The Hero Südtirol Dolomites and the 2024 UCI Climate Action Award

Thanks to the HERO TO ZERO sustainability project, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites was awarded the UCI Climate Action Award. The Union Cycliste International set up this award to acknowledge those cycling events which have a positive impact on the environment.

On Wednesday, 18 December 2024, during the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Abu Dhabi, the winners of the very first UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards were announced. This initiative is spearheaded by the Union Cycliste International to recognise outstanding cycling initiatives which have a positive social and environmental impact.

Among the winners, the HERO Südtirol Dolomites was awarded the UCI Climate Action Award. The mountain biking marathon in Selva di Val Gardena stood out for its HERO TO ZERO sustainability project. Since 2002, the project has aimed to contribute towards the protection of the Dolomites and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prize was awarded by UCI President, David Lappartient, to the HERO founder and CEO, Gerhard Vanzi.

On the occasion, a painting was unveiled which depicts the Sella Group, part of the Dolomites’ range hosting the HERO. The goal of the HERO TO ZERO environmental protection activities is precisely that of preserving the Dolomites. The painting was made by artist Veronica Caterisano – the subject is near and dear to her heart, as she was born in Ortisei but now lives and works from her atelier in Abu Dhabi.

The HERO TO ZERO programme is a series of tangible, targeted activities favouring environmental transition and aiming to reduce and offset CO2 emissions, fighting against waste, and raising awareness on these topics during the event. The HERO Südtirol Dolomites involves participants suppliers, partners and sponsors as well as everyone involved in its organisation in taking part in these sustainable activities.

Gerhard Vanzi says: “It’s a great honour to be awarded this recognition by the Union Cycliste International in light of the work carried out with our HERO TO ZERO. It acknowledges our commitment towards sustainability, a project arising from the idea of protecting the marvellous Dolomites that surround us. The UCI Climate Action Award isn’t a goal, rather an incentive to continue improving, and to be an inspiration to everyone to contribute as much as they can in the fight against climate change.”

This innovative project has already achieved important results, including the 2024 Carbon Neutrality Certification, obtained thanks to the HERO TO ZERO initiatives and an offsetting scheme created to deal with the emissions produced during the event.