Appenninica comes home: Porretta Terme rocks your soul

by | Aug 16, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

On Thursday 8th and Friday 9th September, Porretta Terme will be stage finish and start of 2022 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September). The town in the Province of Bologna is home to ASD Happy Trail MTB, the organizing company of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

The Emilia-Romagna Apennines are the theatre of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and Porretta Terme is home to ASD Happy Trail MTB, the organizing company of the event. That’s why the mountain bike stage race feels at home any time it reaches Porretta Terme: in 2022, the thermal town in the Province of Bologna will be in the spotlight on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th September.

Unlike previous years, the 2022 edition will get to Porretta Terme in the second half of the race. On Thursday, September 8th, the course of the fifth stage, 67 kilometres and 2200 metres of total elevation gain, will start from Fanano (Modena) and will immediately face the ascent towards Fellicarolo, before approaching a technical descent towards the valley of the Ospitale river. From there onwards, the stage will follow the so-called “Gothic Line”, theatre of resistance clashes during the Second World War. Before reaching Porretta Terme, the athletes will engage in the ascent to the picturesque village of Monteacuto delle Alpi, and then launch themselves into two descents: a more technical one first, towards Castelluccio, and a second one, faster, that will head straight to the finish line.

On the following day, Friday September 9th, Porretta Terme will host the start of the sixth stage: Il Corno (The Horn). 63 km long and with 2700 metres of altitude difference, the main protagonist of the stage finishing in Lizzano in Belvedere will be the Corno alle Scale ski area. The stage presents a tough first section with around 30 km of uphill forest roads, to be ridden in untouched nature. At about km 37, the race will turn into a more technical challenge, facing the demanding climb of the Passo dello Stofinatoio (6 km long and 600 metres altitude difference, including a 500 metres portage stint). From there, the athletes will reach the Scaffaiolo Lake before nosediving through trails and single tracks sections towards the finish line.

“Once again, Porretta Terme will host Appenninica MTB Stage Race – commented Giuseppe Nanni, mayor of Alto Reno Terme – Appenninica is now a well-established event, whose roots are grounded in our territory. This adds an extra motivation for us to support this event, an international competition that enhances our wonderful area involving also sectorial media. I wish good luck to all the Appenninica staf and ridersf: Porretta Terme is ready to welcome you!”.

PORRETTA TERME TREATS YOUR SOUL

Among its many facets, Porretta Terme is well-known for its SPA centres and for its water, rich in mineral elements. Even today, it is still possible to visit the underground springs, discovering the secrets of the subsoil and the path of the thermal water. In addition, thanks to the recent collaboration with the Gruppo Monti Salute Più, which is an important Bologna-based company for health and wellness that is renovating the thermal centre, it will be possible for athletes to stay in the Porretta facilities at the end of the fifth stage.

“For Gruppo Monti Salute Più, Porretta Terme is an important hub,” commented Antonio Monti, the company’s Scientific Director, “as we have taken over the ancient thermal centre and we are now aiming to bring it back to the magnificence of the first half of the 20th century, when it was a real gem for the entire area. Collaborating with events like Appenninica, that share our values of sports, mobility and a healthy relationship between humans and environment trhough the Natura World project, allows us to further convey our message and give a boost to an initiative that enhances this territory”.

Furthermore, Porretta Terme can also boast an international music event, the Porretta Soul Festival. Every year since more than 30 years, this festival gathers the best soul and rhythm & blues artists on the international scene, establishing itself as a cult event for the whole town and province.

The Appenninici: from doctor to competitor, the trajectory of Debora Lana

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Highlights

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race characters have plenty of stories to tell, either about life or sports. After taking part in the first two editions as a doctor in the race village, in 2021, Debora Lana decided to face the Appenninica challenge on her bike

While the spirit behind Appenninica MTB Stage Race – the MTB stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, scheduled this year from 4 to 10 September, is to create a friendly and familiar atmosphere where everyone can feel at home, there are different ways to live and enjoy those intense moments. 

Someone who has joined the extended Appenninica family is Debora Lana, a doctor by profession but a passionate biker in her leisure time. After taking part in the first two editions as doctor at the race village, last year, Debora decided to exchange her scrub for a cycling uniform to experience the paths of the Apennines.

“After the first two editions as race doctor, I was curious to try the experience as a participant because I had never competed in mountain bike stage races. Following a specific training program, I decided to try the adventure. I was pleasantly surprised, both for being able to complete it and for the good performance,” said Debora Lana. 

Those who have experienced the Apennines know how much this event can leave an indelible mark, creating lasting memories and relationships. And even more so for those who have lived it in two guises.

“Maybe it is because I have lived the Appenninica experience on both sides that I feel deeply a part of this Appenninica Family. The staff gives you great enthusiasm, creating chances to know people from all over the world with who you can make friends. It is truly a life experience. When you live it within the staff, your commitment is to fulfil the athletes’ needs, trying to be useful for them. When you live it as an athlete, you give it all on the competitive level, to finish the stage in the best possible way”, explained Debora Lana.

Debora Lana liked last year’s experience so much that she plans to repeat it this year, though an injury keeps on the mend her hopes to be at the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on September 4th .

“I am very interested in riding the reverse route. Last year I was a beginner and definitely made some mistakes, but I think it’s important to manage nutrition and integration and to get your body used to the effort, with adequate rest and well-defined rhythms. Last year, the day after Appenninica, I took part in an Mtb Marathon race and won in the distance I had signed up for: it was my eighth Appenninica stage!”

 

Riders bulletin n.4/2022

by | Aug 1, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.4 📒July 28, 2022

 

Hey there,

 

This is the 4th rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. We are 38 days out.

 

Arriving and Parking

See you in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Saturday, September the 3rd. Come to the accreditation desk between 14:00 and 17:00 in Piazza Gramsci here, near the City Hall. The race briefing is also there at 17:30. If you cannot do otherwise, you can also check in on Sunday morning between 9:00 and 10:00 (the stage starts at 13:00).

 

Parking options for long-term and camper vans:

– Cars and camper vans: parcheggio Piazzale Collodi

This is the long-term parking for those who are parking in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the week.

 

Transfer – Stage 7 location (pre-booked service)

The transfer from location stage 7 is planned for 10:00 on Saturday. Parking and pick-up are by the Conca d’Oro Pool in Vidiciatico. Please park in the lower parking lot.

Please have your bikes assembled – not in the bike bag – and be ready to board at the above time.

 

Transfer – Airport (pre-booked service)

Transfer from Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) is planned for 13:00 on Saturday, September 3rd.

We have a small group of riders coming on Friday and we are arranging a transfer at 20:00. Reply to this email if you are interested.

If you have not sent your flight schedule with the flight number please write to info@appenninica-mtb.com. We must have this information (it is not enough that you have booked the transfer).

The meeting point is at the arrival terminal (ground floor). Exit from the sliding doors and gather to your right. You’ll see a staff member with an Appenninica sign.

If you arrive by train you can reach the airport via the monorail called Marconi Express.

 

Accommodation Pre-race

If you still need to find a hotel in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the night of Saturday the 3rd, you can reply to this email.

 

Note: dorms are open after stage 1 on Sunday; Race week hotel packages do not include the pre-race night.

 

Basics and Updates:

  • The starting list is online! Click here.
  • The riders’ bulletins will be saved on the website so that you won’t have to dig them out of your inbox. Make sure you read them all.
  • If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages (only companions who have a companion package can access certain areas).
  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • Read the latest Appenninica news here.
  • Volunteers: do you know anyone who could volunteer? They can do so for the whole race or for a part of it.

Reminders and To Do:

  • Racing license. If you have missed the racing license email you can find it here. If you are buying the daily licenses please have 70 Euro in cash at registration and the medical declaration.
  • Rules. The race rules are published here. Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions.

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

 

It’s always a show in Fanano with “Pippo Yeah 2.0”

by | Jul 27, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

Appenninica MTB Stage Race is ready to return to Fanano, a host town always present since the first edition. On Tuesday, 6 September, Fanano will host the arrival of the High Mountain Queen Stage, while on Wednesday, 7 September, there will be the fun of “Pippo Yeah 2.0”, whose course has been set by Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani

With Castelnovo ne’ Monti and Porretta Terme, Fanano (Modena) is the other stage venue present in every edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race so far. The resort in the Modena Apennines will host the mountain bike stage race again during the next edition, scheduled from 4 to 10 September 2022.

After the first three stages in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the finish line of the High Mountain Queen Stage, the most anticipated stage in the program, will be in Fanano on Tuesday, 6 September. 106 km and 3650 meters of total elevation gain are expected to say a lot about the outcome of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. After a first part in the Province of Reggio Emilia, through the Monte Cusna area and the climb of Monte Giovarello, the race will enter the Province of Modena, reaching the Passo Radici. From here, before the finish line in Piazza Corsini, the athletes will tackle the climb up to Pian Cavallaro, at the foot of Monte Cimone, and then head downhill towards Fanano. 

On Wednesday, 7 September, the “Pippo Yeah 2.0” will offer participants a fun-filled stage according to the style of its creator: famous trail builder Pier Paolo “Pippo” Marani. Along the 55 km and 2200 meters of elevation gain, there will be two challenging climbs to tackle. First, the athletes will ascend to the Colombino Pass (14 km and 900 meters of elevation gain), then tackle a beautiful single track to the hamlet of Ospitale. From there starts the second ascent under one of the most beautiful beech forests of the Apennines towards the Passo della Croce Arcana. In the finale, the route passes the scenic Scaffaiolo Lake and Patrignano Lake with an unmissable view over the valley to the finish in Fanano.

On Thursday, 8 September, Fanano will instead greet the Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan with the start of the stage entitled “Gothic Line“, which will end in Porretta Terme (BO) crossing the Gothic Line, a theatre of the Second World War. 67 km and 2200 meters of elevation gain that start strong by repeating the climb towards Fellicarolo and then return to the valley of the Ospitale stream through a series of technical descents, before a continuous up and down along the Gothic Line.

“Fanano is proud to host Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. This is the only sporting event of an international scale that takes place in our area, and it allows us to give great visibility to the Monte Cimone area. Athletes arrive from Europe and beyond every year to discover our trails and territory. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a fundamental moment for promoting tourism in the area”, says the Mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli.  

FANANO, BETWEEN MONTE CIMONE AND FELICE PEDRONI

Fanano is linked to the Monte Cimone ski resort, where it is possible to practice winter sports, trekking, mountain biking, and outdoor sports. Orange flagged by the Italian Touring Club since 2001, the town in the Province of Modena is also rich in history and culture with the Pieve di San Silvestro and the Church of San Giuseppe. 

However, Fanano’s name is also associated with gold prospector Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in Alaska by finding the largest gold deposit in the area. There, he founded the town of Fairbanks, where most of the population was dedicated to gold panning.

Appenninica the litmus test for Diego Arias’ rainbow dreams

by | Jul 21, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

The Marathon MTB vice-World Champion chose Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September 2022) as final dress rehearsal ahead of the World Championships in Haderslev (Denmark). The Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian looks forward to his debut on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

Pursuing goals and turning them from dreams into reality requires lots of commitment and effort. Team Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian Diego Arias has chosen the challenging Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 (4-10 September 2022) as his final test before chasing his dream of becoming Marathon World Champion.

After his second place at the 2021 World Championships in Capoliveri, the strong Colombian athlete has stepped into a new dimension, and has opted for the altimetric and technical difficulties of the Italian stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines as litmus test before another rainbow charge. Hig goal will be to refine his condition for the 2022 UCI Marathon MTB World Championships, scheduled eight days after the conclusion of Appenninica, on 18 September 2022 in Haderslev, Denmark.

“I think facing the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the right concentration and spirit can be a great preparation for the World Championships. If we do things right, I think we will arrive in Denmark in top shape. A race like Appenninica must be prepared very well, and you have to be able to manage your energy day after day. It will be crucial to arrive clear-headed at the end of the week”, says the Marathon MTB vice-World Champion.

 

Diego Arias has had a good season so far, with the highlights of the overall success at the Rally di Sardegna, the recent victory at the Assietta Legend and a remarkable second place at the Hero Südtirol Dolomites. There’s little doubt he will line up in Castelnovo ne’ Monti as one of the top favorites for the 2022 Appenninica overall crown.

“My goal is to perform well and fight for the general classification, or at least a place on the podium. I looked at the stages, and it certainly looks like a very hard race. I haven’t red circled any day in particular, we will have to think day by day”, Arias explained.

It will be the first time for the Hubbers-Polimedical team as well at Appenninica, and they hope to hit the ground running.

“We have decided to participate in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 because we believe it is a well organised event, and the perfect dress rehearsal for the Marathon MTB World Championships. We will be at the start with the aim of performing well and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines”, said Hubbers-Polimedical Team Manager Gianfranco Bechis.