In the heart of the breathtaking Dolomites, it's all or nothing. © Freddy Planinscheck

Everything is ready for the infamous HERO

There are only four days left until the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, the fourth race of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup 2026, which will take place on Saturday, June 13th, in Wolkenstein in Gröden.

June 10, 2026

From: sn

Anticipation is growing for a top-class race, as the best international mountain bikers are expected, led by the current UCI World Cup leaders, Spaniard David Valero Serrano and Swiss rider Anna Weinbeer. The competition will be broadcast worldwide via livestream, once again confirming the central role of the Dolomite race in the international mountain bike calendar.

Wolkenstein in Gröden is preparing to welcome one of the most eagerly awaited highlights of the international mountain bike season: the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, which will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, and will be the fourth stage of the HERO UCI Cross Country Marathon World Cup.

The HERO event takes place on Saturday. © Harald Wisthaler

Four days before the start, the excitement is building for a race that promises to be particularly hard-fought. The courses are among the most iconic and demanding in the world, putting the athletes' endurance, technique, and race tactics to the ultimate test. These are courses that leave no room for error and are sure to deliver spectacular racing moments right from the first few kilometers.

High-caliber field of participants

The starting list for this edition boasts an exceptionally high level of competition. Among the men, all eyes are on David Valero Serrano of the Klimatiza Orbea team. Following his victory in the Naturland Andorra race, he has taken the lead in the overall standings and must now defend it against attacks from Wout Alleman, who is currently only a few points behind.

Other favorites include well-known names from the international scene, among them Colombian Leonardo Paez from the LeeCougan Basso Factory Racing Team. With eight victories in Wolkenstein, he is considered a symbolic figure of the HERO. Italians Samuele Porro (Klimatiza Orbea Team) and Stefano Goria also aim to be in the mix for the podium positions.

A stunning panorama awaits. © Freddy Planinscheck

In the women's race, Anna Weinbeer is the main focus. The overall leader dominated the first half of the season and enters the race as the favorite. She will be challenged by top riders such as Natalia Fischer (Extremadura Ecopilas) and Claudia Peretti. Special attention will also be paid to Rosa van Doorn, who made a successful return to competition two weeks ago after an injury sustained at the race in Andorra.

Decisive moment of the season

The Dolomites stage represents a crucial phase of the 2026 season. With the overall standings still wide open and the gaps between the top athletes remaining minimal, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites could play a key role in the battle for the overall World Cup victory.