Efforts rewarded by high-class services at Appenninica

There are many ways to live the experience in the Emilian Apennines from July 19th to 25th, with the full-service formula and quality extras. On February 29th the “regular registration” period ends

Race plus adventure: that’s the formula that inspired the concepts the Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race organizers to create a unique mix of unexplored trails, scenic beauties, steep climbs and technical descents, all to discover in an unforgettable week, from July 19th to 25th. But the journey is only part of the experience.

As in the first edition and following the standards of the main international MTB stages races, Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race is a “full service” race. Within the registration fee, athletes are provided services such as accommodation, dinners, refreshments and everything else necessary to face the adventure, focusing only on enjoying it in full.

As traditional for marathon stage races, the athletes will be offered inside dormitories set up in the host locations for the overnight stays. However, those who want to treat themselves with some extra comfort will have access to two hotel options, of different levels, with an additional cost.

In a territory with a great gastronomic tradition such as the Emilian Apennines, house of the main sponsor Parmigiano Reggiano, every day Appenninica offers its participants breakfasts and dinners with typical products of the area, with attention also to vegetarian diets. In addition, riders will find a well-deserved lunch based on fruits and carbohydrates at the end of each stage.

Refreshments, complete or liquid, will be offered during the stages. Fresh fruit and dried fruit, sweet and savory bread, tarts, energy bars and gels, isotonic sports drinks with salts, water and cola will be available in the complete refreshments, while gel and energy drinks will be offered in the liquid ones.

A one-week stage race can be very stressful for a bike, and that’s why an emergency mechanical repairs of emergency and lubrication point will be located at one of the refreshments area on the route, while self-service bikes washing will be available at the end of the stage with hydro-low pressure cleaning machines. The safe bike park, guarded day and night, is available to every competitor, each of whom will be equipped with a GPS tracker to ensure maximum safety, to monitor the position in the race at all times, and be able to detect any problems and take action if needed.

For those less accustomed to bicycle maintenance, it will also be possible to get some help from the mechanical assistance service out of the race, at an extra cost: the mechanics will wait for the bike at the end of each effort, to return it in perfect condition the next morning.

Also muscles need care after the efforts of Appenninica: for those who want to treat their muscles after the fatigues of day, a guided stretching with a certified Yoga instructor will be held, while massages of 25 minutes with a physiotherapist will be available as an optional package.

The organizers of Appenninica thought of many ways to customize the race experience, also for those who want to live the experience not on the bike, alongside their beloved ones. For those who want to face the adventure accompanied by not-participating wife and children or wish to add a few days of relax to the efforts of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race, Tourissimo-Active Travel in Italy offers the possibility to arrive a few days in advance for a short SPA holiday in Alto Reno Terme (Porretta) or to stop after the race to explore the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Bologna and the delicacies of the Parmigiano Reggiano dairies.

“Supporter” and “touristic” packages are thought for non-racers. The first allows access to the Race Village and its services, while giving the opportunity to follow the race from inside; the second is designed to be a “real” holiday pack, with its own program parallel to that of the race. Every day is possible to discover something new and special, before heading to the finish area in order not to miss the last meters of the stage of the favorite athlete.