Paez and Bigham win the Sellaronda Hero 2016

A total of 4.016 bikers from 50 countries tackled the mountain bike marathon around the Sella massif over the four Dolomite passes and the Alpe di Siusi early in the morning in bright sunshine. The long-distance race in the Dolomites is considered the hardest, most spectacular and most scenic mountain bike race in the world. "The HERO is increasingly developing into a 'dream race' for real mountain bikers," sums up OK boss Gerhard Vanzi. "It represents real added value for tourism in our mountain region." Leonardo Paez, who won World Championship bronze on the HERO course last year, won the men's event. The Colombian completed the course over 86 km and 4.500 meters in altitude in 4:34.51 hours. The 34-year-old beat Markus Kaufmann, the 2012 German marathon champion, by 5.20:XNUMX minutes. Two seconds later, the Italian Daniele Mensi crossed the finish line in third place. “The fourth title on this difficult route means a lot to me,” says the winner. "I would like to thank my team for their active support." On the first climb to Dantercepies, the eventual winner chose his own rhythm so as not to let the German duo Kaufmann-Käß drive him along. "They were too strong, but I was "I knew the race would take a long time," explains Paez at the finish. Down to Corvara the Colombian made up ground, first catching up with the two Germans and then leaving them behind. But things got tricky again at Pordoi Pass: “I got cramps, but then I drank and they were over again.” Paez covered the route from Corvara to the finish single-handedly. “Second place is a great satisfaction for me,” explains Markus Kaufmann. “In the spring I broke my collarbone on the Andalucia Bike. It sparked again in the last training sessions. I’m happy now that it’s working, but Paez was simply too strong," said the German. Daniele Mensi, who crossed the finish line just behind Kaufmann, was even in second place at times: “I crossed the Mahlknechtjoch in second place with a lead of 20 seconds. But Kaufmann caught up with me on the climb up to Zallinger." The two fought bitterly for second place until one kilometer before the finish. Kaufmann was then able to turn first onto the final single trail, where an overtaking maneuver is impossible. “My form is good and I now want to do well at the World Cup,” said Mensi.

Bigham at the top for the second time since 2013 The women also had an exciting race around the Sellastock. Sally Bigham won for the second time after 2013. The British marathon specialist needed 60:3.200 hours for the 4 km and 02.50 meters in altitude. The Polish Michalina Ziolkowska came second, 3.47 minutes behind. The Italian Maria Cristina Nisi came third (+23.05 minutes). “The race was a big challenge because of its length and the many climbs,” says Bigham. “It was also relatively wet and therefore even more difficult. "Luckily I chose the right tires," said the winner. Bigham even fell twice on the descent from Pordoi Pass. "I'm happy that I didn't get injured because the World Cup is taking place in France next week." On the short distance of 60 km/3.200 m, the Italian Johnny Cattaneo won ahead of his compatriot Hannes Pallhuber and Marek Rauchfuss from the Czech Republic. Cattaneo finished the race in 3:30.35,2 hours, just six hundredths of a second ahead of the runner-up, whom he beat in the final sprint. “I knew that Hannes was very motivated because the HERO is his home race,” says Cattaneo. “At the Sellajoch, Hannes tried to pull away, but I was able to catch up with him again on the descent. Then we rode together until the last kilometer.” Pallhuber adds: "In fact: I tried to outrun Johnny because I knew that he was stronger than me in sprinting."

HERO South Tyrol Dolomites 2016 Men – 86 km 1. Leonardo Hector Paez Leon (COL) 4:34.51,8 hours 2. Markus Kaufmann (GER) 4:40.11,0 3. Daniele Mensi (ITA) 4:40.13,5 4. Daniel Geismayr (AUT) 4:41.53,2 5. Yuri Ragnoli (ITA) 4:44.45,5 Women – 60km 1. Sally Bigham (GBR)4:02.50,4 hours 2. Michalina Ziolkowska (POL) 4:06.37,6 3. Cristina Maria Nisi (ITA) 4:25.55,8 4. Magdalena Sadlecka (POL) 4:28.04,8 5. Sabine Sommer (AUT) 4:31.03,1 Men - 60 km 1. Johnny Cattaneo (ITA) 3:30.35,2 hours 2. Johann Pallhuber (ITA) 3:30.35,8 3. Marek Rauchfuss (CZE) 3:38.41,0 4. Andrea Tiberi (ITA) 3:39.04,4 5. Manuel Pliem (AUT) 3:40.07,7

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Paez and Bigham win the Sellaronda Hero 2016

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