Seewald and Mairhofer win the XCM World Cup in Südtirol Dolomites

Andreas Seewald and Sandra Mairhofer claimed victory in the XCM World Cup of Südtirol Dolomites in Selva di Val Gardena. One of the most demanding tests on the calendar, made even more intense by the heat and high level of competition.

Seewald and Mairhofer dominate in the Hero Südtirol Dolomites 2025

The Hero Südtirol Dolomites celebrated this Saturday, June 15th its most international edition to date by integrating for the first time in the new XCM World Cup. With routes of 60, 71, and 86 kilometers and thousands of meters of positive elevation gain, the event in Val Gardena brought together a true elite of endurance MTB.

The sweltering heat, wild profiles, and competitiveness made this Hero an unforgettable edition not only for the elite but also for the hundreds of amateurs who participated in the different distances.

Seewald puts on a show and takes the lead in the Cup

In the men's main race (86 km, 4,500 m+), German Andreas Seewald (Singer KTM) once again reigned in Selva di Val Gardena for the third time. After a race that combined strategy, suffering, and attacks on the toughest climbs of the course, Seewald crossed the finish line alone with a time of 4:29:20, thus securing his second consecutive victory in this race after his recent European title.

RECOMENDADO

New or second-hand? Tips for buying your first road bike

How to change the pedals of any bike

How much prize money is awarded in the 2025 Vuelta a España?

Injuries kept to a minimum, no equipment needed, and done in no time

When is it necessary to change the gear ratio of your bike and what size of chainring and cassette to choose?

How to save weight on your road bike

Leonardo Páez (Soudal Lee Cougan), a veteran and multiple winner in this race, could not keep up with the German's pace on the decisive climb to Ornella and finished second, 2:47 behind. Third was Italian Andrea Siffredi (Scott Racing Team), who confirmed himself as one of the revelation riders of the season after also winning silver at the European Championship a week earlier.

With this result, Seewald takes the lead in the overall classification of the Hero UCI MTB World Cup from Belgian Wout Alleman, who could only manage sixth place.

Top 5 Elite Men 

1. Andreas Seewald (GER) - 4:29:20
2. Leonardo Páez (COL) - +2:47
3. Andrea Siffredi (ITA) - +5:20
4. Casey South (SUI) - +6:05
5. Martin Stosek (CZE) - +8:46

Sandra Mairhofer surprises and prevails at home

In the women's category, the duel was even more unpredictable. The race started with American Chelsea Bolton setting the initial pace, but it was Polish Paula Gorycka who took the lead in the middle sections. However, Italian Sandra Mairhofer (Soudal Lee Cougan) played her cards intelligently, conserving energy to launch her final attack at Passo Sella.

Mairhofer crossed the finish line with a time of 3:58:51, clearly winning on a 60 km course with 3,200 meters of elevation gain. Behind her, another Italian, Mara Fumagalli (KTM Spada), secured a brilliant second place after her podium at the European Championship. Gorycka, despite leading much of the race, had to settle for third place.

Top 5 Elite Women 

1. Sandra Mairhofer (ITA) - 3:58:51
2. Mara Fumagalli (ITA) - +1:36
3. Paula Gorycka (POL) - +3:29
4. Debora Piana (ITA) - +5:54
5. Vera Looser (NAM) - +8:36

The next stop for the Hero UCI MTB Marathon World Cup will be on July 13th in Black Forest, Germany.