Germany’s Fritzsch and Diesner ready to defend the Appenninica crowns

The two winners of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race are ready to take the start again in 2022 (4-10 September) to defend their titles“Appenninica is a special race, and the Italian welcoming makes all the difference,” said the Germans

Giving it all and leaving nothing behind. With this spirit, Felix Fritzsch and Naima Diesner are preparing to defend the titles they earned on the finish line of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race just under a year ago. The two German riders will be back to the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the 2022 edition (4-10 September), aware that the competition might be even fiercer this time.

For Fritzsch and Diesner, the overall victory in 2021 came in different fashions, but still tasted sweet. In the men’s category, the R2 MTN CREW rider took the title by emerging over the field of the pre-race favorites, proving to be the most consistent athlete throughout the week. In the women’s field, Diesner – now a Buff-Megamo Team rider – dominated the competition, winning four of the seven available stages and distancing the runner-up, Virginia Cancellieri, by nearly an hour.

Last year, I competed without too many expectationsand I surprised even myself by winning the final classification so I will adopt the same strategy this yearMy goal is to give everything and get the best possible result at the end of the seven stages”, said Felix Fritzsch.

On the other hand, Diesner shows more confidence on the heels of last year’s eloquent performance:

Confirming that achievement will be difficult, but I will do everything to place myself in the top positions again and try to defend the title”.

The pool of contenders promises to be even richer and fiercer in both categories, leading to a more uncertain and spectacular race until the finish line in Lizzano in Belvedere.

I know it will be very difficult to beat Diego Arias, but anything can happen in such a demanding race with several stagesAfter a complicated start of the season due to various physical problems, I am also regaining my best shape ahead of the start: I will give everything day by day“, explained Fritzsch.

Compared to last year, there will be an Olympic athlete like Maaike Polspoel, which raises the level of an already demanding race and makes it even more fascinating. So far, I have had an exciting season, and I hope to continue like this at Appenninica as well”, commented Naima Diesner.

If the build-up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race was different for the two German riders, they once again agreed on the beauty of the race along the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Lizzano in Belvedere, passing through Fanano and Porretta Terme.

Appenninica is a very well organised race, with a special atmosphere outside the competitive moments. An event that I would definitely recommend to those looking for an exciting race that combines adventure and a breath-taking scenery“, resumed Fritzsch.

Last year was a magical race for me, thanks to the excellent Italian hospitality and the atmosphere created by the staff. I enjoyed it so much that not only did I want to be back, but also convinced two friends to join me, from Australia and Costa Rica”, echoed Diesner.

The closing line is about the chances of a repeat for the two Germans.

 

Sharing the podium with a friend like Felix last year was special. Together we talked about returning to Appenninica, and I think it will be great to see us competing for the top positions again”, admitted Diesner.

 

It will be very tough, but one thing is certain: whoever wins will have deserved the title, 100%”, concluded the King of Appenninica 2021.

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