RACE DAY IS HERE: FOLLOW THE STARS LIVE FROM THE BLACK FOREST

Dear HEROes,

Some races can change everything in an instant. The Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon is one of them.

In the heart of Germany's Black Forest, the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup enters a decisive stage, and the anticipation is already building. Kirchzarten is ready to welcome the world's best marathon riders for a race that could reshape the overall standings.

In the men's competition, all eyes are on David Valero Serrano (Klimatiza Orbea Team), the newly crowned 2026 European Champion and current overall leader, who will be defending the coveted red leader's jersey in an increasingly competitive field. But the pressure is on: Belgium's Wout Alleman remains within striking distance, while the ever-consistent Leo Paez (Lee Cougan Basso Factory Racing) is determined to close the gap. In a race like this, the standings can change in the blink of an eye. Also lining up is Andreas Seewald, last year's winner on home soil and eager to repeat his success.

The women's race is just as exciting. Switzerland's Anna Weinbeer (KTM SPADA Powered by Brenta Brakes), the newly crowned European Champion, leads the overall standings with confidence, but Spain's Natalia Fischer (Extremadura Ecopilas) continues to apply relentless pressure. Meanwhile, Italy's Claudia Peretti, fresh from an impressive victory in the Dolomites, arrives in excellent form and ready to make her move. There is still ground to make up – but with plenty of racing left this season, anything can happen.

Once again, the Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon proves to be a key round of the series, combining a highly demanding course with an exceptional atmosphere as riders and teams from across Europe battle it out on one of the continent's most iconic marathon courses.

This is a race you won't want to miss - wherever you are.

Follow every moment live!

Track the Elite riders with Live Tracking and follow the progress of every participant with Live Timing on www.heroucimarathonworldcup.com. For live updates, behind-the-scenes content and race highlights, follow @heroucimarathonworldcup on Instagram.