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.

In July 2019, the world of mountain bike stage races welcomed a new event in Italy – a challenging race nestled in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, a wild territory relatively unexplored by mountain biking enthusiasts. The declared goal was to unveil a different side of the Apennines to both national and, particularly, international audiences – similar to the most significant off-road stage events, from the Cape Epic downwards.

As it approaches its fifth edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has won its bet. Year after year, the number of participants has grown, luring an international contingent and athletes from various countries to take part in the stage race through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, drawn by the opportunity to discover enchanting landscapes and test themselves on high-level technical MTB routes.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is set to continue along the same path, evident from the sold-out status reached two months before the official start. A total of 150 athletes from 24 Nations, representing 6 continents, will be at the starting line. Organized by ASD Happy Trail MTB, the race will cover over 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation across six stages – from the departure in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (RE) to the arrival in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere (BO).

The largest contingent comes from the Oranje team, with an impressive 33 athletes from the Netherlands. Following closely are Italians with 22 participants, and other nations with strong cycling traditions are also well represented: Belgium (19), Germany (9), the United Kingdom (8), the United States (7), and Denmark (6).

However, the fame of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has reached far and wide, with athletes from Guatemala, South Africa, Israel, Argentina, Canada, and Australia also taking their places at the starting line of the next edition. This achievement certifies that the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines are becoming increasingly attractive in the panorama of mountain bike stage races.

“Once again this year, the figures confirm the international nature of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with participants coming from all over the world,” state Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the event. “New Nations join us every year, while others expand their presence, and we are also very pleased to have a substantial group of Italian athletes at the start.“

APPENNINICA TEEN CAMP

From September 4th to 9th, alongside the stage race, a new project called Appenninica Teen Camp will also take place. This initiative is intended to involve young adolescents in an international and competitive sports environment characterized by the typical sports solidarity of stage races. A group of youngsters will experience the Appenninica MTB Stage Race from the inside, sleeping in tents supplied by Decathlon Italia, a sponsor of the initiative.

Every day, the young participants will wear different jerseys made by Respect Me, featuring awareness messages in support of cyclist safety. The Appenninica Teen Camp will provide an opportunity for them to engage in volunteer work, interact with formidable athletes and riders pushing their limits, while assisting the organization and providing support to everyone within the friendly atmosphere that characterizes the race.

The motivations behind individuals’ decisions to take on a challenge like the Appenninica MTB Stage Race are diverse and plentiful. Some engage for personal growth, some for enjoyment, and others to bear witness. Among them are “The Appenninici,” athletes who aren’t necessarily driven by achieving top results but for whom success means conquering the finish line day after day.

From September 4 to 9, 2023, out of the 150 participants at the starting line, many will embrace the spirit of this challenge as they navigate the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Leading this group of athletes will be a true mountain biking legend: Miguel Martinez. The Frenchman, a former gold medalist in Cross Country at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has also clinched victory at the Cape Epic within the Master category, paired with Mirko Pirazzoli.

At 47 years old, Martinez is an authentic mountain biking legend and a pioneer of racing across various cycling disciplines, including road and cyclocross. During the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, he will encounter another mountain biking great, Mark Anolik, who aims to complete the race for the third time, officially joining the “Hall of Family” of Appenninica – an exclusive group of individuals who have finished the stage race at least three times.

Tobias Guggemos and Patrik Nespor also aspire to join the ranks of the three-time finishers’ club. Among those who have already achieved this milestone are Peter Wouters, Anton Tieleman, Stefan Kiene, and Zbig Mossoczy, all of whom will be present at the start line.

Also marking their return to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is Mirko Pirazzoli, who will lead his Piraz Coaching Academy Team, featuring Federico Mandelli – the best-placed Italian rider in the 2022 edition – and Federico Arcidiacono. Representing Italy is also Gabriele Verzella, who, at the age of 67, continues to relish mountain biking challenges. Joining him is Riccardo Giulio Acuto, recently crowned champion of the Swiss Epic in the Great Grand Master category and a previous victor at Appenninica within his age group. In this category, some participants have chosen the Appenninica MTB Stage Race as a way to celebrate their 70th birthday, such as Lorenzo Lelli.

Among the athletes at the starting line are those who prefer to tackle the challenges of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines in pairs, such as Tim and Louise Ferreira, who are making a return after last year’s experience. Another eagerly awaited comeback is from the American duo of Gordon Wadsworth and Emily Hairfield. Meanwhile, Ori Leonzini will journey from Israel alongside his father, Sharon.

The starters’ group includes those who are drawn to Appenninica due to their fascination with Italy, its history, and its beauty. Canadian participant Trent Basarsky is a prime example; he plans to explore the enchanting country before and after the race. On a different note, Argentine rider Lino Arboit is making his way to Italy to reunite with his family during the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

Among the returning friends of the race is Mark Leeper, who is excited to revisit Castelnovo ne’ Monti after spending a few additional weeks there in 2021 before heading back to Hong Kong.

Lionel Poletti will also make a return to Lizzano in Belvedere, where he discovered the roots of  the triumphs of his childhood’s idol, Alberto Tomba. Similarly, Sophie Halhead, a distinguished member of the England women’s national rugby team with 71 caps, will once again grace the starting line. Another noteworthy returnee is the 2019 champion, Lukas Kaufmann, who not only savored the beauty of the Apennines that year but also developed a fondness for Parmigiano Reggiano di Montagna. Since then, every time he comes back to Appenninica, he ensures to carry back home at least one wheel of this cherished cheese.

Now in its fifth edition, the rise of Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues, not only from a sports point of view, as shown by the top-class contenders at the start, but also thanks to the partnerships with established international cycling brands as well as significant realities from the Emilia-Romagna territory. This positive trend underscores and rewards the efforts of the ASD Happy Trail MTB team led by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

For the 2023 edition, scheduled from September 4th to 9th, several partners have confirmed their support to the MTB stage race through the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna, highly regarded by its athletes, and with a special strategical value for the region it crosses.

This strong connection with Appenninica MTB Stage Race has positioned Emilia-Romagna Region as a prominent destination not only for road cycling, but also in mountain biking, which is in high demand among tourists and enthusiasts at all levels.

Taking on the significant role of Sports Nutrition Partner for Appenninica, a race covering hundreds of kilometers with over 13,000 meters of elevation gain, is Enervit, a leading Italian company in sports supplementation and functional nutrition, with over 40 years of experience in the cycling sector, as well as a partner of the Italian National Team.

Among the companies from the cycling world, renowned French brand Look has extended its presence as official pedal sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year, while the jerseys worn during the stages by the classification leaders will be crafted by Natali Sports Wear, renewing a technical partnership that has accompanied Appenninica since its inaugural edition.

Barbieri PNK, a Bologna-based brand of bicycle accessories and parts, has confirmed its long-time support to Appenninica too, as has 9th Wave Cycling – the top-class Dutch high-performance wheels producer, which also supplies MTB Marathon world champion Henrique Avancini. Another returning partner is bike lubricants brand Squirt Cycling, while the crucial mechanical assistance service will once again be supplied by the expertise of Sport Bike Alicante.

Recognizing that bike performance starts with cleanliness and maintenance, the 2023 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race will benefit from the Bike Wash service offered by Lavor, a company producing pressure washers based in Pegognaga (Mantua), part of the Comet Group, a holding from Emilia-Romagna with interests in over 130 Countries.

Prestigious Official Suppliers will also characterize the experience of the participants: water will be provided by the Gruppo Sem, one of the leading bottling companies in Italy. Iren will offer bikers the chance to refill their water bottles. Coop Alleanza 3.0 will provide organic products from the Vivi Verde range at refreshment stations along the route and at the finish. Joining the Appenninica partners’ family is the Meliconi group with its My Bike brand, utilizing the technology of one of Italy’s most famous companies in the production of TV accessories and TV supports to create bike stands.

In a region renowned globally for its culinary excellence, the presence of Barilla stands out once again as a key presence in the pasta parties at the end of the races, alongside the salumi and cheese supplied by Gran Terre.

Official Radio Partner Radio Bruno will bring music and fun at the starts and finishes, while SeTeTrack will offer the Official Live Tracking, essential to follow the stage progress in real-time and ensure safety for all athletes. Evodata will provide timing and rankings. 

As part of the Appenninica Teen Camp project involving young adolescents in the race’s staff, Decathlon will also contribute as a sponsor, providing tents, sleeping mats, and camping essentials. Respect Me will supply shirts and eyewear with messages related to respect for cyclists and their safety.

After being the outright ruler of the last two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, you can’t escape the role of big favourite. From September 4th to 9th, 2023, Naima Madlen Diesner will try to win the overall standings for the third time in a row, but she’d better be ready to face some tough competition on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trails.

Debora Piana and Kristina Ilina are expected to be the top rivals in the way of Diesner’s hat-trick. The Italian rider from Team Cingolani Specialized will be at the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race for the first time, after crowning the first half of the season with second place at the Italian Marathon National Championships in Telve Valsugana. It will be the first time for her in a solo stage race, but in 2022 she already demonstrated her ability to handle herself over multiple racing days, finishing second in the Swiss Epic paired with Janina Wüst.

“I’ve been curious about the Appenninica MTB Stage Race for several years because it’s raced in an area I’ve rarely been to. I’m ready to take on this challenge and test myself on a six-day stage race, tackling it alone. Plus, you are racing in Italy, so the motivation will be greater”, says Debora Piana.

Kristina Ilina will also try to test herself on a six-day stage race. The Russian comes from the Cross Country discipline, but she has become MTB Marathon national champion this year, and she is coming to the starting ribbons of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the ambition of learning and growing fast, supported by the DMT Racing Team.

“MTB Marathon stage races are a new world for me, but I’m learning fast, and I know that the DMT Racing Team staff will be able to teach me a lot. The goal is to try to win a stage. I come from XCO, so I will try to live the race day by day, listening to every word of Andrea Marconi, who will help me to get into the reality of this type of races. I know that with him and his decade-long experience I am in good hands”, explains the Russian riders.

While these three athletes should be regarded as arguably the top contenders for the Women’s race, right behind them are other competitors with a shot to squeeze into the top positions. Swiss Nina Brenn, recent winner of the Swiss Epic with Simone Stroll in the Masters Women category, stands out, while Imogen Smith arrives from Australia with an extensive background. To hold on to the Apennine sceptre, Naima Diesner must keep her eyes wide open.

Once you’ve ridden it, you can’t do without it. Among those former Appenninica MTB Stage Race competitors who think so, count also Hans Becking. The 2020 Appenninica MTB Stage Race winner has decided to return in 2023, and from September 4th to 9th, he will be one of the main contenders for the final victory.

“I have always kept a list of races that I wanted to do again, and among them was Appenninica MTB Stage Race. I skipped World Cup races this year, and the World Championships were on the calendar before Appenninica; I have the opportunity to return to Italy. I have beautiful memories of the views and MTB trails of this stage race, with long days in the saddle and big climbs, the way I like it. Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a pure, old-school mountain bike race, and it’s great like that!”, says the Dutch riders of the Buff-Megamo Team.

Becking returns to the starting line of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines as one of the main overall contenders. After the Epic Andorra Pyrenees and the Volcat BTT victories, the Dutchman is cultivating ambitions to make Appenninica MTB Stage Race history by becoming the first athlete in the men’s field to win two race editions.

“This season hasn’t been the best, but in September I usually arrive in good shape, and I think it will be the same at Appenninica. I always want to win when I attach the number on my back. It would be an honour to win the overall again, but the days in a race like this are long, and everything has to go right. This year I will take the race day by day, trying to have some fun and not suffer too much”, explains Becking.

On the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, the Dutchman will cross path with an old friend, Tiago Ferreira, his former teammate with whom he dominated Appenninica 2020.

“I like to challenge friends like Tiago, certainly wearing different jerseys than in 2020 will make the race very interesting. I will have to focus on my race and recovery day by day. The advantage of Tiago Ferreira is that he can work as a team with Andreas Miltiadis, helping each other in case of mechanical problems, while I will have to manage everything by myself. But I accept the challenge: I will try to make life as difficult as possible for the riders of Team DMT Racing”, says Becking.

With these assumptions, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 challenge promises to be exciting. It will be up to the the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trails to determine Diego Arias’ successor.

Over the years, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become a favorite hunting ground for Andrea Marconi’s DMT Racing Team. The Italian MTB Marathon team, based in San Severino Marche, won the stage race on the Emilia-Romagna Appenines in 2020, with Hans Becking who anticipated the teammate Tiago Ferreira, and in subsequent editions has always been protagonist thanks to athletes like Ilias Periklis, Miguel Munoz and Filipe Francisco.

As in previous years, the Italian team has confirmed its participation for the 2023 edition, which will take place from September 4 to 9, with two high-profile athletes: Tiago Ferreira and Andreas Miltiadis. For the Portuguese, already World and European Champion in Mtb Marathon, it is a return; for the Cypriot it is the first participation ever, with ambitious goals both personally and as a team member.

“As every time I take part in a race, I will try to stay in the front – said Miltiadis -. I think it will be a tough race, because of the great elevation gain on the stages and because of the high level of the starting riders. We will decide day by day who will be the captain and how we will approach the race, but in mountain biking it’s often the legs that decide, tactics do matter but up to a certain point“.

Who already knows the hard trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines is Tiago Ferreira: he doesn’t hide and once again strive for victory. Again this year, he will have to face Hans Becking, winner of the 2020 final classification, when the two were teammates (Becking now rides for Team Buff-Megamo).

“It’s a pleasure to return to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the most important mountain bike stage race in Italy”, Ferreira said. “Due to health issues and pre-season problems, so far it has not gone as I hoped, but I go into each race with the goal of doing my best. I will try to fight for the top positions on every stage, as well as for the overall ranking. It’s clear that with Becking at the start there is one of the strongest athletes in the world when it comes to stage races. If I had to bet on a winner, I would do on him“.

Even after the forfeit of Diego Arias, forced to withdraw his participation to the Appenninica MTB stage race because of a racing calendar crunch, Becking will face two other previous Appenninica MTB Stage Race winners: 2019 champion Lukas Kaufmann and 2021 champion Felix Fritzsch. On their part, the DMT Racing Team will be in the front line to try and break their way into this exclusive club and the history of this race.

For the second year in a row, Lizzano in Belvedere will proclaim the new winners of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The hamlet of Vidiciatico, within the Lizzano municipality, nestled in the Province of Bologna Apennines, will host the last two finishes of the 2023 edition (September 4-9).

The stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will reach Lizzano in Belvedere on Friday, September 8th, with the finish of the Appenninica Distilled stage, starting from Fanano. The following day, Saturday, September 9, stage 6 will take place on a circuit with start and finish in Vidiciatico, a stage venue that had collected great appreciation from the riders already last year.                                     

The penultimate effort of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 journey, Appenninica Distilled measures 61 km with 2,500 meters of elevation gain and is a perfect concentration of spectacular ridges, technical trails, breathtaking views and historic villages. After starting in Fanano, a long ascent will take athletes over the Colombino Pass and then to the hamlet of Ospitale through a downhill single track. A new climb will bring the challenge back to altitude towards the  Croce Arcana Pass, riding near Lake Scaffaiolo first and then Lake Patrignano. The finale is uphill again, after crossing the Dardagna stream.

For the last act, the organizers reproposed the “Monte Pizzo,” a 36-kilometre stage with a total elevation gain of 1,500 meters that was already the final difficulty last year. Starting and finishing in Vidiciatico, the stage will take place entirely in the Monte Pizzo bike park, with a loop to be covered one and a half times. Athletes will tackle the climbs on forest roads and then enjoy the descents on the “Ca Lenzi” and “Albarè” trails.

“Being the finishing town of Appenninica MTB Stage Race again fills us with pride,” said Sergio Polomari, Mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere. “This event has already won the affection of this town and its citizens, and we feel grateful to all those to put in a remarkable effort to make this outstanding race possible.”

LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, THE HOME OF ENZO BIAGI

Lizzano in Belvedere is a town in the Province of Bologna at the foot of Corno alle Scale, included in the homonymous Natural Park. From the summit of Corno alle Scale, at an altitude of 1945 meters above sea level, it is possible to enjoy a majestic view that embraces the Alps to the north and the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas to the east and west. A place of peace and meditation is the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acero, with its monumental trees and the silence of nature.

Born in Lizzano in Belvedere was the well-known journalist Enzo Biagi, the face of Rai 1 from 1995 to 2002 with his “Il Fatto.” But also linked to the town is the ski champion Alberto Tomba, who used to train in the Corno alle Scale ski area, where he built his greatest successes, creating alchemy with this magical territory.

Some places smell like home, where every time you return you feel like you had never left. For Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Fanano is one of those places, the only stage venue, along with Castelnovo ne’ Monti, to have featured in all the race’s five editions so far. The stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will pay a visit to the town in the Province of Modena again in 2023, when it will take place from September 4th to 9th. 

A renowned tourist resort on the slopes of the Mount Cimone, Fanano will host the finish of the fourth stage on Thursday, September 7, running entirely through the Province of Modena from the start in Fiumalbo. The following Friday, September 8th, the fifth stage will start from Fanano, with finish in Lizzano in Belvedere.

The 62-kilometre Cimone Challenge stage, with a total elevation gain of 2350 meters, will be centered on the Mount Cimone and its ski area. After the start from Fiumalbo, the athletes will face the climb up to Pian Cavallaro and then descend to the town of Montecreto, passing by the picturesque Lake Ninfa through the paths of the Cimone bike park. The second ascent of the day will start instead from Sestola to reach Passo Serre before throwing in a long single track towards Fanano. After a first passage through the village, it will climb to Fellicarolo and enjoy a technical trail back to the finish.

On Friday, September 8th, the Appenninica Distilled stage of 61 km and 2,500 meters of elevation gain will also start from Fanano. Arriving in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere, the stage perfectly concentrates Appenninica MTB Stage Race, including spectacular ridges, technical trails, dizzying views and villages standing still in time. There are two climbs of the day: the Passo del Colombino and the one leading to the Passo Croce Arcana ridge.

“We have believed in Appenninica MTB Stage Race from the very first minute. It is an event growing yearly, and that speaks many languages, giving global exposure to Fanano, Cimone and the Apennines. It is the only mountain bike event we host in Fanano and we want to support it for its excellent organization and ability to promote our area throughout the year”, says Fanano Mayor Stefano Muzzarelli.

FANANO, THE HOME OF FELICE PEDRONI

Fanano is a well-known tourist resort in the Modena Apennines, in the Mount Cimone ski area. Over the years, outdoor activities have been developed in the area in addition to winter sports, such as trekking, hiking and mountain in the warmer months. Awarded the Orange Flag for its sustainable tourism by the Italian Touring Club since 2001, the town is also rich in history and culture, with the Pieve di San Silvestro and the Church of San Giuseppe that are well worth a visit.

However, Fanano’s name is also associated with gold prospector Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in Alaska by finding the largest gold deposit in the area. There he founded the town of Fairbanks, where most of the townspeople were dedicated to prospecting for gold.