 10:25 and 17:30), Selva di Val Gardena

The event is organised in line with the sustainability principles promoted by the United Nations (SDGs), with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. As per tradition, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites will be accompanied by four days of the HERO Bike Festival, running from 11 to 14 June - a spectacular mix of shows, music, and entertainment, with activities designed for younger participants as well. Also confirmed is the HERO E-Gourmet Tour, scheduled for Sunday 14 June - a day in the saddle of an e-bike, exploring the Dolomites and their rich culinary traditions.