Sandra Mairhofer was in a class of her own. © Harald Wisthaler

There is victory: Sandra Mairhofer breaks the HERO spell

After her fourth place in 2021, third place in 2023, and second place in 2024, Sandra Mairhofer from Taisten won the HERO Südtirol Dolomites on Saturday. German Andreas Seewald won the men's race.

June 14, 2025

From: pm

In the newly redesigned UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in the marathon category, the HERO Dolomites Südtirol represents the turning point of the five races in the 2025 season. None of the riders participating in the race series could hide behind. For those hoping for a top spot in the overall ranking of the 2025 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup, the Dolomites were an extremely important stage for scoring points.

The elite women's riders were the first to cut the finish line in Selva, having battled their way through the 60-kilometer course with 3.200 meters of elevation gain. The women's race saw a thrilling back-and-forth, with American Chelsea Bolton attempting to break ahead and the response from Polish outsider Paula Gorycka Kurmann of the Strüby Sting Team. South Tyrolean Sandra Mairhofer of the Soudal Leecougan team confirmed the "prediction" suggested by the results of her recent HERO races: After fourth place in 2021, third place the following year, and the silver medal in the previous edition, she had only one goal this year: to win the HERO—which she did.

Mairhofer on cloud 7

After letting her opponents run wild and controlling her usual rivals (Dutch rider Rosa van Doorn, who struggled with the altitude, and Namibian Vera Looser, who fell behind after a course error and finished fifth) from a distance, the Soudal Leecougan International athlete remained in the lead until the finish in Selva. She won the race with a time of 3:58:51 – and was as happy as an athlete can be afterward, having realized her dream.

The women's podium: Mara Fumagalli, Sandra Mairhofer, and Paula Gorycka Kurmann. © HARALD WISTHALER

"I'm incredibly happy and can't even describe it in words. It was a truly tough day: After the attack on the Lupo Bianco, I was afraid that Gorycka Kurmann would catch me," commented Sandra Mairhofer. "But I still had strength in my legs, and especially on the downhill, I think I was able to show what I'm capable of. I'm really very happy!"

The 33-year-old from Taisten beat her rival Mara Fumagalli, who finished second (and took 1:36,2 seconds longer) after gaining ground on the rivals on the climb to the Sella Pass. Third place went to the surprise rider from Poland, Paula Gorycka Kurmann. After leading the race on the Pordoi Pass and already dreaming of victory, she ultimately had to admit defeat to the extra power of Mairhofer and Fumagalli. She crossed the finish line 3:29,1 seconds later.

Seewald beats Paez

In the men's race, German Andreas Seewald, rider of the Singer KTM Racing Team and – just last weekend – winner of the European Championships in the marathon distance, was unbeatable. The 34-year-old has already won the HERO twice in the past (2021 and 2024) and is well-versed in the challenges of this toughest mountain bike race in the world. After a rather cautious start and reaching the Gardena Pass in fifth place, the German was able to catch up with his competitors and enter Arabba at the front. Only veteran Leo Paez managed to keep pace.

The top three men's teams: Leandro Paez, Andreas Seewald, and Andrea Siffredi. © HARALD WISTHALER

But when it came to the climb to the Pordoi Pass, where Paez also had to contend with a crash and a technical problem, Seewald was definitely left behind. After that, Seewald virtually flew solo to victory. It wasn't easy for him, however, not least due to the sudden rise in temperature in the Eastern Alps that weekend, which put the German to the test. After 86 kilometers and 4.500 meters of elevation gain, Seewald needed 4:29:20 hours to reach the finish in Selva. He waved the German flag at the finish line and celebrated his extraordinary third HERO victory with great joy.

"I'm very satisfied, but I have to admit it wasn't easy. At one point in the race, I was close to giving up because I was sure Paez would catch me. But then I gritted my teeth and overcame the crisis," said the winner. "But I also have to say that I'm in really great shape right now. Winning the European Championships has given me a lot of momentum!"

The race once again offered spectacular images.

Right behind the European champion was Colombian Leo Paez, equally satisfied with his race, which he almost won at one point. With the tenacity that has always characterized the 43-year-old mountain biker, Paez made it onto the podium. Third place went to 26-year-old Andrea Siffredi, who crossed the finish line 5:20 minutes behind the winner. With this finish, the mountain biker from Pontedassio in Liguria proves that he represents a real hope for the Italian marathon scene. Belgian Wout Alleman, who started the race wearing the 2025 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup leader's jersey, finished the race in sixth place.

The leaders in the World Cup

The results also influence the overall standings of the 2025 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup. After three races, Dutchwoman Rosa Van Doorn (8th in the HERO) of Team Buff Megamo leads the women's standings with 610 points, followed by Mairhofer with 590 points. Seewald currently leads the men's overall standings with 580 points, followed by Belgian Wout Alleman with 540 points.