The introduction of the Hero UCI Cross Country Marathon World Cup in 2025 will mark a significant step in the development of mountain biking, especially the sport of marathons. This new race series, which is under the auspices of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), comprises 5 already renowned mountain bike marathons in Europe.
The series is aimed at both professional and amateur riders, who will have the opportunity to compete on the same courses as the elite. Gerhard Vanzi, CEO of Hero, emphasised that the organisation is proud of the trust placed in it by the UCI and is looking forward to hosting the series in spectacular fashion.
Race calendar & tracks
The Hero UCI Marathon WC race calendar consists of five stages. It starts with the Capoliveri Legend Cup in Italy on 10 May, followed by the Naturland race in Andorra on 1 June. The third stage will take place on 14 June at the Hero Südtirol Dolomites in Selva di Val Gardena.
The series continues on 13 July with the Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon in Germany, before coming to a close on 21 September with the La Tramun Sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain.
This selection of races combines some of the most famous MTB marathon events in the world and, according to UCI President David Lappartient, should offer the best conditions for an exciting competition.
Capoliveri Legend Cup: kick-off on Elba
The Capoliveri Legend Cup on the Italian island of Elba marks the start of the World Cup. Since 2010, this race has been attracting mountain bikers with a 62-kilometre route and 2,200 metres of elevation gain. The route leads past historic iron ore mines and offers views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. The island's unique microclimate ensures optimal conditions. The combination of technical trails and scenic beauty makes the Capoliveri Legend Cup a worthy entry into the World Cup series.
Naturland: Pyrenean adventure in Andorra
The second stage takes the participants to the heights of the Pyrenees. The Naturland Marathon in Andorra challenges the riders with a length of 87 kilometres and 3,000 metres of altitude. The route winds its way through the impressive peaks, valleys and forests of the dwarf state. As part of the Bike Show Naturland, this race not only offers sporting challenges, but also an extensive supporting programme for mountain bike enthusiasts. The thin mountain air and challenging climbs make Naturland a real test of fitness and riding technique.
HERO South Tyrol Dolomites: Highlight in the Alps
As the namesake and centrepiece of the World Cup, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites is considered the toughest mountain bike marathon in the world. In its 15th edition, it takes participants through the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The men tackle 86 kilometres with 4,500 metres of altitude, while the women cover 60 kilometres and 3,200 metres of altitude. The route crosses the famous regions of Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, Val di Fassa and the Alpe di Siusi. With its steep climbs, technical descents and breathtaking panoramas, the HERO is the crowning glory of the series.
Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon: Through the Black Forest
The fourth stage shifts the competition to the Black Forest. At 118 kilometres, the Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon offers the longest route of the series and 3,550 metres in altitude. From Kirchzarten, the route leads to Feldberg, the highest point in Baden-Württemberg at 1,493 metres. The route returns to the finish via Menzenschwand and Hofsgrund. The varied landscape of the Black Forest with its dense forests, open plateaus and steep valleys makes for a challenging and scenic race.
La Tramun Sea Otter Europe: Final on the Costa Brava
The final stage of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup is La Tramun Sea Otter Europe on the Spanish Costa Brava. At 78 kilometres in length and 2,800 metres in altitude, this stage once again puts all the participants' skills to the test. The route combines technical trails with fast sections and offers views of the Mediterranean. Not only will the winners of the stage be crowned here, but also the overall winners of the World Cup. The race is part of the Sea Otter Europe Festival, which includes numerous other mountain bike events and a large bike fair.
The 5 marathon races at a glance:
- Capoliveri Legend Cup: 62 km, 2,200 m altitude difference
- Naturland: 87 km, 3,000 m altitude difference
- HERO South Tyrol Dolomites (men): 86 km, 4,500 metres altitude difference
- HERO South Tyrol Dolomites (women): 60 km, 3,200 metres altitude
- Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon: 118 km, 3,550 metres altitude difference
- La Tramun Sea Otter Europe: 78 km, 2,800 m altitude difference
Organisation and implementation
The Hero Südtirol Dolomites organisation team is responsible for coordinating the race series. It is responsible for implementing the regulations, compiling the ranking lists and marketing and communication via various media channels.
The long-standing collaboration between the Hero and the UCI, which began in 2015 with the organisation of the UCI Marathon World Championships, forms the basis for this international initiative. The new series is planned until 2028, which should support the long-term development of competitive mountain biking.
Conditions of participation & categories
A major innovation of the Hero UCI Marathon World Cup 2025 is the expansion of the field of participants to include the Master Licence category. This also allows experienced amateurs who are registered with their national cycling association to take part in the races.
The results of the individual races will automatically be included in the overall World Cup ranking, which will be published on the official website. Registration for the races is now open (4 February 2025).
Marc Strucken
Editor
