The Appenninici – Lillo Lenzi, in love with the Apennines

by | Apr 26, 2024 | Highlights

Who said that at 70, you’re too old to take part in a six-day stage race with over 14,000 meters of elevation gain? Lillo Lenzi is the demonstration that limits are just relative, even in a technically and physically challenging sport like mountain biking.

At 70, Lillo was the oldest rider at the start of Appenninica 2024. Since it was the last opportunity for him, as 70 is the age limit for participation to the event, Lillo Lenzi made the most of it, thoroughly enjoying the experience on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna’s Apennines that he knows like the back of his hand.

“For my 70th birthday, I gifted myself Appenninica, thinking ‘now or never’,” Lillo Lenzi says. “It’s an experience that is impossible to explain, because they offer exceptional service, taking care of every aspect and leaving you only the pleasure of riding and enjoying the landscape.”

Lillo knows the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ landscapes very well. He hails from Gaggio Montano, in the province of Bologna, and has ridden up and down the ridges many times. Yet, despite knowing the trails and routes, he keeps being impressed by all their beauty.

“I’ve always enjoyed biking, discovering new paths, even randomly,” Lillo told. “In 70 years of life, I’ve ridden a lot in these mountains, but every day you discover that something has changed. When we were on the ridge, sometimes it was cloudy, and then suddenly the sky cleared up and the mountains started shining with colors. You’re there in that moment, and you see one thing; you go the next day and see another: the Emilia-Romagna’s Apennines are amazing.”

Lillo enjoyed such wonder with the 150 participants of the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, most of whom coming from outside of Italy.

“I challenge any of the 150 participants of the Appenninica to say they haven’t seen anything throughout the day that has left them speechless. All this happens in a race, not during a ride among friends, but it’s impossible not to stop and look at the beauty around you,” explains Lillo.

Among the adventures of his 70 years of life, Lenzi features winning a MTB stage race in Libya, a success that made him famous throughout the Bolognese Apennines and beyond. Though he has travelled the World, for Lillo Lenzi nothing can beat his home trails.

“Compared to the Alps, which are also great and beautiful, the Apennines are more familiar and cozier. Riding in the Apennines is different than doing it anywhere else.”

After riding here for 70 years, we’d better believe him.

The Appenninici – From rugby to mountain biking: the unique journey of Sophie Halhead

by | Mar 27, 2024 | Highlights

All athletes, whatever sport they practice, dreams of reaching the pinnacle of their discipline. Savouring success is the ultimate fulfilment for those who dedicate hours and hours of training, effort, and sacrifice to rise to the top of the world. After retirement, many athletes feel the urge to continue experiencing that adrenaline, possibly by taking on the challenge of a new discipline.

That’s what happened to Sophie Halhead, an athlete competing in the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race. On August 17, 2014, the Englishwoman climbed to the highest point of her sport, becoming World Rugby Champion with her national team. After 71 caps representing her Country, she decided to retire from professional rugby. From there, a new adventure began, where the oval ball gave way to a mountain bike.

“I represented my Country 71 times, the last against Canada in the 2014 World Championship final. It was an indelible chapter of my life because I had the privilege of playing in two World Championship finals, experiencing the taste of defeat against New Zealand and the apotheosis of victory in 2014. After retiring from rugby, I chose mountain biking to share a sport with my husband. I started by joining him in training until I participated in a race: it’s a stimulus to stay fit and experience different adventures.”, recalls Sophie Halhead.

The 2023 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race was not Sophie Halhead’s first time, as she had already participated in the event’s first edition in 2019. Five years later, the stage race organised by A.S.D Happy Trail MTB had changed much, but the 43-year-old Englishwoman couldn’t wait to return.

“I participated for the first time in 2019 and would have come in 2020 if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. It’s an event I wanted to come back to, and I’m delighted to have done so to meet new people and see old friends again. I love Italy because it has so many things to love: the landscape, the views, the ice cream, the pizza, and its people. At Appenninica, the organisers are fantastic, always smiling; it would be worth participating just for the chats with others. It’s an incredible race!” says Sophie.

Returning after five years allowed Sophie Halhead to see a grown reality and appreciate this evolution.

“In 2019 I think there were 40-45 athletes, but I immediately understood it was a special event. Since then, it has weathered the pandemic period and grown while maintaining a limit of 150 participants, keeping its charm and identity. The fact that we all dine together during the awards, the fantastic videos and photos of the course, it’s all special”, says Sophie.

Thanks to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Sophie Halhead has strengthened her bond with Italy and the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, to which she is also emotionally connected.

“My husband’s parents lived in Emilia-Romagna, so when I discovered the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, I immediately thought it would be a great opportunity to participate. I knew the area was beautiful and the trails were fantastic, and then seeing the teaser video got me even more excited, so we signed up. Emilia-Romagna is an incredible region, and I don’t think many people fully realise how beautiful it is to mountain bike here“, says Sophie Halhead.

Third time’s the charm: Hans Becking returns to Appenninica for the hat trick

by | Mar 12, 2024 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2024)

In the few years of history of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, several riders have reported a similar experience: they first came to the Apennines out of curiosity, for the challenge, to discover something new, and eventually could not do without it anymore. And even the first Elite Men’s rider to claim two editions in the history of Italy’s most important MTB stage race makes no exception.

The first official contender for success in the 2024 edition, from September 2 to 7, boasts a well-known name: it’s reigning champion Hans Becking. The Dutchman of BUFF-Megamo is currently preparing for his adventure at the Cape Epic, where he will compete with Wout Alleman, but has the third crown at Appenninica among his top goals for the season. Before winning in 2023, Becking had claimed his first win in 2020, both times seeing off former Marathon MTB World Champion Tiago Ferreira in second place.

“I am happy to announce that I will be at the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. It’s a race that’s close to my heart and where you breathe a very familir atmosphere”, said the 37-year-old Dutchman.

The BUFF-Megamo rider has just finished second in the Andalucia Bike Race paired with European Champion Wout Alleman. It’s not by chance that Becking is considered one of the strongest riders in the world in the MTB stage races scenario, and the fact that he has won the GC on both his occasions in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines speaks volumes about the feeling he has found with this territory.

“I have participated in Appenninica on two occasions, and I am very proud that I was able to win in both cases,” Becking said. “But I am looking forward to many strong riders coming to contest me for the win in 2024. This race deserves a high level of participation, and I hope to experience a very high-profile challenge”.

While waiting to know the names of his rivals, Becking can set another record in the history of the race: in case of another overall win, he would move past Naima Diesner (2, like him) to become the sole Elite rider to have won three editions of the race.

“Appenninica comes in the thick of the season, in a pressure-filled period, and participating means experiencing a week in contact with the essence of mountain biking. Then it is positioned a few weeks before the World Championships. The routes are a perfect mix to sharpen preparation, with challenging climbs, very technical trails, and the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines“, says the Dutchman.

The atmosphere outside the race is among the elements that have clicked with Becking. The Emilia-Romagna hospitality and the family atmosphere make the Appenninica MTB Stage Race a perfect setting for experiencing a challenging 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation gain.

“Thanks to the Appenninica staff, you can focus only on the race without stress. They call you by name and develop a personal relationship with those who share the experience, you can taste excellent Italian food and you are pampered like in a big family. Even though the level of competition is very high, at Appenninica, you have fun and experience a fantastic atmosphere”, explains Becking.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration is open in the “Regular Registration” phase until May 31, 2024. As for the last five editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and the closed number of up to 150 participants: a choice aimed at avoiding overcrowding of the trails and ensuring all participants a high-quality standard in race support.

 

THE ROUTE OVERVIEW

 

Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of elevation gain

Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano

 

Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of elevation gain

Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere

 

Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of elevation gain

Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of elevation gain

Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of elevation gain

Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

 

Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of elevation gain

Saturday, September 7: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

 

The Appenninica 2024 route: kicking off in Bologna with 14,000 meters of elevation gain

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2024)

From the city to the province, through the ridge of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. It could be the byline of a local tourism campaign, instead it is he core concept chosen by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB for designing the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route.

As per the tradition established in recent years, the edition scheduled from September 2 to 7, 2024, promises a demanding challenge. The race will cover 400 km and 14,000 meters of total elevation gain, guiding participants through the enchanting landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, with its captivating ridges and villages.

The race will commence in Bologna and end in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with the iconic Bismantova Rock serving as the final arbiter. The route will feature again Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo, the latter after making its debut in 2023. The new stage venue for 2024 will be Loiano , in the Province of Bologna, finishing town of stage 1.

“The 2024 edition continues in the vein of the work done in recent years, yet introduces some new elements,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, the event’s organizers. “ The kick-off from Bologna and the introduction of Loiano reflect the growing interest in this competition. Additionally, moving the Mountain Queen Stage to the penultimate day may introduce a thrilling dynamic to the finale.“

DEPARTURE FROM BOLOGNA, GRAND FINALE IN CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI

The 2024 edition embarks from Bologna on Monday, September 2, ascending towards the Sanctuary of San Luca. Upon reaching the sanctuary’s vicinity, competitors will navigate the trails of the renowned “Via degli Dei“, connecting Bologna to Florence. The journey covers 48 km and 1500 meters of elevation gain, concluding in Loiano.

The challenge intensifies on Tuesday, September 3, with the “Gothic Line” stage, featuring 63 km and 2250 meters of elevation gain . Starting from Loiano, the race will traverse the Apennines, parallel to the ridge line, facing four demanding climbs, the last exceeding 10 km in length, before the finish line in Lizzano in Belvedere. 

Wednesday, September 4, presents the “Monte Cimone Challenge XL,” a 65 km journey with 2850 meters of elevation gain. This stage, noted for its technical demands and significant elevation, will take riders across iconic trails, including those of Corno alle Scale and Cimone, between Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo.

On Thursday, September 5, Fiumalbo stages the “Tuscan Borderline,” offering a 69 km route with 2500 meters of elevation gain, showcasing the scenic trails and landscapes of Abetone.

The penultimate day, Friday, September 6 , features the “Mountain Queen Stage,” spanning 95 km and 3200 meters of elevation gain from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Competitors will navigate breathtaking ridges and extensive forest trails, with new challenges distinguishing this stage from previous editions.

The event concludes on Saturday, September 7, with a 56 km loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti in the Monte Ventasso area, boasting 1750 meters of elevation gain.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for the “Regular Registration” phase is open until May 31, 2024, with prices increasing after March 1. As in the previous editions, the organizers maintain the individual participation format and limit entries to 150 participants. This strategy aims to prevent overcrowding on the trails and ensure comprehensive support for all racers throughout the event.

THE ROUTE OVERVIEW

Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of elevation gain

Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano

 

Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of elevation gain

Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere

 

Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of elevation gain

Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of elevation gain

Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of elevation gain

Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

 

Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of elevation gain

Saturday, September 7: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

The Appenninici – An Olympic champion discovers Appenninica

by | Feb 9, 2024 | Highlights

Never stop learning and discovering new things, even if you are an Olympic and World Cross Country champion, thus rightfully included in the list of mountain bike legends. Despite his professional career ending a few years ago, Miguel Martinez still enjoys pinning a bib on his back: racing continues to be part of his life, and in 2023 he couldn’t resist the temptation called Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

“Cycling and mountain biking represent freedom for me, a balanced way of living. It’s a chance to do something completely different from, for example, sitting in front of a computer. To me, the bike is everything. I need it, like air“, explains the French champion, Miguel Martinez.

The gold medallist in Cross Country at the Sydney 2000 Olympics participated in Appenninica 2023 with the Piraz Coaching Academy’s Mirko Pirazzoli team. The Frenchman has already raced in Italy in the past, and he knows Emilia-Romagna also for his past as road cyclist with Mapei. However, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines trails have been a pleasant discovery to him.

“Appenninica is a challenging race, being on the bike every day for a week is not easy, but mentally, it’s a panacea. Every day, you see a different route and spectacular landscapes. It can start with an asphalt climb before entering the woods, followed by a technical descent. It keeps changing”, says Miguel Martinez.

After the experience of Appenninica in 2023, Miguel Martinez was officially charmed by the mountain bike stage race routes, the familiar atmosphere and the optimal organization of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB.

“It was the first time in Appenninica. I’ve been following it for a couple of years, and Mirko Pirazzoli (Team manager, ed.) has recommended it to me several times, telling me it was worth experiencing it. September is the right time: the weather and temperatures here are perfect. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone because it’s a real surprise. In terms of organization, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has nothing to envy to Cape Epic: everything is designed to make you feel good and just think about having fun on the bike. It’s a family that works to the fullest to make you feel as comfortable as possible“, says Miguel Martinez.

And if a World and Olympic champion says so, you can trust it.