The Appenninici – From rugby to mountain biking: the unique journey of Sophie Halhead

All athletes, whatever sport they practice, dreams of reaching the pinnacle of their discipline. Savouring success is the ultimate fulfilment for those who dedicate hours and hours of training, effort, and sacrifice to rise to the top of the world. After retirement, many athletes feel the urge to continue experiencing that adrenaline, possibly by taking on the challenge of a new discipline.

That’s what happened to Sophie Halhead, an athlete competing in the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race. On August 17, 2014, the Englishwoman climbed to the highest point of her sport, becoming World Rugby Champion with her national team. After 71 caps representing her Country, she decided to retire from professional rugby. From there, a new adventure began, where the oval ball gave way to a mountain bike.

I represented my Country 71 times, the last against Canada in the 2014 World Championship final. It was an indelible chapter of my life because I had the privilege of playing in two World Championship finals, experiencing the taste of defeat against New Zealand and the apotheosis of victory in 2014. After retiring from rugby, I chose mountain biking to share a sport with my husband. I started by joining him in training until I participated in a race: it’s a stimulus to stay fit and experience different adventures.”, recalls Sophie Halhead.

The 2023 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race was not Sophie Halhead’s first time, as she had already participated in the event’s first edition in 2019. Five years later, the stage race organised by A.S.D Happy Trail MTB had changed much, but the 43-year-old Englishwoman couldn’t wait to return.

I participated for the first time in 2019 and would have come in 2020 if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. It’s an event I wanted to come back to, and I’m delighted to have done so to meet new people and see old friends again. I love Italy because it has so many things to love: the landscape, the views, the ice cream, the pizza, and its people. At Appenninica, the organisers are fantastic, always smiling; it would be worth participating just for the chats with others. It’s an incredible race!” says Sophie.

Returning after five years allowed Sophie Halhead to see a grown reality and appreciate this evolution.

“In 2019 I think there were 40-45 athletes, but I immediately understood it was a special event. Since then, it has weathered the pandemic period and grown while maintaining a limit of 150 participants, keeping its charm and identity. The fact that we all dine together during the awards, the fantastic videos and photos of the course, it’s all special”, says Sophie.

Thanks to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Sophie Halhead has strengthened her bond with Italy and the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, to which she is also emotionally connected.

My husband’s parents lived in Emilia-Romagna, so when I discovered the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, I immediately thought it would be a great opportunity to participate. I knew the area was beautiful and the trails were fantastic, and then seeing the teaser video got me even more excited, so we signed up. Emilia-Romagna is an incredible region, and I don’t think many people fully realise how beautiful it is to mountain bike here“, says Sophie Halhead.

Becking and Brenn win Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2024

The sixth and final stage around Castelnovo ne’ Monti saw Dutch and Swiss riders cement their leadership, while Italian Luca Cacchi clinched the stage victory. “We love the idea that many riders see Appenninica as an adventure, and they come back year after year.”

Becking and Brenn edge closer to Appenninica glory in Mountain Queen Stage

The Dutch and Swiss riders confirmed their leadership in the General Classifications of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Tomorrow, September 7th, the final stage features a loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Weinberg storms to victory in Fiumalbo as Becking and Brenn hold firm

In a stunning upset, the youngest participant in the sixth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race clinches victory in stage 4, outsprinting Cacchi and Becking in the final kilometer. Brenn continues her domination in the women's field. Becking and Brenn maintain their...

Italy’s Mandelli breaks Becking’s streak in Fiumalbo. Brenn makes it three in a row

In the third stage, 59 km and 2,600 m of elevation gain from Lizzano in Belvedere to Fiumalbo, the Italian rider outsprinted the leader, Hans Becking. In the women’s category Nina Brenn takes another win, while Bakker is back on the podium. Tomorrow, September 5, the stage will loop around Fiumalbo

New stage, same winners: Becking-Brenn repeat in Vidiciatico

The two overall leaders also won the second stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race (Loiano-Lizzano in Belvedere), covering 73 km and 2,550 meters of elevation gain. Tomorrow, the race heads to high altitude between Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone, finishing in Fiumalbo

Steep from the start: Appenninica tests riders on Tour de France footsteps

ans Becking and Nina Brenn celebrate in the 43 km and 1550 m elevation gain opening stage from Bologna to Loiano. On Tuesday, September 3rd, the peloton will face the first peaks of the Apennines in the Corno alle Scale area while heading towards Lizzano in Belvedere

Bologna vibes for Appenninica MTB Stage Race

The 2024 edition was unveiled in the heart of Bologna, with the race office opening in the iconic Sala Borsa on Piazza del Nettuno. From Monday, September 2nd, Appenninica MTB Stage Race will kick off with the first of six stages on the San Luca climb, the same one tackled just two months ago by the Tour de France

From Bologna to the Apennines: the journey of Appenninica MTB Stage Race is about to begin

The MTB stage race in the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna returns from September 2-7, 2024, with its sixth edition. After departing from Bologna, athletes will pass through Loiano, Lizzano in Belvedere, Fiumalbo and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, covering 400 km and 13,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking hunts for a third success in the men’s field, while an unpredictable race unfolds in the women’s category

From Iberia to Italy: Xinxó and Carpinteiro set to tackle Appenninica MTB Stage Race

Experienced marathon riders embark on their first attempt at the challenging 400 km Italian mountain bike event

Appenninica MTB Stage Race: forging a winning alliance between sport and territory

The Italian stage race is set to kick off its 2024 edition (September 2-7) with a growing panel of solid partners, including private companies—many rooted in Emilia-Romagna—and institutional entities

Bart Classens eyes the crown at Appenninica

After a 4th place finish in 2023 and a silver medal in 2021—highlighted by a thrilling Queen Stage victory in stormy conditions – the Dutchman returns for the third time to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with unfinished business. “The Apennines are the perfect backdrop for a tough race with unforgettable scenery. My goal? A strong showing in the General Classification.”

Final verdict in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race

The final two stages of the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 2-7) will unfold beneath the towering Bismantova Rock, determining the champions of this year’s edition. The penultimate stage, dubbed the Mountain Queen Stage, has the potential to dramatically shake up the overall standings, while the concluding stage will take competitors on a loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti