The Italian mountain bike stage race will take place in September 2022, but will move a few days earlier compared to 2021. The “Early Bird” registration phase starts on November 15th
Just little time to enjoy the show of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, and for Appenninica MTB Stage Race is already time to start planning for a new adventure. The Italian mountain bike stage race has disclosed the dates of next year’s event: the fourth edition of the event will take place from September 4th to 10th, 2022.
In the 2021 edition, which ended less than two months ago, Appenninica has further established itself among the most relevant events in Italian mountain bike, collecting significant success among riders and stakeholders on the international scale. For the 2022 edition, the A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB organizers have opted to move the dates a few days earlier, yet confirming its late-summer fixture for the third year in a row.
“Our goal is to grow further, strengthening Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s positioning as a unique competition for its technical level, the wild and amazing landscapes, and for the extraordinary atmosphere that riders breathe within the Appenninica family. The feedback from riders and insiders at the end of the 2021 edition has given us further energy and motivation. We want to keep focussing on our distinguishing features, while building around them an increasingly engaging and attractive event, a showcase for the territory and the Emilia-Romagna Apennines”, said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, co-organizers of the race.
The registration opening date has also been fixed on Monday, November 15th, 2021, when the “Early Bird” phase will get off. In this phase, there are 50 numbers available within January 31st, 2022, providing the chance to register at the lowest fee, and pay in several instalments. Like many stage events, Appenninica is a full-service race, which means that not only the participation, but also accommodation, meals, transfers between stages and other services, are included in the fee.
The “solo” formula has been confirmed also for the 2022 edition, as well as the maximum number of 150 registered riders, to avoid overcrowding of trails and to guarantee higher race standards.
In the final stage, Felix Fritzsch gained more terrain over Bart Classens, on his way to the overall victory. Elia Taverna won the final stage and earned the third step of the podium. Diesner finalized a dominating display to be crowned queen of Appenninica 2021
Credits: Francesco Narcisi / The Outdoor Lab
The test of the Bismantova Rock gave Felix Fritzsch the Men’s crown of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021. Winner of the opening stage in Porretta Terme, the German completed the stage race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines in first position, showing consistency and tactical acumen to beat Bart Classens in the GC by 8:09, responding to the Dutchman’s comeback after the High Mountain Queen Stage.
Fritzsch was not among the top favorites before the race, yet on Saturday, September 18th, 2021, on the finish line in Piazza Peretti in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the German enriched his palmares, adding the Appenninica overall to the 2018 Rally di Romagna. The 32-year-old of the RSG 52 Stolbergteam completed the seven stages in 20:49:55, ahead of Dutch Bart Classens (second) and Elia Taverna, third at 37:22.
“I’m really happy for the final victory. The race was very hard and I’m tired but we rode in wonderful landscapes and the Apennines are stunning. I’m proud to have completed the race, that was my goal at the start, but it was a fantastic experience. Now that I won the leader jersey, I have to come back next year and defend it”, said Felix Fritzsch on the finish line.
After riding all week in the front positions, Elia Taverna finally achieved a stage victory on the final day, 50 km and 1600 metres of elevation gain. The Italian rider managed to win the final stage in 2:27:55, setting the pace with Fritzsch and Classens in the first part of race, until a flat tire forced the Dutchman out of the game. At the finish, Fritzsch gave Elia Taverna the green light to the stage win.
“Finally, I have got a stage victory. I’m happy of how I have been racing this week and I’m fully satisfied about my participation. I didn’t think I’d be such at the sharp end, and to win a stage, so it’s all very positive”, said Elia Taverna.
Credits: Juan J. Pestaña / The Outdoor Lab
NAIMA DIESNER’S CONQUERS APPENNINICA
An absolute protagonist of this edition, Naima Diesner’s attitude conquered the entire caravan of Appenninica. The German got another win at the shade of the Bismantova Rock in 2:51:57, ahead of Virginia Cancellieri by 7:21 and Evelyn Sulzer by 8:13. After the expected battles in the first stages, Diesner dominated the race starting from the High Mountain Queen Stage and winning four out of seven stages. In the overall standings, the Tuspo Weemde team rider finished Appenninica in 26:24:58, with an advantage of 59:37 on Virginia Cancellieri and 1:26:09 on Evelyn Sulzer.
“It was a fantastic experience. At Appenninica MTB Stage Race I found a wonderful atmosphere, the people welcomed me in an extraordinary way. This victory is also for those who couldn’t race it till the end due to some crashes or mechanical problems. I really enjoyed the race and I’d love to be back next year”, explained Naima Diesner.
Credits: Francesco Narcisi / The Outdoor Lab
APPENNINICA EYES FURTHER GROWTH IN 2022
At the end of the 2021 edition, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race organizers drew a positive wrap-up of the experience, looking forward to 2022 with new drive and confidence. The 106 athletes coming from 16 different Countries expressed positive comments towards the Emilia-Romagna Apennines stage race, where they fell in love with the atmosphere through the whole week.
“The feedback from the riders confirms that Appenninica belongs among the main mountain bike stage races in Europe. Many athletes felt at home while discovering unexpected landscapes among the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. The competition was tough, showing that the route gave nothing for granted and needed to be prepared in the best possible way. We lived an intense week full of emotions, thanks to the beautiful landscapes and the passion of the athletes. We are already looking forward to 2022 with the aim of growing further”, said the Appenninica organizers, Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi.
The final awarding ceremony in Piazza Peretti was attended by the Antonella Incerti, member of the Italian Parliament’s Agriculture Commission and representative of the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Public Works Councillor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti Giorgio Severi, and on behalf of the Coop Alleanza 3.0 Directors Board, Chiara Saccani. “I want to express a big thank you to the OC and to all athletes – said Antonella Incerti-. We are investing on the Apennines and on these areas that have a great potential. Appenninica is an important chance to showcase the territory in all his features, from landscapes to hospitality and cuisine”.
After the the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, the Dutch biker took also the sixth one in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, but Felix Fritzsch remained on his wheel and in the GC lead. Tomorrow, the Bismantova Rock will crown the king of Appenninica. Another victory for leader Naima Diesner among women
Credits: Francesco Narcisi / The Outdoor Lab
Following his feat in the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, Bart Classens delivered another success in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, on Friday, September 17th, 2021. The Dutchman won Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s 6th test, started from Cerreto Laghi, whose distance was shortened to 45 km and 1200 metres of elevation gain after yesterday’s downpours had affected the safety conditions on some trails. On the finish line of Piazza Peretti, Classens outsprinted GC leader Felix Fritzsch, ending his effort in 2:05:36.
Bart Classens got off to a strong start, trying to attack Fritzsch’s lead, but the German biker managed the situation, getting back on the Dutchman’s wheels halfway into the race. From there, the two continued together to the finish, where Classens won the duo’s sprint. The final outcome will be decided tomorrow, when Felix Fritzsch will have a 6:36 advantage to defend. Italy’s Elia Taverna was third both in the stage, with a 4:01 gap, and in general classification, over 30 minutes behind the German.
“I tried to pick up the pace in the early part of stage to try to put Felix (Fritzsch) into trouble, and I managed to drop him at first, but he made his way back. Tomorrow, I’ll also need some of luck, because Fritzsch has a solid lead to manage”, explained Bart Classens.
Naima Diesner had already proved to be the strongest of the field in the previous stages, but she wanted to make her participation in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race even more successful, taking her third stage victory in 2:30:12. After thanking the O.C. on social networks for their handling of the “High Mountain Queen Stage” tough weather conditions, the German biker dug a further gap in the general classification, which she leads with 52:16 on Virginia Cancellieri.
At the finish in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Evelyn Sulzer took second place with a 9:37 gap, while the Italian biker of the Orbea Factory Team was 12:35 adrift, giving up any further hope for the overall glory. After the start, the three best riders rode together, until an attack by the duo Cancellieri-Sulzer, to which Diesner replied and further insisted with her pace, flying alone to the finish line.
“I started with the idea of managing my advantage. Virginia (Cancellieri) and Evelyn (Sulzer) tried to raise the pace and so did I. I’m happy to be here in Appenninica and I think that the situation in general classification is now quite secure, but I still have to be careful”, said Naima Diesner after the finish line.
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
THE 2021 EDITION TO BE DECIDED ON DANTE’S PURGATORY
After the efforts of an intense week, it will be the “Purgatory” stage to decide the final classification of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, on Saturday, September 18th. In Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the anticipated final act will take place over 50 km and 1600 metres of elevation gain, which will crown the winner of the 2021 edition between Fritzsch and Classens.
On the 700th anniversary of the of poet Dante Alighieri’s death, the final judge of Appenninica will be the Bismantova Rock, which according to tradition inspired the Purgatory of the Divine Comedy. Leaving the town of Castelnovo, the route will continue for 13 km on the sinuous track until the steep climb to Monte Fasola. After a long downhill to the Secchia river, allowing for a short breather, the riders will climb again towards the Bismantova Rock, before heading back downtown to the finish line in Piazza Peretti.
The unexpected change of weather conditions in the final part of the stage forced the organizers to neutralize the Queen Stage at km 84. The Dutchman won over Felix Frtizsch, the new overall leader after Ilias Periklis retired. Naima Diesner gets closer to the final victory
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
A heavy storm affected the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, the most awaited stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, on Thursday, September 16th. The rain took the spotlight in this stage, initially of 98 km and neutralized at km 84 on the Pradarena Pass, due to a violent cloudburst hitting the finish line of Cerreto Laghi. The weather, expected to improve by the time of arrival, played a bad joke to the Appenninica family.
To guarantee the safety of all athletes, Appenninica MTB Stage Race organizers Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, decided to shorten the race when the weather situation got worse in the final part of the race: “The riders’ safety is always our priority – said the OC -. When things got worse, we took a tough decision but the most responsible one.“
The fight for the final victory was shaken up, as the race lost two standout protagonists after 30 km due to the cold: Milton Ramos, winner in Fanano, and GC leader Ilias Periklis, who had already won two stages. The Greek of the DMT Racing Team opted to put his foot down to preserve his form for the upcoming MTB Marathon World Championships on next October 2nd.
A heroic Bart Classens was able to tame the rain, winning in in 4:49:00 and gaining 12 minutes on new overall leader Felix Fritzsch. The German is back in the blue jersey with 6:36 on the Dutchman. Italy’s Elia Taverna, who rode all week in the top poisitions, arrived with 17 minutes of delay from today’s winner and he’s now 33:26 behind Fritzsch.
“It was a crazy stage, but with this weather very similar to my Netherlands, and I git hyped – commented stage winner Bart Classens – On the first climb I was together with Ilias (Periklis) but I didn’t see him quitting the race. At the second feed zone I lost sight on Felix Fritzsch so I went at my own pace. In these situations if you slow down you just feel colder, anyway I didn’t realize I had won”.
Naima Diesner got even closer to the final victory in the women’s category. The German arrived at km 84 after 6 hours and 28 minutes, beating Virginia Cancellieri by 23 minutes. The Italian athlete couldn’t keep up from the early kilometers, and saw her overall chances fade, now with 39:41 to recover. Austrian Evelyn Sulzer has confirmed her third position, paying 29 minutes on the finish line, and now with an over one-hour delay.
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
THE RACE HEADS TO CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI
After the “High Mountain Queen Stage” which shook up the general classification, the race resumes on Friday, September 17th, towards Castelnovo ne’ Monti. After the departure from the ski resort of Cerreto Laghi, the athletes will face 65 km and 2050 meters of total elevation gain for a stage completely charted inside the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco Emiliano, Unesco MAB Reserve.
The “Park & Roll” stage runs along the Pranda Lake in the initial part, then up to the Pradarena Pass. After the descent towards the Collagna Valley, the race climbs again through the Parmigiano Reggiano mountain pastures. After the Pratizzano Pass, the athletes will reach Lake Calamone, before tackling the final kilometres to the finish line, in the Cervarezza Bike Park.
Milton Ramos put his signature on Appenninica MTB Stage Race stage 4 thanks to a masterful downhill, beating Periklis, Fritzsch and Classens. Virginia Cancellieri won in the women’s category, bouncing back after stage 3 disappointment
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
Halflway through his second participation at Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Milton Ramos has finally broken the ice on Tuesday, September 15th 2021. The “Zorro of the desert” won the fourth stage with start and finish in Piazza Corsini in Fanano, 48 km and 2150 meters of elevation gain charted by famous trail builder Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani. A fast and technical course that exalted Ramos’ skills, especially in the long downhill towards the city centre, with 15 single track sections.
On the climb up to the Croce Arcana Pass, four riders were in front: along with Milton Ramos, the general classification leaders Ilias Periklis, Felix Frtizsch, and Dutchman Bart Classens. On the downhill,l Ramos started his own personal show, leaving everyone behind and crossing the finish line after 2:51:57 with a 1:18 advantage on Periklis. A little further back, Felix Fritzsch completed the day’s podium with a gap of 1:24.
After last year’s participation, finished with the fourth place overall, Ramos took his first victory in the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna. “The stage was very hard, with tough climbs, but very fast in the second downhill part. I gave everything and took risks several times, but I wanted to win here at the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Finally, I did it“, Milton Ramos explained at the finish line
The situation in the general classification remains unchanged: Periklis has maintained his shallow advantage of 31 seconds over Fritzsch. Stable third in the general classification is Bart Classens, now with a delay of 19:07. “The stage was very good; I managed my energies with an eye on the GC. Tomorrow we’ll have a very long and difficult stage, with rain expected, so we’ll have to be focused and even more careful because the gap with Frtizsch is really small“, Periklis said at the finish line.
Furthermore, the winner of 2001 and 2003 Giro d’Italia, Gilberto Simoni has joined the Appenninica MTB Stage Race family in Fanano, as an out-of-competition special guest. The Italian climber immediately tested himself in the today’s stage, enjoying the track by Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani, whom he met at the start. Simoni will also ride in stage 5 and 6 to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, facing the hardness of the Apennines routes.
Credits: Alyona Blagikh / The Outdoor Lab
CANCELLIERI’S VICTORY IGNITES THE BATTLE
The Women’s category keeps adding interest and uncertainty. Virginia Cancellieri returned to victory, immediately redeeming her underwhewlming performance in the third stage. The Orbea Factory Team rider was rolling from the start, and extended her lead kilometre after kilometre, finishing the race in 3:36:58.
The Italian’s performance reopened the overall standings, as current leader Naima Diesner paid 9:15 at the finish in Fanano and saw her overall gap shrinking to 16:47 with the “Queen Stage” still to come. The German was held up by a technical problem, while Austrian Evelyn Sulzer lost contact with the overall lead and gave up 22:37 at the finish line; at 39:19 in the GC, her overall chances are probably over.
“Today was a really nice stage, I saw that it suited my characteristics: long but rolling, and with technical descents. My legs were going well, and my goal was to reach the top in front and then gain advantage on the downhill. Tomorrow there is a really long stage and I think that there the real difference for the GC can be done “, explained Virginia Cancellieri at the finish line.
Credits: Juan J. Pestaña / The Outdoor Lab
THE QUEEN STAGE TO SHAKE UP THE OVERALL STANDINGS
With a balanced situation in the general classification, both among men and women, the “High Mountain Queen Stage” scheduled on Thursday, September 16th, could be decisive. The 98 km and 3750 meters of elevation gain that will take the riders from Fanano to Cerreto Laghi could be the watershed between the final glory for the win or for a good placement, for those who are still in the game in the general classification. The risk of rain could make the route even more difficult and tricky.
Immediately after the start, the athletes will tackle a 17km climb to Monte Cimone, where they will enjoy the thrilling view of Pian Cavallaro. A 10km dive to Pievepelago will precede the climb to Sant’Anna Pelago, and then a long up and down in the high-altitude area of Monte Cusna. A long but very smooth and spectacular stage: possibly, the decisive one for the final outcome of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021.
