One last time? Dolomiti Superbike faces an uncertain future

When the starting signal for the 12th edition of the Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike is given in Niederdorf on July 30th, it could in all likelihood be the last dance of the cycling classic – at least under the current leadership.

June 25, 2025

From: fop

The long-standing organizing committee led by Kurt Ploner will step down after the anniversary edition of the mountain bike marathon. "After 30 wonderful years, it's time for us to slow down," explains Ploner, who has headed the Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike as organizing committee chairman since its inaugural edition in 1995.

Ploner explains: "We've been looking for successors to follow in our footsteps for some time now. So far, this search hasn't been successful. This could potentially be the last edition of the Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike and thus the last chance for passionate mountain bikers to become legends on one of our three tracks."

“We experienced wonderful moments” OC boss Kurt Ploner

Over the past three decades, Ploner and his loyal team have overcome numerous obstacles and turned the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superbike into one of the most legendary mountain bike marathons in the world. Thousands of mountain bikers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Niederdorf every year to take part in this spectacle. At peak times, more than 3 enthusiastic bikers were at the start in the Three Peaks Dolomites region.

Kurt Ploner holds the reins for the last time as head of the organizing committee. © PM Sportissimus

"We experienced wonderful moments for which I, as well as our entire team, are infinitely grateful. Thanks to the dedicated work of so many hands, the Dolomiti Superbike has become a fixture for many cyclists. We experienced exciting races, met great athletes, made new friends, but also overcame obstacles that often demanded a lot from all of us," Ploner reflects. "With that in mind, I would also like to thank my entire team once again for their ambition, hard work, and all the sacrifices they made."

Preparations are in full swing

In the hope of perhaps finding a successor to lead the organization and handing over the legacy of the Südtirol Dolomiti Superbike to a successor, preparations for the 30th edition of the legendary MTB marathon are currently in full swing. On Saturday, July 12, anyone interested can compete on one of the three offered routes.

The longest and toughest route measures a whopping 123 kilometers and has an elevation gain of 3400 meters. The middle distance is 85 kilometers long and has 2360 meters of elevation gain. The shortest and classic distance, on the other hand, is 60 kilometers and 1570 meters of elevation gain. "All three distances have their own unique characteristics. What they have in common, however, is the breathtaking panorama and the experience of unforgettable moments on the saddle of a mountain bike," Ploner aptly summarizes.