Sellaronda HERO 2011: News for Heros - ENGLISH

SÜDTIROL SELLARONDA HERO MTB-MARATHON: ONLY 100 RACING NUMBERS LEFT AND THEN REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE

Only 100 racing numbers are left for the exciting mountain bike competition scheduled for July 2 around the Sella Massiv. As soon as the maximum of 1500 participants has been reached, the registration on second edition of Südtirol Sellaronda Hero MTB Marathon will be considered as closed. The event’s success consists in the toughness of its two 50 and 82 kilometre tracks, « but also in the fantastic Dolomite landscape» adds Klaus Fontana, who returns this year in the hope of repeating last year's success.

Selva Val Gardena (BZ), – It seemed an impossible gamble but in the end the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO Mtb-Marathon organizers were right: The objective of 1500 starters has almost been reached. In fact, at the headquarters for the event scheduled for Saturday July 2, there are only 100 racing numbers left and when the maximum limit of 1500 is reached, registration will be closed. «We are extremely satisfied with the results we have obtained up until now» comments Gerhard Vanzi, co-organizer of the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO Mtb-Marathon – «because with less than two months from the competition, registration is almost “sold out”, demonstrating that the HERO has become a favourite race for bikers from Italy and abroad».

In fact, no less than 23 countries are represented in the temporary starting list. «The credit is not just ours – adds Peter Runggaldier – but also goes to the Dolomite scenery our event offers.»

And while the race is on for the last available places in the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO Mtb-Marathon, there is someone who believes he can repeat last year’s victory. Indeed, racing number 1 will be worn by Klaus Fontana who dominated the race last year and still recalls the thrill of that day: «I sometimes wonder if I really did win the HERO,» comments the South Tyrol native. «It was one of the most difficult races of my cycling career but it remains in my heart and I think of it often. It was no doubt the most important race I have won in 15 years of racing.»

There are two fascinating itineraries of different lengths. The toughest one is the 82 kilometre marathon track, a grueling track with 4200 metres of difference in altitude. The 50 kilometre race is accessible to "almost" everyone with 2600 metres of difference in altitude. «Both tracks share the beauty of the Dolomites – concludes Runggaldier – because they have been chiselled out of the Sella group’s four valleys, such as the Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, Val di Fassa, and last but not least, Alpe di Siusi».

Just as last year, registered participants in the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO Bike-Marathon will receive a premium racing pack with a Deuter Race X rucksack specifically for mountain bikes, a limited edition HERO racing jersey by Gore Bike Wear and a Guasto bandana.

Finally, the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO Mtb-Marathon 2011 is a valid race for the Triveneto Marathon championship for FCI (Italian Cycling Federation) members.



For information: http://www.sellarondahero.com/

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