Over the last thirteen years, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites has become an essential part of the UCI Mountain Bike International Calendar, attracting over 4,000 participants – Elite and amateurs - from 45 countries. More than 15,000 people visit the area during the four days of this festival of mountain bike, which takes place in June.
The HERO Südtirol Dolomites starts and finishes in Selva Gardena, and winds its way across the beating heart of the Dolomites with two routes, of 86 km and 60 km, boasting 4,500m and 3,200 m of elevation gain, respectively.
The event goes well beyond the actual race, and the four days are filled with peripheral events, including a bike festival showcasing the latest mountain biking innovations, a pasta party, and HERO KIDS, which allows young HEROes to take part in a non-competitive race to experience the very same thrills their parents enjoy.
The HERO's appeal to many riders and spectators lies in the allure of the Sella and Sassolungo climbs, and the challenge posed by the famous Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Duron passes. They all represent a strong incentive to cycle in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taking action to reduce the event's impacts on the environment and positively contribute to the local economy is an essential part of the Organising Committee's decision-making process. In 2015 the event was recognised for these efforts by being awarded the "Green Event" label by Bolzano's local government, which is aiming to reduce yearly per capita CO2 emissions to under 1.5 tonnes across South Tyrol by 2050.
Helping on the road to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
In 2021, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites became a signatory to the UN's Sports for Climate Action Framework and developed its FROM HERO TO ZEROsustainability project. Inspired by the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UCI Sustainability Guidelines for organising cycling events, the programme focuses on three main areas: the environment, society, and governance. Environmental transition takes centre stage in FROM HERO TO ZERO with objectives to:
manage waste by avoiding plastic as much as possible, separation, and recycling
use compostable cutlery and plates, as well as reusable cups and glasses
power the event with 100% renewable energy (supplied by local partner Alperia)
reduce the burden on local water resources
use local suppliers for organic and seasonal food to minimise emissions from transportation
communicate all public and low carbon transport options to participants and spectators
measure, reduce, and offset unavoidable CO2 emissions.
Tangible initiatives
During the HERO Bike Festival in 2022, the event organised a dedicated sustainability day called ZERO DOLOMITES. ZERO stands for ZERO emissions, ZERO effort, and LOCAL, "ZERO KM" food to raise awareness of how the transition to net zero can be possible. Participants could try out new BMW i e-cars and hybrid cars, Specialized e-bikes, and Ride Cake e-motorbikes.
Digital tools are used to communicate with athletes and visitors to avoid using paper. These include the HERO RACE app, online newsletters, social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube), and QR Codes giving visitors important information during their stay.
The podium winners of the 2022 BMW HERO Südtirol Dolomites were awarded a trophy made of dolomite, an exclusive creation by artist Tobias Nussbaumer. The medals were made using recycled material, and even the finish line ribbon was made from recycled R-PET plastic. Every category winner also received a "Delizia di mele dell'Alto Adige" hamper from the PUR Südtirol company featuring the region's symbol – apples - in their different shapes, forms, and sizes.
The HERO has always believed in gender equality when looking to society at large, allowing everyone to make the most of the race. Gender equality is guaranteed regarding participation, prizes, and social and institutional communication.
Carbon-neutral certification
For the 2022 edition, the Organising Committee wanted to go the extra mile, and asked Climatepartner to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced during the event. Organisational emissions were calculated at 91,000 kg of carbon dioxide and included the event's energy use, waste, catering and local transport. Unavoidable emissions were offset through verified regional and international reforestation projects by planting a tree for every tonne of CO2 produced.
The sustainability initiatives and the offsetting programme made the HERO Südtirol Dolomites a certified carbon neutralevent. The programme's aim was reached thanks to the joint effort of organisers, partners, and everyone participating in the event – from the athletes to their supporters.
Gerhard Vanzi, founder of the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, says, "The green transition is a watershed moment. It's an important goal as the future of our planet is at stake. Like any other social project, we'll only reach this goal if we work together; at the end of the day, every little thing helps, and everyone can contribute without having to change their lives drastically."