Fabian Rabensteiner is in impressive form. © Michal Cerveny/PM HERO

Rabensteiner is looking forward to the HERO: “My home race”

Fabian Rabensteiner is looking forward to the BMW HERO South Tyrol Dolomites, the big mountain bike highlight in Val Gardena in mid-June. The newly crowned World Cup winner is one of the big stars there.

29 May 2023

From: sportsnews

He recently won the first World Cup marathon of the season in Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic, before that the Andalucia Bike Race in Spain and the first stage at the Cape Epic, where he finished fourth overall with Wout Alleman. The reigning European champion and two-time Italian champion has big plans for the HERO. “The shape should be right because the HERO is well on schedule. The second World Cup race will take place at the beginning of June, the European Championships on the 11th and the 'zache' Sella circumnavigation on June 17th," says the Eisacktal veteran.

In 2021, Rabensteiner came 6th, his best result to date. While he was on course for the podium, he lost 10 minutes to the leaders due to a flat tire in Arabba.

The HERO is something special for the man from Villandro: “It’s my home race, I’m really happy. The panorama is breathtaking and the motivation is very high. My goal is a podium place,” said the marathon specialist.

The HERO will deliver breathtaking images again this year. © Freddy Planinscheck/PM HERO

Rabensteiner counts among the favorites lightweight but incredibly tough drivers such as Leonardo Paez, Andreas Seewald, Diego Arias Cuervo, Samuele Porro, Daniele Mensi and Martin Stošek. “The HERO is difficult. A big challenge,” says the 33-year-old. “Immediately after the start, a long climb begins and everyone gives full throttle. If you don't stick with it, the train has left.” For Rabensteiner, food is extremely important “so that you don't break down on the long journey.”

Rabensteiner comes from natural track tobogganing. It wasn't until he was 18 that he took part in his first bike races. The second World Cup race of the season is scheduled for the weekend in Finale Ligure. Rabensteiner is well prepared for this.