The Dolomiti Superbike attracts numerous cycling stars.

Like in the World Cup: Top line-up at Dolomiti Superbike

When the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superbike takes place for the 13th time this Saturday, July 29th, the organizers can look forward to one of the best starting fields in the 30-year history of the local classic in the elite races.

July 10, 2024

From: pm/det

Numerous world and European champions, as well as World Cup winners, do not want to miss out on one of the most demanding and scenic marathons. In total, almost 2200 bikers will be taking part in Niederdorf.

It has been known for some time that record winner Leonardo Paez will be at the start. The Colombian has already won the Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike five times (2006, 2016, 2021, 2022 and 2023) and now wants to make it half a dozen. The South American, who lives in Italy, also proved that he is in good shape in the World Cup, as he won the second stage of the current season in Haute-Savoie (France).

Rabensteiner is South Tyrol's great hope

But Paez is facing extremely strong competition in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites region. Local hero Fabian Rabensteiner, who came second last year and was crowned Italian marathon champion a month ago, is competing. His credentials also include a European championship title, as well as a silver and bronze medal at the continental championships. The Villanderer has also already shown his worth in the World Cup, winning the opening race in Nove Mesto and also being crowned overall winner last season.

Fabian Rabensteiner in action. © alice russolo

The German Andreas Seewald, the 2021 marathon world champion and 2022 vice world champion, is taking part. Rabensteiner's teammate Samuele Porro has achieved two third places in the World Cup this year and the Austrian Daniel Geismayr has won World Championship silver (2018) and World Championship bronze (2017). The "Azzurro" Lorenzo Samparisi is also in the running from the top 5 of the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superbike 2023 (4th).

Winner 2023 vs. Winner 2022

The field of top female cyclists is at least as strong. It is led by Adelheid Morath. Last year's winner was also crowned European champion in 2023 and won the bronze medal at the World Championships. The Germans' toughest opponent is likely to be the Italian Claudia Peretti, who won the marathon classic in the Dolomites in 2022 and is also the reigning Italian marathon champion.

Who will take the win?

But two local heroes could also have a say in the battle for the top spots. Firstly, there is the cross-triathlete Sandra Mairhofer, who has been crowned world champion several times (including in winter triathlon). Last year, the Taistner woman finished fifth, and in 2022 she finished the 85 km distance in fourth place. Secondly, the top runner Agnes Tschurtschenthaler from Sexten could cause a small sensation again. As a reminder: 12 months ago, the 42-year-old finished second, beating out some top cyclists.

Three routes with different lengths and levels of difficulty

"We are of course overjoyed to be able to welcome such a strong field of participants. The Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike 2024 could easily pass as a World Cup stage. It shows that the top athletes like our race - the route, the organization and also our family atmosphere, which has characterized us for almost 30 years," says OK boss Kurt Ploner.

This Saturday, after the first starting shots at 7.25 a.m., it is not just the elite bikers who are in the spotlight. The heart and soul of the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superbikes are the thousands of amateur cyclists who will be taking on one of the three routes with great commitment. The most demanding is the 123 kilometers - not only because of the length, but also because of the 3400 meters of altitude that must be pedaled down in the saddle of the bike. The middle distance is 85 kilometers long and has 2360 meters of altitude. A short distance of "only" 60 kilometers and 1570 meters of altitude is also on the program.