Lightweight, breathable layers protected by a waterproof shell ensure comfort whether facing alpine sun or sudden showers. The remaining 70 are on singletracks and forest paths around the Sellastock mountain and the Langkofel group. From here it descends across the expansive Seiser Alm and finally down a rapid trail into the Gardena valley and back to the starting point in Wolkenstein.
Here you can find the most reliable weather forecast and rain radar for Val Gardena. The optimal preparation for the HERO Dolomites starts with a look at the weather. The 60-kilometre route also has a lot to offer with an altitude difference of 3,200 metres.
- HERO Kids, which takes place the day before the big brother event, also promises much in the way of suspense and enjoyment.
- They will help you if your mountain bike has a technical or mechanical issue
- Selva di Val Gardena is the ideal starting point for your bike holidays in the marvellous Italian Dolomites.
- Children aged between four and 12 years are the stars in this non-competitive race.
- South Tyrolean communities celebrate the race with local food festivals and music in Calfosch and nearby villages, embracing the event as part of their mountain heritage.
- Walks along the irrigation channels, family hikes to alpine pastures, fixed rope routes for adventurous people, flowing trails for bikers and the best ways to enjoy the winter.
A mountain bike with reliable suspension and grippy tires is a must for safety and performance. The uphill stages of the Dolomite Passes of Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella demand a good standard of fitness and endurance and also the downhill trails are only suitable for experienced moutainbikers. Whether it's a race, a fun-filled challenge or a public cycling day – keep your eyes open and take part in first-rate cycling events! Selva di Val Gardena is the ideal starting point for your bike holidays in the marvellous Italian Dolomites. The village, events, the HERO Kids and HEROE Gourmet Celebrating the mountain biking heroes To handle technical descents, rocky patches, and uneven terrain, a full-suspension bike absorbs shocks and improves traction.
Relive all the HERO thrills
The event organisers vow that, after HERO, their lives as riders will never be the same again, and it is quite possible that they are not exaggerating. The great number of visitors and fans will once again get to share all the thrills when professionals and amateurs alike take part in South Tyrol’s famous MTB race. A cycling event on the Sellaronda for the whole family!
This guide offers essential details and practical advice to prepare you for the race’s formidable climbs, technical descents, and shifting mountain weather. A unique experience, but only for well-trained mountain bikers. They will help you if your mountain bike has a technical or mechanical issue Explore the Dolomites by mountain bike and combine your participation in the HERO Dolomites with an unforgettable MTB holiday in Val Gardena.
HERO Dolomites: Accommodation
- A unique experience, but only for well-trained mountain bikers.
- For mountain bikers, the HERO Dolomites is one of the top events in the Alpine region every year.
- The tours are accompanied by the experienced mountain bike guides of the Linder Cycling Hotel.The descents take place mainly on technical single trails and only sectional on streets.
- A mountain bike with reliable suspension and grippy tires is a must for safety and performance.
- The Sella Ronda Hero Mountain Bike Race challenges riders to conquer the rugged, high-alpine terrain of Calfosch in South Tyrol.
- Discover your personal holiday highlight in Val Gardena and benefit from a variety of offers.
- The spectacular race Südtirol Dolomites Hero leads the participants on two different routes over 4 mountain passes around the Sella and the Sassolungo mountain massif.
You will be given a bike-pass to be used on the lifts and you will have the chance to stop for lunch in a mountain restaurant serving the world known South Tyrol cuisine specialties! HERO Kids, which takes place the day before the big brother event, also promises much in the way of suspense and enjoyment. Cristina, Selva and Ortisei are ideal starting points for day tours to the most beautiful destinations in the region. Of course, there will be a prize-giving ceremony after the race, where the heroes and heroines of tomorrow will be duly celebrated! You can find holiday flats, B&Bs and hotels as well as dedicated bike hotels online here.
On the 86-kilometre marathon route, you will cover a difference in altitude of 4,500 metres. Once you have registered, it is no longer possible to change the route. Discover your personal holiday highlight in Val Gardena and benefit from a variety of offers. The guide is included when booking a bike package.
Are there support stations along the race route?
In 2007 the first of many trails was created and already in 2010 the first edition of the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO took place! They will lead you safely on the trails, choosing easier or harder ones depending on your biking skills Children aged between four and 12 years are the stars in this non-competitive race.
HERO Südtirol Dolomites: MTB heroes wanted
Both routes are on public and private roads so the rules of the Italian Road Traffic Act apply and helmets are compulsory. Amateur and professional cyclists can choose between two routes to face the challenges of the toughest MTB marathon in the world. Did you know that you can spend your biking holiday in Val Gardena in special bike hotels? When you register for the race, you decide whether you want to ride the 60 km route or take on the marathon route with a length of 86 kilometres. "The region served as a frontline during World War I, with many trails following former military roads and tunnels, adding a layer of historical weight to the rugged landscape." Essential for safety on technical descents; gloves improve grip and protect hands while helmet guards against impacts.
Yes, several well-equipped refreshment and mechanical support stations are positioned along the route to provide hydration, food, and bike repairs. The race usually takes between 6 to 9 hours for seasoned riders, demanding both endurance and sharp navigation of diverse tracks—from forested sections to alpine exposed ledges. Expect a mix of loose rock, technical descents, and forested trails. Begin your race or ride early in the morning to avoid getting caught in bad weather.
Early morning start is optimal to avoid afternoon storms and take advantage of cooler temperatures before midday heat sets in. The area is home to alpine marmots, chamois, and golden eagles, all of which are accustomed to human presence but worth respecting from a distance. The race covers approximately 4,500 meters of cumulative elevation gain across 84 kilometers, demanding sustained climbing ability across multiple peaks.
It continues along forest paths, steep trails and through forest and alpine pastures to the Pordoi pass, down to Canazei and back up to the Duron pass (Mahlknechtjoch). Things here run fast and this event has become a benchmark at world level for MTB races. They will teach you how to bike and take on mountain paths, especially downhill
The HERO Dolomites is a mountain bike race in the Dolomites. Both professional athletes and ambitious hobby mountain bikers can register for the HERO Dolomites. The spectacular race Südtirol Dolomites Hero leads the participants on two different routes over 4 mountain passes around the Sella and the Sassolungo mountain massif. South Tyrolean communities celebrate the race with local food festivals and music in Calfosch and nearby villages, embracing the event as part of their mountain heritage. Riders should prepare for rapid weather changes by packing technical gear suited for cold mountain gusts and sudden rains.
Road to HERO
4,000 registrants and prior registration via the race website is mandatory. The starting places for the HERO Dolomites are limited to approx. When registering for the HERO Dolomites, you can choose between a 60 km and an 86 km route.
Walks along the irrigation channels, family hikes to alpine pastures, fixed rope routes for adventurous people, flowing trails for bikers and the best ways to enjoy the winter. The most beautiful hiking trails and bike routes, hotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments and farms for a relaxing holiday in South Tyrol. More than 4000 ambitious mountain bikers register for the MTB race every year, which is divided into dozens of categories. For mountain bikers, the HERO Dolomites is one of the top events in the Alpine region every year. Only the winner of the long distance route with incredible 86 km and 4,500 meters of altitude difference deserves the title Südtirol Dolomites Hero – a true mountain bike adventure.The Südtirol Dolomites Hero in Selva is extremely challenging for ambitious mountain bikers with excellent physical fitness, endurance and power. The tours are accompanied by queenwin casino bonus the experienced mountain bike guides of the Linder Cycling Hotel.The descents take place mainly on technical single trails and only sectional on streets.