In Lizzano in Belvedere the grand finale of Appenninica 2022

After its debut last year, the town in the province of Bologna will host the conclusion of the 2022 edition on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September. Appenninica MTB Stage Race returns to the Corno alle Scale area, where Alberto Tomba built his greatest successes

People always return where they have had a good time. This is true in life as it is for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, which will conclude its 2022 edition (4-10 September) in Lizzano in Belvedere. After making its debut in last year’s edition, the mountain resort in the Province of Bologna returns as the venue for the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

A great comeback for the town whose name is linked to the Corno alle Scale ski area, where Alberto Tomba used to train. On Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September, Lizzano in Belvedere will decide the 2022 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the last two stage finishes that will define the overall classification.

The athletes will arrive in Lizzano on Friday 9 September, after the start from Porretta Terme, having faced a route of 63 km and 2700 meters of total elevation gain. The stage “Il Corno” will see an initial part of the route on forest paths immersed in the woods, without human settlements, before Km 37 when the athletes face the demanding climb towards the Passo dello Strofinatoio, with the last 500 meters of portage. From there, we will tackle the ridge towards Scaffaiolo Lake before the final slope through trails and single tracks towards the finish.

The seventh and final stage “Monte Pizzo” measures 37 kilometers with 1550 meters of elevation gain. Scheduled on Saturday 10 September, this stage may appear to be the classic final parade, but pitfalls are just around the corner. Starting and finishing from Piazza XXVII Settembre in Vidiciatico, much of the route is set in the natural bike park in a loop that will take the athletes through the “Cuplina” trail twice and the “Albaré” trail once. The grand finale will then take place at the Conca del Sole swimming pool in Vidiciatico.

Our town strongly believes in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race project, and we are happy to host a stage here again this yearThis commitment was also shared with the Metropolitan City of Bologna, whose support for the initiative was key. Our local stakeholders are ready to host athletes and staff to promote the beauty of Corno alle Scale”, said Sergio Polmonari, Mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere. 

LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, BETWEEN NATURE, HISTORY, AND SPORTS

The name of Lizzano in Belvedere recalls the Corno alle Scale Natural Park, which from its highest point, at an altitude of 1945 meters asl, offers a stunning view toward North and the Alps, East and West and the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas. In the area, the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acero, which with its monumental trees and nature’s silence, is the ideal place for meditation.

Lizzano in Belvedere was also home to the well-known Italian journalist Enzo Biagi, one of Rai’s most famous characters with his “Il Fatto” program. Italian ski legend Alberto Tomba also used to train in the Corno alle Scale area, where he built his greatest successes: a winning alchemy with this magical territory.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race Adventure Returns from September 2 to 7, 2024

The renowned MTB stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines confirms its six-day format, announcing its schedule for the 2024 season. Early Bird registration commences on December 1

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