THREE END-OF-JUNE OPTIONS FOR A HERO'S WEEKEND!

Mountain bike and cycling enthusiasts will gather in Val Gardena and the Dolomites during an intense weekend, filled with emotions and sport , on 23rd and 24th June. It all starts on Saturday 23rd June with the third edition of Südtirol Sellaronda HERO, followed by the start of Sellaronda MTB TOUR the next day. On that same day, 24th June, do not miss the Sellaronda Bike Day: the four passes of the Dolomites will be closed off to traffic for the arrival of thousands of cyclists.

Südtirol Sellaronda HERO: a challenge for true heroes

It's Europe's hardest mountain bike race and, although it has only reached its 3rd edition, it has managed to win great approval in the off-road cycling community The Südtirol Sellaronda HERO taking place on 23rd June will have 2.012 bikers competing and racing on courses along routes which coast the Sella and Sassolungo passes below the gaze of what UNESCO has recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site: the Dolomites. There will be two race courses, 82 and 52 km, which start and end in the centre of Selva Val Gardena (1.563 m. altitude). An Expo area will also be set up in the village centre, where onlookers can wait for the bikers and also for the beginning of the big evening party when the 2012 “Hero” will be announced.

For further information: www.sellarondahero.com

Sellaronda Bike Day, an eco-friendly day on two wheels!

The Sellaronda Bike Day once again makes ist much awaited yearly appearance on 24th June: after the celebration of the HERO 2012 awards are over, the passes of Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo will be completely shut off to traffic, leaving the roads free for thousands of cyclists. A free initiative which over the last seven years has seen a steady growth in the number of participants and it is also for this reason that the organisational committee advises bikers to follow the most coveted mountain routes in the heart of the Dolomites in a counterclockwise direction. Choose one out of four valley villages to start from- keep in mind that the road block starts at 8.30 and finishes at 15.30. A unique occasion to admire the beautiful landscapes with all the family and relax with a good cup of coffee or with a typical speck platter in one of the many restaurants along the route, on a day which will be totally eco- and bike friendly. But there's more to come! On the occasion of EcoDolomites 2012 the four villages will be closed to traffic once more on Sunday 23rd September to allow all cyclists to submerge themselves once again in the most envied and loved mountainous landscape in the world. For further information:

www.sellarondabikeday.com

Sellaronda MTB TOUR, challenge yourself at the feet of the Dolomites

The Sellaronda MTB TOUR, created after the success of HERO, is a guided excursion which allows those bikers with a bit of experience to ride the HERO routes, surrounded by the splendour of the Dolomites. From Sunday 24th June until 16th September 2012 the mountain bike guides of the four valleys which host the event, Val Gardena, Val Badia, Val di Fassa and Arabba, will guide you across them: all those who want to be surrounded by nature on a mountain bike are welcome to use them. The guided TOUR offers many advantages: the guides can help you overcome especially tricky parts on a route, come to your aid should you need it, as well as showing you breathtaking views. There are different lift facilities which have taken part in this initiative, thus allowing to reach the desired altitude more easily and quickly, so that you can safely enjoy the breeze during your descent, avoid those highly technical routes and allow you to circle the Sella group in less than a day. For further information: www.sellarondatour.com

ORGANISATION

Südtirol Sellaronda HERO Committee

Selva Gardena Tourist Association

Str. Meisules, 213

I-39048 Selva Gardena (BZ)

Tel. +39 0471 777900

Fax +39 0471 794245

info@sellarondahero.com - www.sellarondahero.com