The Appenninici – Jeremy Mahot: mountain bike as a social message

Many stories of sports and life can be found among the Appenninica MTB Stage Race riders. Jeremy Mahot took up mountain biking during the Covid period as an antidote to the death of a close friend, and in 2022 he concluded Appenninica to raise awareness about the problem of depression

There are many motivations for someone to take up a sport. Some develop a passion early on and others approach it with time. Those who do it to get physically fit and those who do it to find inner peace, to take their mind off life’s everyday problems.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 finisher Jeremy Mahot was introduced to mountain biking during the hard months of the Covid quarantine when gyms were closed, and one could only get an hour of airtime to play outdoor sports. Before then, he had never played this sport, but love was at first sight.

It was a bad time, and a friend invited me to mountain biking. Unfortunately, not long after I started, another close friend lost his life due to depression caused by a concussion. He could no longer find peace with himself. At that moment, mountain biking saved my life, and I felt a duty to tell everyone about the positive impact this sport can have on a person’s life, as well as the social interaction with other bikers”, says Jeremy Mahot.

 

To testify to this, Jeremy Mahot got into mountain bike stage racing, participating in and completing the Bike Transalp in 2021. From there, the idea of sharing his adventures on social media and a blog, explaining why he was doing it and showing how everyone can achieve a goal if they want to, even finding the motivation to get through the darkest moments.

I want to make people aware that concussion is a major trauma, not to be taken lightly, because it can bring problems such as depression, irritability, and lack of concentration. Talking is a great help to vent. I want everyone to understand that so many things can help to feel good. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. Within the circles of Mtb fans, you can find people willing to talk and listen”, explains the French rider based on the United Kingdom.

On his journey-testimony, Jeremy Mahot crossed paths with Appenninica MTB Stage Race, finding that sense of family and community he sought.

I enjoyed Apenninica for the beautiful scenery and host cities, and it reinforced my belief that the Mtb community is unique. I now have friends all over the world with whom I talk regularly. I will go back in the future because the family atmosphere is unique. I left alone and returned with many brothers and sisters with whom I shared an experience”, he says.

Becking and Piana conquer Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023

The Dutch rider of Buff-Megamo is the first male athlete to win two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Becking sealed the overall win by raising arms again in the last stage, followed by Tiago Ferreira and Tim Smeenge, who join him on the podium in second and third position respectively. Debora Piana takes the women’s GC, while Ilina triumphs again in Vidiciatico. “We are really proud of the athletes’ feedback” said the organizers

Happy day for DMT Racing Team in Vidiciatico. Becking and Piana keep the lead

Tiago Ferreira went all-in in the penultimate stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race from Fanano to Vidiciatico, trying to pursue the leader’s jersey, but Becking kept everything under control. Same plot in the women’s category, with Russian Kristina Ilina taking her second win and Piana in control

Appenninica’s colour is Orange: Smeenge and Becking the stars of stage 4

The Dutch MTB Marathon National champion raises hands in Fanano, while Becking increases his gap in the GC on Tiago Ferreira. Debora Piana keeps dominating and makes it three in a row. Tomorrow, September 8th, the penultimate stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 runs from Fanano to Lizzano in Belvedere

Becking and Piana strenghten their lead in Fiumalbo

The two leaders got the second win at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. The Dutch rider of Buff-Megamo Team sprinted over Tiago Ferreira, while things are getting spicy for the bronze medal, with four riders fighting for the third position. In the women’s field, the Italian of Team Cingolani-Specialized secured the leader jersey with another success in Fiumalbo over Ilina. Tomorrow, September 7th, the peloton heads to Fanano

Ferreira and Piana tame the Mountain Queen Stage

The Portuguese athlete of DMT Racing Team answered back to Becking’s success in the opening stage, while Tronconi and Smeenge remain in contention behind them. Debora Piana took the win and the lead in the women’s category. Tomorrow, September 6th, marks the first-ever border crossing from Emilia-Romagna to Tuscany for the race, with the stage starting and finishing again in Fiumalbo

Becking and Ilina secure victory in the opening act of Appenninica 2023

The Dutch rider from Team Buff-Megamo the Russian of DMT Racing Team have made an impact on the inaugural stage of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Completing the men’s podium were Tiago Ferreira and Martino Tronconi, while Debora Piana and Nina Brenn claimed spots on the women’s top-3. Tomorrow, September 5th, comes the anticipated Queen Stage

Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the Bismantova Rock welcome back the Appenninica show

The program of the MTB stage race (4-9 September) was anticipated by the “Appenninica lovers” Granfondo. Starting from tomorrow, the main event will kick off with Hans Becking and Tiago Ferreira leading the title race, while Naima Diesner emerges as the top contender in the Women’s field

With 150 riders from all continents, the Appenninica challenge goes global

Approaching its fifth edition (September 4-9, 2023), Appenninica MTB Stage Race – the mountain bike stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, Italy – is set to showcase 150 athletes hailing from 24 Nations, marking a sold-out status. This year, the event introduces an innovative initiative: Appenninica Teen Camp

Miguel Martinez leads the charge of “The Appenninici”

Cross-country gold medalist from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Miguel Martinez, is set to kick off the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 4-9, 2023). A multitude of riders will converge for this stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, seeking a distinctive adventure filled with a treasure trove of stories and anecdotes.

Riders bulletin n.6/2023

Riders bulletin n.6 August 29, 2023   This is the sixth rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. Race time is Sunday!   The starting list is on the website. Click here. The event is sold out....

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race partners’ squad keeps growing stronger

In its fifth edition, scheduled from September 4th to 9th, the race has further stocked its partners’ panel: a testament to the event’s rise towards international prominence, while keeping deep roots in its territory

Debora Piana and Kristina Ilina challenge Naima Diesner for Appenninica throne

The German, winner of the last two editions, will be the athlete to beat at the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (Sept. 4-9), but the Italian rider and the Russian national champion will be upfront to try to spoil her plans