In the heart of the Black Forest: the season reaches new heights

Dear HEROes,

The racing calendar now reaches one of its most exciting moments. Every season, one event captures the true spirit of mountain biking: spectacular trails, an electrifying atmosphere and the determination to push beyond your limits. That moment is the Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon—an event that transforms an entire weekend into an unforgettable experience, bringing together riders, teams and fans in a vibrant celebration of the sport.

The weekend begins on Saturday, 25 July, with the HERO Race Talk. This is your chance to get closer to four of the sport's leading athletes, hear their personal stories and discover what really lies behind world-class performances. Throughout the day, the expo area becomes the natural meeting point, where visitors can explore the latest innovations in cycling and share their passion with fellow mountain bike enthusiasts.

At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, 26 July, anticipation will give way to action as the Elite Men's race gets underway. A day of excitement awaits, featuring demanding climbs, technical sections and breathtaking Black Forest scenery. The 118 km course with 3,550 metres of climbing is both spectacular and unforgiving, testing not only physical strength but also tactical intelligence, determination and endurance.

Around midday, the Sport Stadium in Kirchzarten will come alive as the first riders approach the finish line. The cheers of the crowd, the emotion of crossing the line and the satisfaction of having given everything will make every finish unforgettable. It is here that every challenge finds its reward - in raised arms, exhausted smiles and the pride of completing one of Europe's most iconic mountain bike marathons.

The Award Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. will bring the day to a close, celebrating the champions of a race that once again proves to be a key stage of the season.

The HERO UCI Marathon World Cup continues to write its story.

And the Black Forest is ready to provide the stage for one of its most memorable chapters.