The HERO Südtirol Dolomites returns to the global stage as the Dolomites prepare for another unforgettable mountain biking event
The Dolomites are set to welcome the world’s best mountain bikers once again. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has officially announced that Val Gardena, Italy, will host the 2030 UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, returning the global event to the heart of the Alps fifteen years after its last historic edition. Scheduled from 13 to 16 June 2030, the championships will be organised by the HERO Südtirol Dolomites 2025 team, a group renowned for staging one of the most iconic and demanding off-road cycling events in the world.
The announcement was made during the 194th UCI Congress, held alongside the Road Cycling World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. The decision instantly generated excitement throughout the cycling community. The return of the Marathon Worlds to the Dolomites symbolizes more than a sporting event. It represents a homecoming for a region that has become a symbol of endurance, sustainability, and outdoor adventure.
The HERO Returns to Its Origins
Few mountain bike races command the same respect as the HERO Südtirol Dolomites. Known for its stunning scenery and brutal climbs, it has become a proving ground for the toughest athletes on two wheels. The 2030 World Championships will feature the event’s two legendary routes: the men’s 86-kilometer course with 4,500 meters of elevation gain, and the women’s 60-kilometer course with 3,200 meters of climbing. Both routes wind through the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Val Gardena, where breathtaking alpine views contrast with punishing gradients that test every rider’s endurance and skill.
For Gerhard Vanzi, founder and organiser of the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, hosting the World Championships again is both an honour and a milestone.
“We are deeply proud to welcome such a prestigious event back to Val Gardena,” Vanzi said. “Our thanks go to the UCI for their trust and to all the local organisations that believed in the idea of bringing the Mountain Bike Marathon Worlds home.”
A Recognition of Italian Cycling Excellence
The announcement is also a major moment for Italian cycling. Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI), described the decision as an acknowledgment of Italy’s growing prominence in international cycling events.
“Over recent years, the HERO has become a benchmark for cycling competitions, not only for marathon races,” Dagnoni said. “Being selected as the host of the 2030 World Championships, exactly fifteen years after the first edition in this valley, is a well-deserved recognition. It rewards Gerhard Vanzi and his team, who have continuously innovated, improved sustainability, and maintained the highest technical standards.”
Dagnoni also highlighted how the HERO reflects the values of Italian sport. “This achievement proves that Italy can host high-level events across all cycling disciplines, relying on passionate organisers and visionary managers. It also shows how cycling can promote our country’s beauty and inspire a new generation of riders,” he added.
The Dolomites: A Natural Arena for Sport
For South Tyrol, hosting the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships again is both a reward and an opportunity. Arno Kompatscher, President of the Province of Bolzano, described the announcement as “a moment of pride for all of Val Gardena and the South Tyrolean sports community.”
“The UCI Marathon Worlds were last held here fifteen years ago, and now they are returning to a stage that seems made for outdoor sports,” Kompatscher said. “This success belongs to everyone who supported the bid, and it will allow us to show once again that Val Gardena is a world-class destination for athletes and nature lovers.”
Local enthusiasm is equally strong. Tobias Nocker, Mayor of Selva Val Gardena, expressed his excitement about welcoming the world’s elite mountain bikers.
“We are thrilled to host the 2030 UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships as part of the HERO Südtirol Dolomites,” Nocker said. “The HERO is much more than a race. It is a celebration of our landscape, our community, and our values. It brings people together, combines sport with environmental sustainability, and demonstrates that mountain biking and nature can exist in perfect harmony.”
Christoph Vinatzer, President of the Selva Val Gardena Tourism Office, also emphasized how the HERO has helped shape the region’s identity as a hub for sustainable sports tourism.
“The HERO has always embodied the very essence of sport. It is a physical and mental challenge set against one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops,” Vinatzer said. “Hosting the World Championships again recognises years of commitment and passion. It will also give a strong push to the marathon discipline within the UCI.”
Vinatzer noted that Val Gardena’s sporting legacy will continue well beyond 2030. Just months after the Mountain Bike Marathon Worlds, the valley will host the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships, reinforcing its status as an international sports destination.
A Legacy of Strength and Passion
The HERO Südtirol Dolomites has always stood for courage and perseverance. Its 2015 edition, which also hosted the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon Worlds, is remembered as one of the most spectacular events in the history of the discipline. That year helped solidify the HERO’s reputation as the world’s toughest mountain bike marathon.
More recently, during the 2025 HERO World Cup, Austrian rider Alban Lakata claimed his second world title in the marathon discipline, while Norwegian legend Gunn-Rita Dahle, a former Olympic champion, won the women’s race and celebrated her sixth world championship appearance. Their victories highlighted the calibre of athletes that the Dolomites attract and the spirit that defines this unique race.
As the countdown to 2030 begins, many of the world’s top riders are already looking forward to returning to Val Gardena. Competing here is more than chasing a rainbow jersey; it is about riding through a place where nature and competition meet in perfect balance.
More Than a Championship: A Vision for the Future
The HERO Südtirol Dolomites has built its identity on a strong commitment to sustainability, community, and innovation. Each edition promotes environmentally responsible practices, from low-impact logistics to local partnerships that support green tourism. This approach aligns perfectly with the UCI’s mission to make cycling events more sustainable and community-oriented.
The 2030 UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships will therefore be more than just a race. It will be a celebration of the connection between sport, nature, and culture. Riders and spectators will not only witness high-level competition but also experience the beauty and authenticity of the Dolomites.
Val Gardena’s network of trails already attracts thousands of cyclists each year, from amateurs to seasoned marathon riders. With the upcoming World Championships, the area is expected to see even more visitors eager to ride the same trails that will challenge the world’s best athletes.
Looking Ahead to 2030
Preparations are already underway to ensure that the event delivers both exceptional competition and unforgettable experiences. From the start line in Selva di Val Gardena to the steep climbs of the Sella Ronda and the thrilling descents back into the valley, every kilometer will tell a story of endurance, passion, and respect for the mountains.
The 2030 UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships will not only crown new champions but also reaffirm Val Gardena’s place among the world’s greatest mountain biking destinations. As the HERO Südtirol Dolomites prepares to write its next chapter, one thing is certain: in 2030, the Dolomites will once again become the heart of global mountain biking.
