by Appenninica MTB | Sep 9, 2021 | r
After the fourth place from last year, the Honduran rider returns to Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12-18). “A huge challenge immersed in a wonderful setting”
Last season, Milton Ramos had won the sympathy of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race family and fans thanks to his attitude and enthusiasm. This year, the Honduran rider had circled the Italian MTB Race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines from September 12 to 18 as a can’t-miss fixture of his season.
The 42-year-old Honduran, based in Spain, is ready to face the steep challenge of Appenninica, after the beautiful experience of the last edition. “Appenninica is a great sports event, immersed in wonderful landscapes: a perfect stage race for MTB lovers”, said Milton Ramos. – “Last year, I took part in the Appenninica for the first time in my career, and I also had the opportunity to visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello on the occasion. I was surprised by the unspoiled nature, that gave me an incredible feeling”.
Other than the landscapes and the local cuisine, there were more things standing out to the eyes of the ‘Zorro of the Desert’, like the technical level of the racecourses. “I think Appenninica could more again in the coming years, rising among the most important MTB stage races in the world”, commented Milton Ramos.
After discovering the demanding courses of Appenninica 2020, Ramos had the opportunity to see the routes of the 2021 edition thanks to Appenninica Preview, the adventurous recce ride organized by the content creators’ crew of The Outdoor Lab, joined by friends and guests from the MTB world. Ramos tested the first stages of the 420-Km course, characterized by 16.000 mt of elevation gain. “I saw a new section which I think is very attractive, in addition to the trails characterizing last year’s route”.
After grazing the podium in 2020, Milton Ramos promises to battle for more in 2021. Waiting for the Apennines verdict, one thing is certain for the Honduran biker: “Appenninica 2021 will be an amazing experience”.
by Appenninica MTB | Sep 8, 2021 | r
The town in the Province of Reggio Emilia, renowned for the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Rock), will host the grand finale of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with the finish of the two decisive last stages
An epic race deserves a Dantesque finale. It will be Castelnovo ne’ Monti, famous for the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Rock), which is told to have inspired Dante’s Purgatory, to host the last two stages of Appenninica MTB Stage Race (12-18 September 2021). For the town in the Province of Reggio Emilia, this is the third participation in three editions of Appenninica, which by now feels at home on the hard trails of the Reggio Emilia Apennines.
After the hard work of the previous five days, the athletes will reach Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Friday September 17th, during the “Park & Roll” stage, run entirely within the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano. 65 km and 2050 meters of elevation gain with a last stretch inside the Cervarezza Bike Park with a view on the Pietra di Bismantova.
The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th, 2021, with the “Purgatory” stage: of 50 km and 1600 meters of elevation gain. Leaving the town, the route climbs up to Monte Fosola and then continues along the ridge to the Matildic Castle of Carpineti. To celebrate the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death, the stage will also tackle the climb towards the Pietra di Bismantova in the final part of the race and then experience some spectacular and unprecedented final kilometres through the narrow streets and stairways of Castelnovo’s historic centre, before the finish line in Piazza Peretti, decreeing the winners of Appenninica 2021.
“We are really pleased to host a stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race again – said the Mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Enrico Bini -. This year’s presence is particularly significant because the last stage passes in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock, a few days after the 700th anniversary of Dante’s passing on September 14th, 1421. Appenninica is part of the activities of our project, Castelnovo ne’ Monti “a town for sports”. Mountain biking is a growing trend in our area, with many hotels now equipped to suit the needs of many riders coming to seize the opportunities of the Apennine ridge.”
CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI, BETWEEN HISTORY AND DANTE
The symbol of Castelnovo ne’ Monti is the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Rock) which, according to tradition, inspired Dante’s Purgatory during a visit by the poet in 1306, as also reported in a passage from Canto IV of the Purgatory of the Divine Comedy.
The town has medieval origins, which can still be found today in the archaeological remains of structures from that time. These include the Felina Castle, which in 870 became the property of a close relative of Emperor Ludovico II. Today, only the tower known as “Il salame” (the salami) remains. Here, in 1409, Michele Attendolo Sforza put the head of his Parma enemy Ottobono Terzi on a pike.
by Appenninica MTB | Sep 6, 2021 | r
The mountain bike stage race scheduled from September 8th to 12th is an opportunity to taste the best cooking products of Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
The bond between Appenninica MTB Stage Race and its territory is not only in the wonderful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines but can also be enjoyed when you sit down for dinner, after the efforts of a stage. The cuisine and gastronomic excellence represent an added value for the mountain bike stage race, thanks to the many PDO and PGI products of one of the most prosperous areas in Italy.
The products of the great Emilia-Romagna cuisine will also be at Appenninica, thanks to the prestigious partnerships reached by the organising committee in collaboration with Emanuela Zannoni. One of the most important new entries of this edition is Barilla, which will supply the Appenninica family with its best products for the pasta parties at the end of the stages. The excellence and the quality of Made in Italy is exported by Barilla all over the worldwide, thanks to its unique heritage.
As usual, the opening of the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel will be a ritual moment at Appenninica. The Latteria Sociale Carnarola, Caseificio del Parco, Casteificio Sociale Fior di Latte and Caseificio Sociale La Querciola will supply the mountain variety of the world-famouse cheese from the Apennines, whose production area extends along the entire race route, with high mountain pastures and a processing method synonymous with quality and authenticity.
Sportspeople know how rehydration is after hours of sporting activity, which is why the Sem Group, one of the leading operators in Italy in the bottling of water and soft drinks will be alongside Appenninica. Sem produces and distributes Monte Cimone natural mineral water, oligomineral water with a low mineral component. In the stages of Fanano, Cerreto Laghi and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the athletes will quench their thirst with water flowing inside the Parco Naturale dell’Alto Appennino Modenese at over 935 metres above sea level. The Monte Cimone water is bottled with an eco-sustainable process to reduce the impact of plastic containers on the environment as much as possible.
Coop Alleanza 3.0 will supply with its Vivi Verde range those who prefer organic and natural products. The Medici Ermete winery will award the category winners with a mangum of Concerto-Lambrusco Reggiano DOC organic wine. It will be possible to taste both dry Assolo-Reggiano DOC and dry Quercioli Reggiano-Lambrusco DOC during the dinners, among the best wine products of the Apennine territory.
The traditional balsamic vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO of the G&G Acetaia is another prized product of the area to taste in the final dinner, at the end of the last stage in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. GSI Casa Modena Salumi is also a partner to Appenninica, offering participants the unique flavours of its products, and the production experience handed down from generation to generation, combining tradition and innovation.
“Healthy and safe food is synonymous with quality. Supporting events like Appenninica it’s important, because they combine sports activity and the promotion of health and healthy food in Emilia-Romagna, a land rich with great products with the PDO and PGI marks. Promoting the territory means not only enhancing the beauty of the landscape and the opportunities it offers, but also the quality of its cuisine”, explained the Italian MP Antonella Incerti, member of the Italian Parliament’s Agriculture Commission and representative of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
by Appenninica MTB | Sep 1, 2021 | r
The famous ski resort in the municipality of Ventasso will host Appenninica MTB Stage Race for the first time, with the finish of the most challenging test, the High Mountain Queen Stage, and the start on the following day
Located in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, the famous ski resort of Cerreto Laghi is ready to make its debut at Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The hamlet of Ventasso, in the province of Reggio Emilia, is one of the five stage venues of the 2021 edition, to be held from September 12th to 18th. With its excellent facilities both for winter sports and to enjoy nature and outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain biking, the territory of Cerreto Laghi is rich in glacial lakes, as suggested by its toponymy, offering breath-taking views and water sheets to experience moments of peace and relaxation.
For its debut in the mountain bike stage race, Cerreto Laghi is ready to host, on Thursday 16 September, the finish of the most awaited effort: the High Mountain Queen Stage. After the start in Fanano, the athletes will face 95 km and 3,600 metres of elevation gain, touching the two highest peaks of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, Mount Cimone (2,165 m) and Mount Cusna (2,121 m), while enjoying the scenery of a wild territory. Approaching Cerreto Laghi, there will also be room for several fun stretches of single track, which is ideal after so many kilometres.
On Friday, September 17th, the caravan of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will start again from Cerreto Laghi to face the “Park & Roll“, fully located in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, fraction up to Castelnovo ne’ Monti: 65 Km and 1900 meters of elevation gain, with a challenging early section around Monte Cavalbianco.
“As the Municipality of Ventasso, we are very pleased of having Cerreto Laghi in the Appenninica MTB route, as our territory sees tourism as a crucial asset“, explained the Mayor of Ventasso, Antonio Manari. “Cerreto Laghi is well known and established for winter tourism, but I think it is essential to invest in another type of outdoor tourism such as mountain biking, which is rapidly growing in our territory. This important opportunity will help us to strengthen our destination, which we would like to qualify more and more as an ideal location for cycling lovers.”
BETWEEN WATER SOURCES AND MUSHROOMS COMPETITIONS
Immersing oneself in nature and landscapes is a must during a stay in Cerreto Laghi, enjoying enchanting places such as the Sorgenti del Secchia, a large basin of glacial water. There are about ten water areas in the surroundings, all easily walkable through hiking trails such as the Valle del Riarbero, where the water erosion has created an enchanting landscape.
Every year, Cerreto Laghi hosts the World Mushroom Championship, an event dedicated to the typical product that grows abundantly in the woods of these territories. The contest, whose 9th edition will take place in 2021, is a mushroom picking competition organised by the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park.
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 27, 2021 | r
Winner last year with Hans Becking, Andrea Marconi’s team will be at the start of the 2021 edition (September 12th-18th, 2021) with 2012 UCI MTB Marathon World Champion Ilias Periklis and German Vinzent Dorn
If winning is hard, repeating is even harder. Andrea Marconi’s DMT Racing Team is ready to defend the title won last year by Hans Becking on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. From September 12th to 18th, 2021, the Italian team will take part in the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with a duo formed by experienced Greek Ilias Periklis and 24-year-old German Vinzent Dorn.
“By just checking the route, it’s hard to claim our ambitions. Appenninica will offer a great chance to test ourselves on challenging routes and prepare for the UCI MTB Marathon World Championships on Elba Island, taking place a few weeks later on October 2nd, 2021. Being at Appenninica is also a way to support a growing and ambitious event, and we are pleased of the opportunity to join an all-Italian MTB stage race”, explained Andrea Marconi.
After the positive experience of last year, when DMT Racing took the first and second overall spots with Hans Becking and the 2016 UCI MTB Marathon World Champion, Tiago Ferreira, Andrea Marconi made a call ahead of the 2021 edition: “Appenninica is a growing event that showcases semi-unknown gems and locations to the whole World. I would like all Italian teams to take part in this kind of events, as this would be a boost for the Italian MTB movement as a whole.”
On September 12th, 2021, at the start of Porretta Terme, the DMT Racing Team title defense will be started by Ilias Periklis, 2012 UCI MTB Marathon World Champion in Ornanas (France), and German Vinzent Dorn, a duo that combines experience and willingness to emerge. “Periklis is an established and successful rider, who has the experience and knows how to handle himself over the course. Dorn is a young rider with a great desire to show himself and achieve important goals”, explained Marconi.
The 420 km and 16,000 metres of elevation gain will test Marconi’s team ambitions for an encore: for sure, the Emilia-Romagna Apennine is an uncompromising judge.
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 26, 2021 | Highlights
The performance beer created for sportspeople by Simone Bertin is sponsor of Appenninica’s 2021 edition: a balanced product that restores energy without glycaemic spikes
Is there any better than a cold beer after an Appenninica stage? For the 2021 edition (September 12th– 18th, 2021), the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s organising committee will delight its riders with a special and balanced product, developed specifically for them by La Orange.
DeQou Action Beer is the first handcrafted performance beer with an alcohol content of only 3,5% vol., rich in magnesium and potassium with a double ratio of maltodextrin. This beer releases energy without causing a glycaemic spike, thanks to an innovative production brewing method based on university research and development.
“Thanks to its wealth in elements, beer has been used for thousands of years to integrate and replenish minerals and energy in a pleasant way. DeQou Action Beer is the first performance beer specifically developed and brewed in Italy to combine taste, emotion and nutrition. The low alcohol combined with the high maltodextrin level makes it the perfect beer for recovery after a long sports session. We are sure that even the tireless participants of Appenninica will enjoy a sip of energy and “beerness” at the end of their efforts”, said Simone Bertin, CEO of La Orange.
DeQou Action Beer will be present at every stage of Appenninica with a special can, customized for the mountain bike stage race. La Orange returns to Appenninica’s family after having been a sponsor in the first edition.
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 24, 2021 | r
The sportive town in the Province of Modena renews its bound with Appenninica MTB Stage races, hosting two starts and two finishes of the upcoming 2021 edition
The special relationship between Fanano and Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues for the 2021 edition (September 12th-18th, 2021), when the town in the province of Modena will host three stages of the mountain bike stage race. Fanano is a small mountain municipality at the foot of Monte Cimone, located in the Alto Appennino Modenese Natural Park. Orange flag of the Italian Touring Club since 2001 for its environment, this municipality is renewed as hometown of the Italian gold miner Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in the United States at the beginning of the last century during the gold rush.
Appenninica MTB Stage Race will reach Fanano on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021, at the end of stage 3, “Gold Rush”, with 57 km and 2500 metres of elevation gain, starting from Lizzano in Belvedere. Before the arrival, the bikers will face the ascent of Monte Cimone, passing through the village of Trignano, birthplace of Felice Pedroni. This stage is characterized by exhausting ups and downs where athletes will have to be ready to face any scenario.
The following day, Wednesday, September 15th, 2021, the “Pippo Yeah!” stage returns to Appenninica after last year’s success. Entirely charted by famous trail builder Pippo Marani, the stage of 50 km and 2300 metres of elevation gain is byword of pure fun with two ascents towards the Passo Colombino and Passo Croce Arcana, although the 15 km of downhill on a single track will be decisive.
Fanano will say goodbye to Appenninica on Thursday, September 16th, 2021, hosting the start of the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, 95 km and 3600 metres of elevation gain with finish in Cerreto Laghi. The athletes will immediately face the challenging ascent towards the summit of Monte Cimone (17 km of climb for an elevation gain of over 1000 metres).
“We believed in the Appenninica project from the start because it is a worldwide platform for us to promote our territory. Here in Fanano we have about 300 km of trails of different difficulties that we keep clean with effort and dedication, but thanks to Appenninica, we can give a touristic boost to this offer and commitment. This is the moment of the Apennines, an ideal area to enjoy nature and breathe fresh air”, explained the Mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli.
FANANO, BETWEEN SPORTS AND GOLD RUSH
Fanano is a small mountain municipality with a strong sport tradition, related to the winter ski resort of Monte Cimone, where it is possible to practice downhill skiing, ski mountaineering, as well as figure skating and hockey thanks to the presence of an ice rink. In summer, the network of trails is ideal for trekking, mountain biking and outdoor sports.
The beating heart of the town is Piazza Corsini, where the three most important access roads converge. In the village of Trignano, it’s also possible to visit the native home of Felice Pedroni, Fanano’s most illustrious citizen, who founded the town of Fairbanks, in Alaska, after discovering the largest gold deposit in the region.
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 18, 2021 | r
For the first time, the village in the province of Bologna, the birthplace of journalist Enzo Biagi, will be among the venues of Appenninica MTB on Monday, September 13th and Tuesday, September 14th
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Located in the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, Lizzano in Belvedere is ready to make its debut at Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12th-18th, 2021). Famous for its stunning natural landscapes, the town in the province of Bologna is also the birthplace of the late Italian journalist and writer Enzo Biagi, as well as a scene of fierce fighting along the Gothic Defensive Line during World War II.
The Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan will get to Lizzano in Belvedere on Monday, September 13th for the finish of stage two, “Il Corno“, 55 km and 2540 meters of elevation gain after the start from Porretta Terme. The undisputed protagonist of the stage will be the Corno alle Scale mountain, whose top offers a breathtaking view, extending from the Tyrrhenian Sea, westbound, to the Adriatic Sea, eastbound. Before reaching the finish line, the riders will also enjoy the scenery of the Crinale Massimo up to Lake Scaffaiolo, already reached in the past editions.
Furthermore, on Tuesday, September 14th, Lizzano in Belvedere will host the start of stage 3, with the race heading to Fanano through a 57 km and 2500 meters of elevation gain route, in the stage called “Gold Rush“.
“We joined the project of Appenninica MTB Stage Race with great enthusiasm and we are confident that this event will help people to discover the beauty of the Corno alle Scale area – explained the mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere, Sergio Polmonari -. For some years now, we have been working to create a wide network of trails suited for mountain biking within the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, with routes both near the villages and at high altitudes. Appenninica will be the opportunity for people to discover this network of trails, and represents a further step in this project of development and promotion“.
LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, THROUGH NATURE AND HISTORY
The landscapes around Lizzano in Belvedere make this village a perfect tourist destination for those looking to immerse in the nature and breathe clean air. Here, a soulful place for meditation, surrounded by monumental trees and silence, is the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero (Maple’s Virgin): the legend says that the maples rising on the sides of the sanctuary have hosted a resting Virgin Mary.
During World War II, these areas were the scene of clashes between the partisan forces and the German army, that built the Gothic Line in 1944 . Today, a suggestive path through those paths tells the story of those terrible years. In addition, in the hamlet of Pianaccio there is a museum dedicated to Enzo Biagi, who started from here a long and remarkable career in journalism, going on to work for Italy’s major newspapers, Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, as well as curating his own prime-time show on Rai Uno.
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 18, 2021 | r
The tourist resort in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme, known for its SPA and the Porretta Soul Festival, will host the great start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th and 13th
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
As already happened for the successful 2020 edition, the 2021 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will start from Porretta Terme, in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme, in the Province of Bologna. Renowned for the quality of life and its favorable geographic location, Porretta Terme is a pole of attraction for thermal tourism and various health activities, enhanced over the years by an increasingly widespread culture of hospitality.
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the 2021 edition of Appenninica will start from Piazza Della Libertà with an individual time trial of 40 km and 1600m of elevation gain, that will allow competitors to enter immediately in the competitive mood. With its route passing through villages, mountain retreats and roads, the “Porretta Soul” stage will pay homage to the Porretta Soul Festival, an event that has attracted the biggest names in soul music for over 30 years.
The route of the opening stage winds through the mountains around Porretta Terme, through the many trails that surround the town in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, such as the ring of Monte Cavallo, 43 kilometers and 1500 meters of elevation gain among the beech forests and the most beautiful forest roads of the Upper Reno area.
Credits: IAT Alto Reno Terme
The first taste of the Apennine ridge will be on the following day, Monday, September 13, in the stage from Porretta Terme to Lizzano in Belvedere, 57 kilometers and 2340 meters of elevation gain. The absolute protagonist of the second stage is the Corno alle Scale mountain, from which the fraction “Il Corno” takes its name, with its wide views ready to provide emotions.
“There are many reasons why Alto Reno Terme has chosen to believe in cycling – commented the Mayor Giuseppe Nanni -. First of all, our desire to team up with all the municipalities of Emilia-Romagna to promote the Apennines and the Alta Via dei Parchi, combined with the possibility to diversify our tourism offer with sports and eco-sustainable proposals.”
“Appenninica MTB Stage Race has risen to international prominence – continued the Mayor – and contributes to a new image and positioning of Alto Reno Terme, related to thermal water and top-quality spa treatments, wellness, nature, sports and leisure, combined with high-quality food and wine”.
Credits: IAT Alto Reno Terme
PORRETTA TERME BETWEEN MUSIC, MOVIES AND WELLBEING
The thermal baths of Porretta, renowned for their mineral waters, have a thousand-year-long tradition and have been a source of opportunities and tourism for the town. One of the main tourist attractions are the underground springs, where the secrets of the subsoil and the path of thermal water can be discovered.
The name of Porretta Terme is also linked to two prestigious festivals of the international level. The Porretta Soul Festival, celebrating its 30th edition in 2021, has brought true legends of international music to the town, while in early December takes place the Film Festival, which over the years has hosted famous directors such as Giuseppe Tornatore, Ferzan Ozpetek and Ken Loach.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 29, 2021 | Highlights
For the third edition in a row, the Tuscan company will be technical sponsor of the Italian MTB stage race and design all the leaders’ jerseys
The partnership continues to florish between Appenninica MTB Stage Race and Natali Sports Wear, a company from Pistoia, Italy, founded in 1968, that in recent years has been experiencing a moment of growth and relaunch alongside prestigious events. As technical sponsor, Natali will dress all the leaders of Appenninica 2021, from September 12 to 18.
Natali has embraced the project of Appenninica since its debut in 2019, grasping its potential of growth on a national and international scale, confident that the format of mountain bike stage races is trending upwards in popularity and prominence.
“We believe in the project and the people behind it, and we are convinced that this event will become one of the most important on the Italian scene, and not just for off-road racing – says Marino Palandri, director of Natali Sports Wear -. Appenninica is undoubtedly an event that leaves a positive mark on those who take part in it, and we want to do the same, offering our top range models”.
The leaders of the different categories competing at Appenninica will wear the Top21Rudi model, the most popular Natali jersey in 2020 and 2021, appreciated for its versatility and innovative materials. With micro-perforated stretch front and back guaranteeing high transpirability, the garment is 100% Made in Italy, entirely produced within the Natali factory in Pistoia.
The leader of the men’s general classification will wear the blue jersey, while the leader of the women’s classification will don the red jersey. Furthermore, for the first time this year, there will be leader’s jerseys also for the grand master (orange) and master (green) categories.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 27, 2021 | r
Gordon Wadsworth and his wife Emily Hairfield will be at the start of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th, combining a sporting challenge with a holiday in Italy to discover the Apennines.
Appenninica MTB Stage Race could not happen anywhere else than on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: the bind between the race and its territory goes far beyond its name. So, while many get to know the area while taking in the Appenninica challenge, it also happens that some people come to the race to make an exciting combination of adventure and a holiday. That’s the case of Gordon Wadsworth and Emily Hairfield from the United States, coming to Appenninica’s third edition from September 12th to 18th.
“We love events that match the local spirit and world-class riding and hospitality, and from what we have learned the Appenninica MTB has both in great measure. A sports event like Appenninica shows the heart and spirit of a territory, showcasing the culture and the history. When you see and experience a place, you also learn about people and their lives in a very special way. We may not leave Italians, but we will leave with a love of Italy. I am sure!” said Gordon Wadsworth.
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Gordon Wadsworth took up mountain biking in his teenage and transferred his passion to his wife Emily. As a three-time winner of the US National Championships and five-time winner of the National Ultra Endurance Series Championships, Gordon competed in several international events. In recent years, his wife Emily and him have created the “race-cations” formula, combining the challenge of a stage race with a holiday.
“We love crafting “race-cations” with epic events as a starting point, where we get to experience the location at a very close level. The bike is a tremendous medium for the experience because we can hear, feel, smell, and taste things like no other way. After having completed the Appenninica, we hope to feel a little closer to the people and culture of Emilia Romagna and the areas we plan to travel through,” explained Gordon Wadsworth.
The US couple has already begun the build-up to a demanding stage race like Appenninica, with a training plan that includes long rides repeated for several days in a row. Over the past spring, Wadsworth also took part in the Trans-Sylvania Epic and Unbound XL, finishing both races in the top ten and confirming that he can be with the best at the Appenninica.
“Emily and I both love the stage race format because every day it has to be the “best day ever”. They are hard, of course, and that’s part of the appeal. By digging extremely deep, we learn about ourselves, challenge ourselves, and emerge the other side as different and better people. The community that an event like Appenninica builds is second to none. After the race, we both love sharing the experiences of the day, and sometimes those friendships grow across time and borders,” said Wadsworth.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 21, 2021 | r
The MTB stage race scheduled from September 12th to 18th, 2021, has started a partnership with the French leading brand, choosing the Apennines as a playground for the new X-Track pedal dedicated to the world of mountain bike
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the MTB stage race on the Italian Apennines in Emilia Romagna, whose third edition will take place from September 12th to 18th, 2021, is proud to announce a new partnership with French bicycle and accessories brand Look, the world pioneer of clipless pedals.
A leading player at the top level of professional cycling – both on and off-road – the partnership with Appenninica underlines the brands’ recent growth in the mountain bike world. Look is partner to mountain bike racing teams including Team Santa Cruz-FSA and Team KTM Alchemist powered by Brenta Brakes, and supports top-class athletes like French star Loana Lecomte.
“We are pleased to have reached a partnership with one of the most innovative brands in cycling. For Appenninica, being part of Look’s strategy means we are heading in the right direction. We will enact a shared communication plan, and Look will feature on field at the event with the athletes and the public,” said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s co-organizers.
At the official start of Porretta Terme and in the final stage in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Look will be present with its official stand, offering the opportunity to discover its latest innovations, such as the innovative X-Track pedal, Look’s top-performance model for mountain biking. X-Track provides a wider surface to bikers, allowing them to push more effectively and guaranteeing excellent reliability even in the most extreme racing conditions, just like those faced at Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
“This partnership is another step in the world of mountain biking, to show our passion and commitment to the off-road segment and make our product known to the most exigent bikers. Whatever the discipline, Look can deliver the best performance pedals for any racing condition”, said Alberto Fumagalli, Look Italia’s marketing and communication manager.
