READY FOR ROUND #2 OF THE 2026 HERO UCI CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON WORLD CUP

Dear HEROes,

the countdown is almost over: Round #2 of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup is about to arrive in Capoliveri, on the Island of Elba. In less than 48 hours, the Capoliveri Legend Cup will get underway, with riders ready to take on courses carved between the coastline and the hills of this historic Tuscan island.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, 8 May at 16:00 with the HERO Race Talk - an unmissable event open to all true mountain bike enthusiasts. Taking the stage will be some of the leading names of the UCI World Cup: Anna Weinbeer (KTM Spada powered by Brenta Brakes), 2025 UCI XCM Vice World Champion; Maria Zarantonello (Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team); Samuele Porro (Klimatiza Orbea Team), 2025 UCI XCM Vice World Champion; and Dario Cherchi (Leecougan Basso Factory Racing).

A unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of elite performance: training, sacrifices, race life, and personal stories shared directly by those who live mountain biking at the highest level every day.

Saturday, 9 May is when it’s time to race.

At 8:30, the Elite men’s and Master Licence men’s race will start from Viale Italia in Capoliveri, followed shortly by the Elite women, Masters Women, and amateur riders. All set to push hard on Elba’s trails, choosing between two routes:

the “long” course - 73 km with 2,600 metres of elevation gain - designed for pros and those seeking a true challenge; and the “short” course - 45 km with 1,600 metres of elevation gain - shorter in distance, yet still highly demanding.

The first finishers of the men’s race are expected around 11:45 on Viale Italia, with the Elite women and Masters crossing the line approximately 45 minutes later.

At 12:45, the official HWC Awards Ceremony will celebrate the protagonists of the Capoliveri Legend Cup and officially close Round #2 of the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup.

Participation numbers, the start list, and the level of competition once again confirm the central role of this event within the season, and how the Capoliveri Legend Cup has become a must-attend race for riders from across Europe.

And if you won’t be there in person? No problem - an event of this scale won’t go unnoticed. The race will be broadcast by leading sports TV networks and digital platforms across five continents.

The live broadcast (10:30–13:00 CEST) will be available on RaiPlay, the official UCI YouTube channel, and on the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup website:

www.heroucimarathonworldcup.com

Get ready: a weekend of dust, adrenaline, and pure mountain biking awaits.

See you at the start line!

Discover the Capoliveri Legend Cup start list now:

https://www.heroucimarathonworldcup.com/capoliveri-legend-cup