SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES
The HERO Sustainability Programme focuses on three areas: the environment (energy, water, waste, food and beverage, mobility and transport), society (children and teenagers, gender equality, charity events), and governance.
The following is just an overview of events we have planned. We’ll probably come up with other ideas and activities following the publication of this edition, so keep your eyes open for more!
ZERO Village
13-15 June 2024
This area is dedicated to the stands of our green partner companies showcasing what’s new in sustainability. Swing by to try out new, green products and services.
ZERO VillageVia Nives 10-20, Selva Val Gardena
Opening hours: 14 - 15 June between 10.00 am and 8.00 pm
HEROE Gourmet
16 June 2024
After the HERO, enjoy a relaxing day dedicated to discovering the Dolomites by e-bike and explore its local cuisine – in pure HERO style. The route consists of several stages across some of the most stunning mountain huts on the Seiser Alm plateau. Hop from one mountain hut to the next by e-bike, each one offering a different culinary option: a tasty aperitif, a mouth-watering lunch and a sweet treat to close the day in style.
Selva Val Gardena
Start and finish the HEROE Gourmet in Selva Val Gardena. Start any time between 9:30 – 11:00.
BMW i, EXCLUSIVELY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID
13 - 16 June 2024
BMW will showcase its electric and hybrid plug-in models at the HERO. Green vehicles only – and even visitors can take the new BMW i’s electric and hybrid plug-in fleet out for a spin.
Under the Medal PlazaSelva Gardena
Opening hours: 13 - 15 June between 10.00 am and 8.00 pm, 16 June between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm
EGA DE MONT DLA DOLOMITES
The water served at the Pasta Party is sourced from the mountain springs around Selva di Val Gardena. Pour yourself a glass from the personalised glass carafe to see how good water really tastes. In Selva di Val Gardena you can refill your water bottles at 17 water fountains. Tap water at the hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs is safe to drink, too. This spring mountain water will also be served at every refreshment area during the race, managed by the individual valleys.
THE ENVIRONMENT COMES FIRST
15 June 2024
Waste separation and recycling rule at the Pasta Party. Single-use, biodegradable, and compostable cutlery and plates as well as reusable cups and glasses will be used. The 2024 HERO rucksacks used by our 500 volunteers were made with renewable R-PET plastic.
Pasta PartyMedal Plaza, Selva Gardena
Opening hours: 15 June between 12.30 pm and 7.30 pm
LOCAL FOOD
15 June 2024
The food served at the Pasta Party and VIP Lounge is organic, local, and seasonal. Where that isn’t, we’ll opt for fair trade products. Catering will focus on local products as well as including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives.
Pasta Party, Medal PlazaSelva Gardena
Opening hours: 15 June between 12.30 pm and 7.30 pm
VIP Lounge, Boutique Hotel Nives, 4 Nives str., Selva Gardena
Opening hours: 15 June between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm
EMISSION-POOR COMMUNICATION
Digital tools are used to communicate with athletes and visitors. These include the HERO RACE app, online newsletters, social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) as well as QR Codes giving you important information during your stay.
LOCAL PRIZES
The top winners of the 2024 BMW HERO Südtirol Dolomites will receive a wooden trophy created by Steinobjekt from Tobias Nussbaumer.
The finisher medal is made with recycled material, and the lanyard is made with R-PET (recycled plastic).
GET THE TRAIN TO THE HERO
You can reach the location of the HERO Dolomites even just by train and buse – unless you’re flying from overseas, that is. What about your mountain bike? Ship to Cycle will pick up your bike from home and deliver it to your hotel in Val Gardena.
Visit www.herodolomites.com and click "Bike Festival", "Directions" to book the service.
GREEN MOBILITY AND THE FAN ZONES
When travelling to or from Selva di Val Gardena, use local buses, lift facilities or your bike. Open the HERO RACE app and select the map to see how to easily reach the fan zones without polluting the environment.
SUSTAINABLE HELICOPTERS
Even the breathtaking air views of the HERO Dolomites are becoming ever more sustainable. Elikos will employ its new Airbus H125 to capture the stunning footage of the race.
This cutting-edge helicopter boasts a considerably lower consumption compared with other models, therefore guaranteeing a small environmental footprint.
The company's aim is to achieve the myClimate's "Engaged for Impact" label, awarded when offsetting as many of the produced emissions as possible.
SUSTAINABLE COLLECTIONS
Our HERO collection features partners who share our green values: sustainable fabrics, organic cotton, recycled material, and even faux leather made with apples – these are just some important solutions employed to reduce our environmental footprint.
S-LOUNGE
Since 2023 the Sustainability Lounge at the ZERO Village is the meeting point showcasing everything sustainability thanks to videos and other materials dedicated to the different projects focusing on the local area and the HERO Partners.
You can also taste local South Tyrolean products at the S-lounge: Speck, cheese, rye bread all paired with the best local wines.
The S-Lounge opens on Thursday between 14:00 and 18:00;
and on Friday and Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00.
YOUNG HEROES
14 June 2024
Children between 4 and 12 are part of the HERO, specifically the HERO Kids mini marathon. Everyone in the family can take part in the HERO’s magical atmosphere.
ZERO VillageVia Nives 10-20, Selva Gardena
Start: 14 June at 3.00 pm
SUSTAINABLE PUMPTRACK
On the Pra da Nives meadow, the heroes of the future will be able to tackle a special, dedicated course to learn how to cycle in absolute safety. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Town Hall and the Selva di Val Gardena Tourist Office.
Pra da Nives, Selva Gardena
For the entire duration of the HERO Bike Festival
GENDER EQUALITY
Gender equality is guaranteed when it comes to the participation, prizes, social and institutional communication.
SUPPORTING YOUNG, TALENTED ATHLETES
Right from the very first editions of the HERO, the event has supported programmes with the help of Sporthilfe Alto Adige. The association aims to support young, talented South Tyrolean athletes, helping them and motivating them to reach the heights of an Olympic medal.
