Arias wins again, Diesner breaks a record

In stage 5, the general classification leader takes his fourth victory at the 2022 Appenninica MTB Stage Race from Fanano to Porretta Terme. Behind him the DMT Racing Team duo of Munoz Moreno and Filipe claim second and third place respectively. With her eighth consecutive victory, Naima Diesner writes her own page in the race’s history boo

Diego Arias and Naima Diesner once again staked their claim as the masters of the 2022 Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Their triumphant rides rolled onward with victory in a fifth stage that added up 60 kilometers with 1,700 meters of elevation gain from Fanano to Porretta Terme on Thursday, September 8.

After Miguel Munoz Moreno’s victory in Fanano, the Hubbers-Polimedical racer came back to dominate in Porretta Terme. Arias completed his effort in 2:39:17 – 3:09 ahead of the Spaniard from the DMT Racing Team and 7:04 ahead of Francisco Filipe. The men’s GC leader set the pace from the first part of the race and soloed to the win at the finish line.

Riding in chase behind Arias was Felix Fritzsch along with the DMT Racing Team duo. Fritzsch unfortunately had to surrender his spot due to a mechanical problem and he paid the price: 1:19:35 down from the leader at the finish line. The German’s result has renewed the battle in the general classification. Filipe claimed second place behind Arias at 27:14 back, while in third place was his teammate at 1:04:11 behind the Colombian.

“Today I felt very good again; yesterday I preferred to save my energy. I took advantage on a very slippery climb and tried to go it alone, at my own pace. I also enjoyed the scenery, I am happy with this fourth victory and to have increased my lead in the general classification,” Diego Arias explained at the finish.

NAIMA DIESNER SMASHES ESTHER SÜSS’ RECORD

It was in the air and so it happened: Naima Diesner scored her fifth victory – her eighth consecutive win at the Appenninica, thus breaking the record of consecutive wins (7) held by Esther Süss after the 2020 edition. The German racer from the BUFF-Megamo team won in 3:40:39, with a lead of 10:59 over Elena Novikova and 12:58 over Rozanne Slik at the finish line in Porretta Terme.

Diesner’s next goal will be to hit the streak of seven wins out of seven in the same edition, which is currently held by Süss. The German racer has secured the general classification with more than an hour ahead of Camilla Marinelli and Debora Lana.

“Today is a special day and I am happy with this record. It was a very beautiful stage, full of ups and downs with beautiful scenery,” said Naima Diesner.

FROM PORRETTA TO LIZZANO IN THE CORNO ALLE SCALE AREA

Coming up is the penultimate effort for the Appenninica athletes, who will reach Lizzano in Belvedere from Porretta Terme by way of 63 kilometers and 2700 meters of elevation gain. Within the first 30 kilometers they will be deep in untouched forest trails absent of human settlements, but the route will become difficult after km 37. The day’s most demanding climb is the one heading up to the Passo dello Strofinatoio (6 km with 600 meters of elevation), with a hike-a-bike section in the last 500 meters. The final stretch is downhill to the finish in Lizzano in Belvedere.

Becking and Piana conquer Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023

The Dutch rider of Buff-Megamo is the first male athlete to win two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Becking sealed the overall win by raising arms again in the last stage, followed by Tiago Ferreira and Tim Smeenge, who join him on the podium in second and third position respectively. Debora Piana takes the women’s GC, while Ilina triumphs again in Vidiciatico. “We are really proud of the athletes’ feedback” said the organizers

Happy day for DMT Racing Team in Vidiciatico. Becking and Piana keep the lead

Tiago Ferreira went all-in in the penultimate stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race from Fanano to Vidiciatico, trying to pursue the leader’s jersey, but Becking kept everything under control. Same plot in the women’s category, with Russian Kristina Ilina taking her second win and Piana in control

Appenninica’s colour is Orange: Smeenge and Becking the stars of stage 4

The Dutch MTB Marathon National champion raises hands in Fanano, while Becking increases his gap in the GC on Tiago Ferreira. Debora Piana keeps dominating and makes it three in a row. Tomorrow, September 8th, the penultimate stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 runs from Fanano to Lizzano in Belvedere

Becking and Piana strenghten their lead in Fiumalbo

The two leaders got the second win at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. The Dutch rider of Buff-Megamo Team sprinted over Tiago Ferreira, while things are getting spicy for the bronze medal, with four riders fighting for the third position. In the women’s field, the Italian of Team Cingolani-Specialized secured the leader jersey with another success in Fiumalbo over Ilina. Tomorrow, September 7th, the peloton heads to Fanano

Ferreira and Piana tame the Mountain Queen Stage

The Portuguese athlete of DMT Racing Team answered back to Becking’s success in the opening stage, while Tronconi and Smeenge remain in contention behind them. Debora Piana took the win and the lead in the women’s category. Tomorrow, September 6th, marks the first-ever border crossing from Emilia-Romagna to Tuscany for the race, with the stage starting and finishing again in Fiumalbo

Becking and Ilina secure victory in the opening act of Appenninica 2023

The Dutch rider from Team Buff-Megamo the Russian of DMT Racing Team have made an impact on the inaugural stage of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Completing the men’s podium were Tiago Ferreira and Martino Tronconi, while Debora Piana and Nina Brenn claimed spots on the women’s top-3. Tomorrow, September 5th, comes the anticipated Queen Stage

Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the Bismantova Rock welcome back the Appenninica show

The program of the MTB stage race (4-9 September) was anticipated by the “Appenninica lovers” Granfondo. Starting from tomorrow, the main event will kick off with Hans Becking and Tiago Ferreira leading the title race, while Naima Diesner emerges as the top contender in the Women’s field

With 150 riders from all continents, the Appenninica challenge goes global

Approaching its fifth edition (September 4-9, 2023), Appenninica MTB Stage Race – the mountain bike stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, Italy – is set to showcase 150 athletes hailing from 24 Nations, marking a sold-out status. This year, the event introduces an innovative initiative: Appenninica Teen Camp

Miguel Martinez leads the charge of “The Appenninici”

Cross-country gold medalist from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Miguel Martinez, is set to kick off the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 4-9, 2023). A multitude of riders will converge for this stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, seeking a distinctive adventure filled with a treasure trove of stories and anecdotes.

Riders bulletin n.6/2023

Riders bulletin n.6 August 29, 2023   This is the sixth rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. Race time is Sunday!   The starting list is on the website. Click here. The event is sold out....

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race partners’ squad keeps growing stronger

In its fifth edition, scheduled from September 4th to 9th, the race has further stocked its partners’ panel: a testament to the event’s rise towards international prominence, while keeping deep roots in its territory

Debora Piana and Kristina Ilina challenge Naima Diesner for Appenninica throne

The German, winner of the last two editions, will be the athlete to beat at the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (Sept. 4-9), but the Italian rider and the Russian national champion will be upfront to try to spoil her plans