The Appenninici: from doctor to competitor, the trajectory of Debora Lana

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Highlights

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race characters have plenty of stories to tell, either about life or sports. After taking part in the first two editions as a doctor in the race village, in 2021, Debora Lana decided to face the Appenninica challenge on her bike

While the spirit behind Appenninica MTB Stage Race – the MTB stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, scheduled this year from 4 to 10 September, is to create a friendly and familiar atmosphere where everyone can feel at home, there are different ways to live and enjoy those intense moments. 

Someone who has joined the extended Appenninica family is Debora Lana, a doctor by profession but a passionate biker in her leisure time. After taking part in the first two editions as doctor at the race village, last year, Debora decided to exchange her scrub for a cycling uniform to experience the paths of the Apennines.

“After the first two editions as race doctor, I was curious to try the experience as a participant because I had never competed in mountain bike stage races. Following a specific training program, I decided to try the adventure. I was pleasantly surprised, both for being able to complete it and for the good performance,” said Debora Lana. 

Those who have experienced the Apennines know how much this event can leave an indelible mark, creating lasting memories and relationships. And even more so for those who have lived it in two guises.

“Maybe it is because I have lived the Appenninica experience on both sides that I feel deeply a part of this Appenninica Family. The staff gives you great enthusiasm, creating chances to know people from all over the world with who you can make friends. It is truly a life experience. When you live it within the staff, your commitment is to fulfil the athletes’ needs, trying to be useful for them. When you live it as an athlete, you give it all on the competitive level, to finish the stage in the best possible way”, explained Debora Lana.

Debora Lana liked last year’s experience so much that she plans to repeat it this year, though an injury keeps on the mend her hopes to be at the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on September 4th .

“I am very interested in riding the reverse route. Last year I was a beginner and definitely made some mistakes, but I think it’s important to manage nutrition and integration and to get your body used to the effort, with adequate rest and well-defined rhythms. Last year, the day after Appenninica, I took part in an Mtb Marathon race and won in the distance I had signed up for: it was my eighth Appenninica stage!”

 

Riders bulletin n.4/2022

by | Aug 1, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.4 📒July 28, 2022

 

Hey there,

 

This is the 4th rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. We are 38 days out.

 

Arriving and Parking

See you in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Saturday, September the 3rd. Come to the accreditation desk between 14:00 and 17:00 in Piazza Gramsci here, near the City Hall. The race briefing is also there at 17:30. If you cannot do otherwise, you can also check in on Sunday morning between 9:00 and 10:00 (the stage starts at 13:00).

 

Parking options for long-term and camper vans:

– Cars and camper vans: parcheggio Piazzale Collodi

This is the long-term parking for those who are parking in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the week.

 

Transfer – Stage 7 location (pre-booked service)

The transfer from location stage 7 is planned for 10:00 on Saturday. Parking and pick-up are by the Conca d’Oro Pool in Vidiciatico. Please park in the lower parking lot.

Please have your bikes assembled – not in the bike bag – and be ready to board at the above time.

 

Transfer – Airport (pre-booked service)

Transfer from Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) is planned for 13:00 on Saturday, September 3rd.

We have a small group of riders coming on Friday and we are arranging a transfer at 20:00. Reply to this email if you are interested.

If you have not sent your flight schedule with the flight number please write to info@appenninica-mtb.com. We must have this information (it is not enough that you have booked the transfer).

The meeting point is at the arrival terminal (ground floor). Exit from the sliding doors and gather to your right. You’ll see a staff member with an Appenninica sign.

If you arrive by train you can reach the airport via the monorail called Marconi Express.

 

Accommodation Pre-race

If you still need to find a hotel in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the night of Saturday the 3rd, you can reply to this email.

 

Note: dorms are open after stage 1 on Sunday; Race week hotel packages do not include the pre-race night.

 

Basics and Updates:

  • The starting list is online! Click here.
  • The riders’ bulletins will be saved on the website so that you won’t have to dig them out of your inbox. Make sure you read them all.
  • If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages (only companions who have a companion package can access certain areas).
  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • Read the latest Appenninica news here.
  • Volunteers: do you know anyone who could volunteer? They can do so for the whole race or for a part of it.

Reminders and To Do:

  • Racing license. If you have missed the racing license email you can find it here. If you are buying the daily licenses please have 70 Euro in cash at registration and the medical declaration.
  • Rules. The race rules are published here. Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions.

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

 

It’s always a show in Fanano with “Pippo Yeah 2.0”

by | Jul 27, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

Appenninica MTB Stage Race is ready to return to Fanano, a host town always present since the first edition. On Tuesday, 6 September, Fanano will host the arrival of the High Mountain Queen Stage, while on Wednesday, 7 September, there will be the fun of “Pippo Yeah 2.0”, whose course has been set by Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani

With Castelnovo ne’ Monti and Porretta Terme, Fanano (Modena) is the other stage venue present in every edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race so far. The resort in the Modena Apennines will host the mountain bike stage race again during the next edition, scheduled from 4 to 10 September 2022.

After the first three stages in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the finish line of the High Mountain Queen Stage, the most anticipated stage in the program, will be in Fanano on Tuesday, 6 September. 106 km and 3650 meters of total elevation gain are expected to say a lot about the outcome of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. After a first part in the Province of Reggio Emilia, through the Monte Cusna area and the climb of Monte Giovarello, the race will enter the Province of Modena, reaching the Passo Radici. From here, before the finish line in Piazza Corsini, the athletes will tackle the climb up to Pian Cavallaro, at the foot of Monte Cimone, and then head downhill towards Fanano. 

On Wednesday, 7 September, the “Pippo Yeah 2.0” will offer participants a fun-filled stage according to the style of its creator: famous trail builder Pier Paolo “Pippo” Marani. Along the 55 km and 2200 meters of elevation gain, there will be two challenging climbs to tackle. First, the athletes will ascend to the Colombino Pass (14 km and 900 meters of elevation gain), then tackle a beautiful single track to the hamlet of Ospitale. From there starts the second ascent under one of the most beautiful beech forests of the Apennines towards the Passo della Croce Arcana. In the finale, the route passes the scenic Scaffaiolo Lake and Patrignano Lake with an unmissable view over the valley to the finish in Fanano.

On Thursday, 8 September, Fanano will instead greet the Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan with the start of the stage entitled “Gothic Line“, which will end in Porretta Terme (BO) crossing the Gothic Line, a theatre of the Second World War. 67 km and 2200 meters of elevation gain that start strong by repeating the climb towards Fellicarolo and then return to the valley of the Ospitale stream through a series of technical descents, before a continuous up and down along the Gothic Line.

“Fanano is proud to host Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. This is the only sporting event of an international scale that takes place in our area, and it allows us to give great visibility to the Monte Cimone area. Athletes arrive from Europe and beyond every year to discover our trails and territory. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a fundamental moment for promoting tourism in the area”, says the Mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli.  

FANANO, BETWEEN MONTE CIMONE AND FELICE PEDRONI

Fanano is linked to the Monte Cimone ski resort, where it is possible to practice winter sports, trekking, mountain biking, and outdoor sports. Orange flagged by the Italian Touring Club since 2001, the town in the Province of Modena is also rich in history and culture with the Pieve di San Silvestro and the Church of San Giuseppe. 

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 population was dedicated to gold panning.

Appenninica the litmus test for Diego Arias’ rainbow dreams

by | Jul 21, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

The Marathon MTB vice-World Champion chose Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September 2022) as final dress rehearsal ahead of the World Championships in Haderslev (Denmark). The Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian looks forward to his debut on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

Pursuing goals and turning them from dreams into reality requires lots of commitment and effort. Team Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian Diego Arias has chosen the challenging Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 (4-10 September 2022) as his final test before chasing his dream of becoming Marathon World Champion.

After his second place at the 2021 World Championships in Capoliveri, the strong Colombian athlete has stepped into a new dimension, and has opted for the altimetric and technical difficulties of the Italian stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines as litmus test before another rainbow charge. Hig goal will be to refine his condition for the 2022 UCI Marathon MTB World Championships, scheduled eight days after the conclusion of Appenninica, on 18 September 2022 in Haderslev, Denmark.

“I think facing the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the right concentration and spirit can be a great preparation for the World Championships. If we do things right, I think we will arrive in Denmark in top shape. A race like Appenninica must be prepared very well, and you have to be able to manage your energy day after day. It will be crucial to arrive clear-headed at the end of the week”, says the Marathon MTB vice-World Champion.

 

Diego Arias has had a good season so far, with the highlights of the overall success at the Rally di Sardegna, the recent victory at the Assietta Legend and a remarkable second place at the Hero Südtirol Dolomites. There’s little doubt he will line up in Castelnovo ne’ Monti as one of the top favorites for the 2022 Appenninica overall crown.

“My goal is to perform well and fight for the general classification, or at least a place on the podium. I looked at the stages, and it certainly looks like a very hard race. I haven’t red circled any day in particular, we will have to think day by day”, Arias explained.

It will be the first time for the Hubbers-Polimedical team as well at Appenninica, and they hope to hit the ground running.

“We have decided to participate in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 because we believe it is a well organised event, and the perfect dress rehearsal for the Marathon MTB World Championships. We will be at the start with the aim of performing well and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines”, said Hubbers-Polimedical Team Manager Gianfranco Bechis.

Riders bulletin n.3/2022

by | Jul 15, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.3 📒July 15, 2022

 

Hey there,

 

It is mandatory – per race rules and to comply with the Italian Cycling Federation FCI – that all participants have a UCI-approved racing license (UCI logo and number).

 

Therefore, you should get or renew your national cycling federation UCI valid racing license.

You no longer need a letter from your national cycling federation authorizing you to race abroad.

 

The alternative is to buy an event racing license in Italy and it will cost 70 Euro (cash).

In this case, you’ll also need a medical declaration.

 

Often, a national racing license includes additional benefits such as insurance while racing and even training.

 

All that said, we recommend that you obtain a racing license with your national cycling federation (official UCI cycling member).

 

In any case, one or the other is mandatory and if you don’t comply you won’t be able to race.

 

Best regards from the Appenninica team.

Riders bulletin n.2/2022

by | Jul 10, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.2 📒July 10, 2022

 

This is the second rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. We are 56 days out.

 

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

 

July 15 – Last day to add extras to your registration. Go to Active.com and select and pay for any extras (massages, hotels, etc) by that date.

 

July 31 – Last day to make any changes to your registration form. For instance, add your UCI license number.

 

Basics and Updates:

  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • What is included in your race entry is listed under What you get.
  • Extra packages are listed on the website and you’ll be able to book them from your events area in Active.com  that you can also access from your confirmation email. If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages; click here.

 

Reminders and To Do:

  • Spread the word. Do you know of anyone that could join you? They can join the waiting list on the registration page of the website. Also, follow our social media channels and use #AppenninicaMTB and #Appenninicafamily on your posts. Thank you!
  • Rules. The race rules are published here (you can also download a pdf with the latest and approved race rules). Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions.
  • Have a look at past editions. You can access the past racecourses on Komoot and connect with us there.

 

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

Three days in Castelnovo ne’ Monti to open Appenninica 2022

by | Jul 6, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

In 2022, the town in the province of Reggio Emilia will host the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September) for the first time. The athletes will kick things off with three days in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock

The story of Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. After staging the grand finale of the last two editions, the town in the Province of Reggio Emilia will hold the start of the 2022 race (September 4-10, 2022) in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock, the iconic mountain to which Dante’s Purgatory was inspired. 

Having been a stage venue of Appenninica every year since the first edition, Castelnovo ne’ Monti showed a neat commitment to the format of the mountain bike stage race on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. This time, Castelnovo will welcome the Appenninica family for no less than three days of racing. 

The first two stages will run along the popular trails of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, highlighting an area rich in history and charm. The much-anticipated third stage, the High Mountain Queen Stage, will also start from Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

On Saturday, September 3rd, the central Piazza Gramsci will already come alive with the preliminary operations and the expo area with all the local associations involved in promoting outdoor activities.

Piazza Gramsci will be the venue of the start and finish of the first stage on Sunday, September 4th, when the athletes will ride through the territories of Matilda di Canossa’s reign, among castles and ancient routes. La Matildica, with its 52 km and 1850 meters of elevation gain, will warm the athletes’ legs around the iconic Bismantova Rock, touching the Castle of Carpineti. It will be continuous hilly ups and downs alongside Monte Fosola and the long bank of the Secchia river.

The following day, Monday, September 5th, another loop stage with start and finish in Castelnovo ne’ Monti will take place. The 62 kilometers and 2350 meters of elevation gain of The Rock stage will considerably raise the bar, through the ascent to the Monte Ventasso and the passage over the scenic Calamone Lake before reaching the crest of the Monte Pastorale. Again, a sequence of ups and downs will take the athletes from the highest point of the course back to the finish line. 

On Tuesday, September 6th, Castelnovo ne’ Monti will greet the Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan before the athletes tackle the most challenging stage of the 2022 edition, the High Mountain Queen Stage (105 km and 3650 meters of elevation gain) with arrival in Fanano (Modena). On the route, Passo della Cisa, Monte Cusna, and Pian Cavallaro are just some of the difficulties that could completely overturn the general classification.  

“We are delighted to host the Appenninica MTB Stage Race in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the fourth straight year. We believe mountain biking has the Apennines as its territory of choice, with routes in untouched natural environments, through towns and villages rich in history, art, and culture, inhabited by welcoming people. Sports are a key vehicle to the promotion of these territories: we look forward to having the participants of Appenninica MTB Stage Race back with us in September,” said Enrico Bini, mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti. 

CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI, BETWEEN HISTORY AND MAGIC

Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the surrounding territories are full of history and magic, starting with the Bismantova Rock, which, according to tradition, inspired Dante’s Purgatory during a stay of the poet in 1306, as also reported in the Canto IV of the Divine Comedy’s Purgatory. The Castelnovo area also boasts several fortresses and castles, once part of the reign of Matilda of Canossa, between 1000 and 1100 AD.

The medieval town’s historical center is definitely worth a visit. It was renovated in recent years, and it offers some truly characteristic views. Among these is the Palazzo Ducale, immersed in the green gardens of Bagnolo, built by the Este family as a symbol of their domination over the territory, and is now the venue of Castelnovo’s City Hall.

The Appenninici: from Hong Kong to Emilia-Romagna, falling in love at Appenninica

by | Jul 1, 2022 | Highlights

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race characters have plenty of stories to tell, either about life or sport. In 2021, Mark Leeper enjoyed a relaxing time in Castelnovo ne’ Monti at the end of a race week that he describes as “the best stage race I have ever done”

Cycling allows discovering places that remain stuck in the memory and heart. The purpose of Appenninica MTB Stage Race is to lift the veil on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, its landscapes and beauty, showcasing them to the many athletes who each year participate in the stage race, scheduled in 2022 from September 4th to 10th.

Among them, some couldn’t resist the allure of the Apennines, and once the efforts of Appenninica were over, they didn’t hesitate to stay a few more days to enjoy it in a more relaxed and relaxing way. This was the case of Mark Leeper, a participant of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race coming from Hong Kong, who has found his wellbeing oasis in Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

“Last year, I took the time to stay over in Castelnovo ne’ Monti after the Appenninica MTB Stage race, enjoying excellent food and convenient coffee shops for remote work with my laptop. All the riders need recovery time after such a challenging event. There’s nothing better than spending some extra few days in the final destination town rather than immediately returning home. Riding around Emilia Romagna at Appenninica showed me many different sides of this beautiful Italian region and made it worth another visit in the future”, said Mark Leeper. 

The Appenninica route crosses typical places in the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna, among villages and high-altitude ridges. After participating in several mountain bike stage races worldwide, Mark Leeper, like other participants, has fallen in love with the perfect mix of untouched landscapes and technical routes.

“At Appenninica, you find more technical trails than in the Alps or the Dolomites. Such a beautiful combination of speed, flow and technical challenge is hard to find. The tough, steep and rocky route made Appenninica MTB the best multi-day mountain bike race I have ever done. For me, it was better than the Cape Epic, Swiss Epic, TransRockies and the BC Bike Race”, explained Mark Leeper, a rider with plenty of experience all over the World. 

The Happy Trail MTB ASD organizers have always committed to the family and convivial atmosphere during the race week. Over the years, this has enabled friendships and bonds to be forged among competitors, organizers, and insiders, creating a true Appenninica Family. In his experience in the Italian stage race, Mark Leeper also perceived this atmosphere.

“The group of Appenninica MTB Stage Race starters is smaller in numbers, but the organizational team is truly excellent. These two aspects contribute to a very special atmosphere, enhanced by efficient logistics, excellent refreshments, and genuine hospitality. Every day there are many opportunities to meet up with other athletes in the race, especially over dinner. And I can’t wait to come back”, Mark Leeper commented.

Riders bulletin n.1/2022

by | Jul 1, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin, Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.1 📒July 1, 2022

 

Congratulations for registering for the fourth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race from September 4th to September 10th. We are 65 days out.

 

This is the first rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders.

 

 

Basics and Updates:

  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • What is included in your race entry is listed under What you get.
  • Extra packages are listed on the website and you’ll be able to book them from your events area in Active.com  that you can also access from your confirmation email. If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages; click here.

 

Reminders and To Do:

  • Spread the word. Do you know of anyone that could join you? They can join the waiting list on the registration page of the website. Also, follow our social media channels and use #AppenninicaMTB and #Appenninicafamily on your posts. Thank you!
  • Rules. The race rules are published here (you can also download a pdf with the latest and approved race rules). Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions.
  • Have a look at past editions. You can access the past racecourses on Komoot and connect with us there.

 

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

104 Km and 3600 mt. D+: Appenninica’s Queen Stage is the ultimate test of truth

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

In the fourth edition of Appenninica (4-10 September 2022), the 104 Km and 3600 metres of elevation gain of the High Mountain Queen Stage’ from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Fanano might be the turning point of the race on day 3, Tuesday, September 6th

With its 440 km and 16,000 metres of elevation gain spread over seven days (September 4th-10th, 2022), up and down the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, Appenninica MTB Stage Race poses plenty of challenges on the way of its participants. However, those who have already taken part in the spectacular Italian MTB stage race and those who dream of doing it soon know that there is always a day to be circled in red: the High Mountain Queen Stage.

The stage race scheduled in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will reverse course this year, starting from Castelnovo ne’ Monti and ending in Lizzano in Belvedere, but the format will remain unchanged, with its unique mix of tough and exciting challenges, trails in the wilderness, and incomparable scenery. This year, the most challenging test will come on the third day, Tuesday, September 6th, 2022, when the Queen Stage of the 2022 edition is scheduled, starting from Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) and arriving in Fanano (Modena).

Compared to the past, the athletes will be fresher to tackle the 104 km and 3600 metres of elevation gain, but there will certainly be no shortage of thrills, starting with the spectacular views of a route almost entirely above 1,500 metres in altitude. A large part of the route follows the Alta via dei Parchi along ancient military mule tracks and trade routes such as the ancient via Vandelli, which connected Modena to Massa Carrara from the 18th century onwards.

At the start, there will be time for a final salute to the Bismantova Rock before crossing the Secchia river and beginning the first long ascent of the day (20 km and 1000 metres of elevation gain). A forest road will lead to the Cisa Pass and the “Alta Tensione” trail, eventually reaching the Monte Cusna area.

From Febbio, a new climb on forest roads will take the bikers to the summit of the Monte Giovarello (1760 m a.s.l.), from where, with favourable weather conditions, the entire Po Valley and beyond to the Tuscan coast can be seen. After reaching the Passo Radici, the route will go down in altitude, alternating forest roads and short single tracks up to the village of Pievepelago. Here the athletes will be able to catch their breath on the 10 km of asphalt road that will lead to Fiumalbo, where the climbing will start again.

A 10 km forest road and 1000 metres of altitude difference will take the athletes to Pian Cavallaro (1850 m a.s.l.) at the foot of Monte Cimone. There will only be 15 km left to the finish in Fanano, to be raced on pleasant forestry descents and short single-track sections. The first competitors will reach Piazza Corsini after 5 hours and 30 minutes: on such a day there’s nowhere to hide, and the general classification could be significantly reshaped.

“It is a Queen Stage in pure Appenninica style. The bikers will face ‘wild’ trails and unspoilt landscapes, on a selective – but also flowy – route that will cross some of the best-known areas of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, such as Monte Cusna and Monte Cimone”, explained Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, the co-organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

Bike and tech: 5 insider tips for taking up Appenninica

by | Jun 14, 2022 | Highlights

Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 partner for mechanical assistance, Sport Bike Alicante points out five aspects not to be overlooked before tackling the demanding MTB stage race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

 

Even if you have never taken part in an MTB stage race, and maybe you are preparing for your first time at Appenninica MTB Stage Race, you know already that preparation for such an event starts from afar. And no, we’re not just talking about physical conditioning.

If you think a challenge like the Appenninica is stressful for your body (and you might be right), have you ever wondered how stressful it can be for your bike? Spoiler: indeed, no less…

From 4 to 10 September 2022, on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, the mechanical assistance will be provided by Sport Bike Alicante, a new partner of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Whatever the bike’s annoyance or technical problem, the mechanics’ team will be ready to tackle and solve it.

Before reaching Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the start, it is a good idea to go through these five technical and mechanical tips to be ready to tackle the week-long Appenninica MTB Stage Race:

  1. Brake pads must be 100% new. Change them before setting off and ensure the brake fluid level and pressure are correct.
  2.  Tyres must be new. Choose the best size according to your preference and driving style, but make sure that they are brand new and not already worn at the start.
  3. Keep in mind that you are riding on the Apennines, and the elevation profile of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is very demanding. Obvious? Maybe so, but it’s good to recall this when making your technical choices….
  4. Always keep an essential tool kit at hand. Inside it: chain stripper, multi-tool, spare inner tube, spare dropout or derailleur, Co2 pump with adapter, thermal blanket, lube oil or wax, cable ties and small pliers. A week up and down the Apennines is long and full of unforeseen events: you better be prepared.
  5. If your bike is equipped with an electric derailleur, take along an auxiliary battery for the derailleur and a battery for the control unit. Weather variations are always possible; changes in cold and heat can drain batteries faster and create trouble.

The Appenninici: Mark, Pippo and a lifetime in mountain bike

by | May 27, 2022 | Highlights

“Number 138, Mark Anolik, crosses the finish line in Fanano”. After hearing this sentence from the Appenninica MTB Stage Race speaker, Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani’s eyes sparkled. Based in Fanano (Modena), the famous trail builder remembers that name well from the 1991 Mountain Bike World Championships in Il Ciocco, when Marani finished 35th in the Downhill Elite event, while his friend and rival from the USA finished just behind him, in 36th place.

The fate wanted that the two would meet again in a village in the Modena Apennines, exactly 30 years later, in 2021. In this case, destiny has a name: Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

“I knew that Pippo was involved with Appenninica and that we could have an opportunity to meet again after many years. I am pleased it happened, also because it helped me to get back in touch with Giovanna Bonazzi, whom I have known for many years and worked with when she raced for the team I managed in 1997, Sintesi – Verlicchi”, said Mark Anolik.

The meeting between Mark Anolik and Pippo Marani was an opportunity to relive the atmosphere of those pioneering mountain biking days in the early 90s, of which both were protagonists. The adventurous spirit of the 90s is very similar to Appenninica’s spirit itself, the one that charmed so many participants on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

“The format of the race and the route caught my eye, because I lived in Prato when I competed for Diamond Back/Moustique, and I knew the Apennines. I recommend Appenninica to anyone who loves real, hard core mountain biking. There are all the ingredients, from one of the most beautiful areas to great food, friendly people and excellent organisation. A perfect mix that makes Appenninica one of the best events I have participated in almost 40 years of mountain biking”, Mark Anolik told.

And after a 40-year career, Mark Anolik still feels like riding. The American will also be at the start of the 2022 edition (4-10 September), because his strive for competition and desire to improve has remained the same.

“The experience of many years of racing helps you face the tough days, but I like the challenge of competing and I feel it makes me a better athlete” – ended Mark Anolik.