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

Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) has established over the years as a must-be location for Appenninica MTB Stage Race. From the base of its majestic Bismantova Rock, the MTB Marathon stage race (4th – 9th September, 2023) will kick off its fifth edition.

A total of 150 athletes from 24 nations are prepared to take on the Appenninica challenge in its renewed 6-stage format, aiming to secure the coveted finisher’s medal and possibly the overall victory. Among the favorites in the men’s field are 2020 winner Hans Becking and Portuguese rider Tiago Ferreira, who benefits from a strong teammate in Andreas Miltiadis, ready to contend for the title. Another potential contender is Martino Tronconi, although his teammate Nicola Taffarel was a late scratch from the race due to a last-minute injury.

Other riders with top ambitions include Felix Fritzsch and Lukas Kaufmann, winners of the Appenninica in 2021 and 2019, as well as Dutchmen Tim Smeenge (XCM National champion) and Bart Classens, who was among the leading riders in 2021.

In the women’s category, back-to-back champion Naima Diesner is the clear favorite for the overall victory. Her main rival is expected to be Russian MTB Marathon champion Kristina Ilina, with growing attention on Swiss rider Nina Brenn, who recently showcased excellent form at the Swiss Epic. Italian hopes rest with Deborah Piana, who secured second place at the 2023 National Marathon championships.

Today, September 3rd, the Appenninca MTB Stage Race program was opened by “Appenninica Lovers”, a non-competitive MTB and e-MTB gathering on the route of stage 1. Organized by MTB Vetto, the event acted as a true mountain bike festival and a fitting warm-up for the atmosphere in Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

THE ROUTE

Appenninica 2023 covers approximately 400 km and includes a challenging 14,000 meters of elevation gain from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Lizzano in Belvedere, passing through new locations like Fiumalbo and another long-standing host, Fanano.

This edition marks the introduction of a new 6-stage format, as opposed to the previous 7. This decision by the Happy Trail MTB organization aims to simplify logistics for the athletes while preserving the route’s remarkable difficulty, which has earned the Appenninica MTB Stage Race global recognition over the past five years.

The journey begins on Monday, September 4th, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti, covering 57 km with an altitude difference of 1,850 meters. It commences from the foot of the Bismantova Rock and traverses the lands of Matilda di Canossa.

Only one stage into the race, and the Queen Stage awaits on Tuesday, September 5th. While shorter (90 km) than previous editions, it remains a demanding stage with a 3200-meter altitude difference to conquer before reaching the finish line in Fiumalbo.

There’s no time to rest, as on Wednesday, September 6th, riders will face a circuit around Fiumalbo that will once again test their ambitions. The “Tuscany Incipit” is a highlight of the 2023 edition, taking the race across the border into Tuscany at the Abetone ski resort, featuring a 79 km course with 2550 meters of altitude difference.

Thursday, September 7th, brings Stage 4, with Mount Cimone as the focal point. The “Cimone Challenge” route starts from Fiumalbo and concludes in Fanano, covering 62 km with a 2350-meter elevation gain.

The subsequent stage on Friday, September 8th, from Fanano to Vidiciatico, embodies the true spirit of Appenninica. “Appenninica Distilled” encompasses 61 km and 2500 meters of altitude difference, offering a mix of the race’s best elements: long but manageable climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking landscapes.

The grand finale is set for Saturday, September 9th, in the “Monte Pizzo” stage. This 36 km loop with 1500 meters of elevation gain starts and finishes in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere, serving as the ultimate judge of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, much like in 2022.

Becking and Brenn win Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2024

The sixth and final stage around Castelnovo ne’ Monti saw Dutch and Swiss riders cement their leadership, while Italian Luca Cacchi clinched the stage victory. “We love the idea that many riders see Appenninica as an adventure, and they come back year after year.”

Becking and Brenn edge closer to Appenninica glory in Mountain Queen Stage

The Dutch and Swiss riders confirmed their leadership in the General Classifications of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Tomorrow, September 7th, the final stage features a loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Weinberg storms to victory in Fiumalbo as Becking and Brenn hold firm

In a stunning upset, the youngest participant in the sixth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race clinches victory in stage 4, outsprinting Cacchi and Becking in the final kilometer. Brenn continues her domination in the women's field. Becking and Brenn maintain their...

Italy’s Mandelli breaks Becking’s streak in Fiumalbo. Brenn makes it three in a row

In the third stage, 59 km and 2,600 m of elevation gain from Lizzano in Belvedere to Fiumalbo, the Italian rider outsprinted the leader, Hans Becking. In the women’s category Nina Brenn takes another win, while Bakker is back on the podium. Tomorrow, September 5, the stage will loop around Fiumalbo

New stage, same winners: Becking-Brenn repeat in Vidiciatico

The two overall leaders also won the second stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race (Loiano-Lizzano in Belvedere), covering 73 km and 2,550 meters of elevation gain. Tomorrow, the race heads to high altitude between Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone, finishing in Fiumalbo

Steep from the start: Appenninica tests riders on Tour de France footsteps

ans Becking and Nina Brenn celebrate in the 43 km and 1550 m elevation gain opening stage from Bologna to Loiano. On Tuesday, September 3rd, the peloton will face the first peaks of the Apennines in the Corno alle Scale area while heading towards Lizzano in Belvedere

Bologna vibes for Appenninica MTB Stage Race

The 2024 edition was unveiled in the heart of Bologna, with the race office opening in the iconic Sala Borsa on Piazza del Nettuno. From Monday, September 2nd, Appenninica MTB Stage Race will kick off with the first of six stages on the San Luca climb, the same one tackled just two months ago by the Tour de France

From Bologna to the Apennines: the journey of Appenninica MTB Stage Race is about to begin

The MTB stage race in the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna returns from September 2-7, 2024, with its sixth edition. After departing from Bologna, athletes will pass through Loiano, Lizzano in Belvedere, Fiumalbo and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, covering 400 km and 13,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking hunts for a third success in the men’s field, while an unpredictable race unfolds in the women’s category

From Iberia to Italy: Xinxó and Carpinteiro set to tackle Appenninica MTB Stage Race

Experienced marathon riders embark on their first attempt at the challenging 400 km Italian mountain bike event

Appenninica MTB Stage Race: forging a winning alliance between sport and territory

The Italian stage race is set to kick off its 2024 edition (September 2-7) with a growing panel of solid partners, including private companies—many rooted in Emilia-Romagna—and institutional entities

Bart Classens eyes the crown at Appenninica

After a 4th place finish in 2023 and a silver medal in 2021—highlighted by a thrilling Queen Stage victory in stormy conditions – the Dutchman returns for the third time to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with unfinished business. “The Apennines are the perfect backdrop for a tough race with unforgettable scenery. My goal? A strong showing in the General Classification.”

Final verdict in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race

The final two stages of the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 2-7) will unfold beneath the towering Bismantova Rock, determining the champions of this year’s edition. The penultimate stage, dubbed the Mountain Queen Stage, has the potential to dramatically shake up the overall standings, while the concluding stage will take competitors on a loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti