What a show in Kirchzarten: Wout Alleman wins as Anna Weinbeer seals the 2026 title
Dear HEROes,
The Black Forest ULTRA Bike Marathon delivered an unforgettable day of mountain biking and a decisive outcome in the 2026 HERO UCI Marathon World Cup season. On the demanding 118 km course with 3,550 metres of elevation gain in Kirchzarten, Belgium's Wout Alleman and Switzerland's Anna Weinbeer claimed victory after a thrilling race. For the KTM SPADA powered by Brenta Brakes rider, however, the day meant far more than another race win.
In the women's race, Anna Weinbeer once again proved to be the rider to beat. Taking control from the opening kilometres, she crossed the finish line solo to secure her fourth victory of the season and, with one round still to go, mathematically clinched the 2026 HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup title.
"What can I say? I have no words – today is an incredible day," said the newly crowned champion.
At the finish line, Anna was welcomed with hugs and cheers from family and friends before Spain's Natalia Fischer (Extremadura Ecopilas) crossed the line in second, followed shortly afterwards by Italy's Claudia Peretti.
The men's race was decided in the second half of the course, where Wout Alleman bridged across to the leading group before launching his decisive attack and riding away to victory. Spain's David Valero Serrano (Klimatiza Orbea Team), who remains the overall World Cup leader, finished second, while Italy's Davide Foccoli completed the podium after an outstanding performance that lasted until the final kilometres.
The German round welcomed 156 Elite and Master Licence riders from 20 nations, once again confirming both the international appeal of the series and the prestige of one of Europe's most iconic marathon races.
While Weinbeer's overall triumph is now secured, the battle for the men's overall title remains wide open. David Valero Serrano still leads the standings with 940 points, but everything will be decided at the season finale on 20 September in Girona, Costa Brava (Spain), where the second edition of the HERO UCI Cross-country Marathon World Cup will come to an exciting conclusion.
Belgium's Wout Alleman, now just 75 points behind, will have one final opportunity to challenge the Klimatiza Orbea Team rider for the overall title. Behind them, the experienced Leonardo Paez (Leecougan Basso Factory Racing), with 696 points, appears to be out of contention.
The Master Licence competitions also produced worthy winners, with Spain's Xavier Calaf Garcia taking victory in the men's race and Poland's Anna Magon-Romanow triumphing in the women's category.
One thing is certain: after the spectacular racing in the Black Forest, the season finale at La Tramun – Sea Otter Europe promises to be one not to miss.
Entries for the final round remain open until 11 September 2026:
https://onreg.datasport.com/en/2026-hero-uci-marathon-world-cup
RELIVE THE ACTION
If the race report isn't enough, you can experience all the highlights from Round 5 in our latest video:
https://www.heroucimarathonworldcup.com/media/hs-videos
RACE GALLERY
A day like this deserves to be remembered. Browse the official race photos here: