Rosa van Doorn, Claudia Peretti and Paula Gorycka Kurmann (from left) celebrate after the successful race. © wisthaler.com / Harald Wisthaler

Two shining winners at the infamous HERO in Val Gardena

David Valero Serrano and Claudia Peretti won the HERO Südtirol Dolomites 2026 on Saturday. The traditional race in the Dolomites was also the fourth stage of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup and attracted athletes from 54 nations.

June 13, 2026

From: sn

In the women's 60-kilometer race with 3.200 meters of elevation gain, Claudia Peretti broke away decisively early on. The reigning Italian marathon champion took the lead on the very first climb to the Gardena Pass and never relinquished it until the finish in Selva di Val Gardena. After 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 48 seconds, she celebrated a commanding start-to-finish victory ahead of Rosa van Doorn of the Netherlands and Paula Gorycka Kurmann of Poland.

“My legs felt great this morning. So I tried to ride at my own pace from the start – and that was the right decision,” said Peretti after her victory. “Starting so aggressively is risky, but when you feel good, you have to go for it. I just had a feeling today was going to be my day.”

Serrano pulls away decisively in the final.

The men's race over 86 kilometers and 4.500 meters of elevation gain was thrilling. The lead changed hands several times before Spanish Olympic bronze medalist David Valero Serrano finally broke away from his competitors in the closing stages. He crossed the finish line first after 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds. Diego Rosa followed 41 seconds behind in second place, and Tim Smeenge from the Netherlands completed the podium.

Diego Rosa, David Valero Serrano and Tim Smeenge celebrate. © wisthaler.com / Harald Wisthaler

For Valero Serrano, it was his first start at the HERO – and his first victory. "I knew how tough this race is, so I rode cautiously at first," explained the Spaniard. "The HERO has had a special reputation for years. To win it on your very first attempt is something extraordinary."

Valero Serrano and Swiss rider Anna Weinbeer remain in the lead in the overall standings of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup. The next stage of the series takes place on July 26th at the Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon in Kirchzarten.