HERO South Tyrol Dolomites: The favorites and the votes

The marathon route leads through Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, the Fassa Valley and the Alpe di Siusi. It measures 86 km and has an altitude difference of 4.500 meters. The short course is 60 km long and the participants have to overcome an altitude difference of 3200 meters. The winners are scheduled to arrive at 10.45 a.m. (60 km) or 11.45 a.m. (86 km).

The top favorites for men The top favorites for men include the three first place finishers from 2016: Leonardo Leon Hector Paez from Colombia, Markus Kaufmann from Germany and Daniele Mensi from Italy. Paez is the HERO record holder with four wins. At the 2015 World Championships in Val Gardena, the 34-year-old exceptional athlete won the bronze medal behind Alban Lakata (AUT) and Christoph Sauser (SUI).

“The course is perfect for my physical characteristics” says Paez. This is also demonstrated by his four victories, three of them in a row (2012, 2013, 2014). “I'm not at my best at the moment because I was sick recently. I want to recover before the race. I know that I have good mountaineering skills, that I have the endurance and toughness to overcome long and difficult climbs. That's why I'm confident and I'm coming to Val Gardena with a certain level of calm."

The goal of last year's runner-up and two-time German marathon champion, Markus Kaufmann, is to conquer a podium place at the HERO again.

“I particularly like the route and the difference in altitude of the HERO. In Val Gardena I also achieved my best World Cup result to date with a 6th place. That's why I hope to get on the podium this year too. I respect the race because it is very extreme; Fear, but also anticipation. I had a weak spring and the season so far has been rather mixed because I've planned too much. Most recently I did altitude training in Livigno for two weeks and that was good for me."

Daniele Mensi has already made people take notice with two marathon victories this season. The 28-year-old from Vicenza would like to at least repeat his good result from last year (3rd place).

“I don't want to shout it out, but I'm aiming for a better place this year than last year. I planned my preparation so that I could get in shape from mid-June. After the HERO, the World Championships will take place in Germany, then an Alpine Cup race in France and the Italian Championships. I also want to qualify for the World Cup in Germany. The Alpine Cup in Schladming helped me improve my fitness.”

Another favorite for the HERO victory is the Swiss Urs Huber. In 2014 he was second in Val Gardena. In 2016 he won the Cape Epic stage race in South Africa together with Karl Platt (GER). Italy is represented by marathon specialists Juri Ragnoli (2nd 2011), Luca Ronchi, Cristian Cominelli and Tony Longo. The Swiss Arnaud Rapillard, the Belgians Frans Claes and Sebastien Carabin are also eligible for a top spot, as are the French Rémi Laffont and Vincent Arnaud, winner of the MB Race Culture Vélo. Also at the start are the World Cup eleventh from Val Gardena and Transalp winner Daniel Geismayr from Austria as well as Jochen Käß from Germany (sixth in 2016).

The top favorites for women Among the women, the names that stand out are Kathrin Schwing (D), HERO winner in 2011 and 2012, the Polish Michalina Ziolkowska (second in 2014 and 2016), then last year's third-place finisher Maria Cristina Nisi from Italy, as well as her compatriots, the multiple Italian XCO and marathon champions Annabella Stropparo and Elena Gaddoni (2nd 2013). The endurance specialist Verena Krenslehner (2nd 2012) comes from Austria.

“Because experience shows that the HERO is tackled quickly, it is important to go along with it right from the start.” says Katrin Schwing. “Although young riders are pushing forward, I am confident that I will be in the top five. A podium finish would of course be sensational.” said the two-time winner from Germany.

Wins/nation rankings To date, seven editions of the HERO Südtirol Dolomites have been held. In the nations rankings, Colombia leads with four wins, ahead of Italy and Germany with three each. They are followed by Great Britain with two wins and Norway and Austria with one win each.

In the men's category, Leonardo Paez is the absolute record holder with four wins. Klaus Fontana (2011), Mirko Celestino (2012) and Alban Lakata (HERO World Champion 2015) each achieved one victory.

In the women's category, Sally Bigham and Katrin Schwing share first place with two wins each. The Brit won in 2013 and 2016, the German in 2011 and 2012. Anna Ferrari (2011), Elisabeth Brandau (D/2014) and Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja (NOR/WM 2015) each won gold once.

The highlights from the last edition:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/P7NvUDwVdjs

Source: youtube - herosüdtiroldolomites

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HERO South Tyrol Dolomites: The favorites and the votes

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