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

“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.

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