Elena Novikova takes in new challenge at Appenninica MTB Stage Race

After claiming the 24-hour indoor world record in 2017, the Ukrainian ultracyclist will take part in the third edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th: “Can’t wait to fall in love with this race”

The Outdoor Lab

Elena Novikova has achieved many records in her career, but her desire for new challenge does not seem to vanish. From September 12th to 18th, 2021Appenninica MTB Stage Race will offer the perfect terrain to test herself along the 420km and 16,000 km of elevation gain from Porretta Terme to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. After her recent success at the 2021 Race Across Italy, the Ukrainian ultracyclist looks to Appeninica as an experience to enjoy the race atmosphere, surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

“I have always raced in long-distance road and mountain bike events, facing plenty of challenging competitions. I heard about Appenninica MTB Stage Race from my friends and have been willing to participate since. I’m always looking for races where I can fall in love with the routes, the race atmosphere, and find new friends. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have wonderful landscapes. I can’t wait to take part in this adventure”, Elena Novikova said.

In 2016, the Ukrainian ultracyclist showed her skills in this type of competition, winning the Iron Bike. However, her most important achievement is the 24-hour Indoor World Record, marked in 2017: 781,64 km.

 “Appenninica MTB Stage Race should be harder than Iron Bike, especially based on my own skills. I’m usually good in the portage sections, but at Appenninica, you have to ride above all. My experience in ultracycling could certainly help me because I know how to manage the energies and to use different positions on the bike, which is useful when you feel some muscle discomfort”, analysed the 37-year-old athlete.

After Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Elena Novikova will go for two major goals of her season: the 24-hourWorld Time Trials Championships in Borrego Springs and the World 24-hour Solo Mountain Bike Championships. “For me, every race is important, and I always do my best, but Appenninica is something new for me, and I want to be surprised by the experience, without being obsessed by the result. I don’t fear altitude and the efforts because I know how to face my limits. I hope to do my best at Appenninica”, explains Elena Novikova.   

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