Appenninica and Giro d’Italia meet again

Monte Cimone will be crossed by the fourth stage of the 2021 Giro d’Italia, covering a section of the 2021 Appenninica course that will be proposed also in 2021. 

Old loves are never forgotten. The early-days Appenninica MTB Stage Race fans will remember when the MTB stage race made its debut in 2019 on the slope of the San Luca climb in Bologna, where the opening time trial of the Giro d’Italia had taken place just a couple of months earlier. From the beginning, a bond was there between Appenninica and Giro, and now we are about to see a new episode of that.

Fanano and the surrounding Apennine area will shine in 2021 Giro d’Italia stage 4, 186 kilometres from Piacenza to Sestola. On May 11th, 2021, the great names of road cycling will face the Ca’ dei Frati climb reaching the Colle Passerino before the finish in Sestola: a well-known route to the Appenninica riders, after riding it downhill during the “Pippo Yeah” stage in 2020, a course that will be proposed again in the 2021 edition, on September 15th. After the San Luca climb in Bologna in 2019, Appenninica and Giro d’Italia will cross their roads again, this time to show the Apennines’ beauties. 

The Giro will shine a light on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and their courses network, both on the road and the over 300 km of off-road trails, promoting bike and outdoor tourism in these areas. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race OC has the same goal, as highlighted by the territorial partnership recently signed with the Emilia-Romagna Region

The relationship between Appenninica and the Giro d’Italia is also enhanced by the more and more frequent connection between MTB and road cycling, with an increasing number of riders performing at the highest level in both disciplines. Mathieu Van der Poel might be one of the most outstanding examples, but two of the best riders expected at the Giro also started their careers offroad before establishing as legitimate road cycling stars: 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal and the multiple World Champion Peter Sagan. Furthermore, someone has tagged Appenninica as the “Giro d’Italia on MTB” due to its nature as a stage race. An overwhelming comparison, but certainly an inspiring one for the young Apennine event, which celebrates only its third edition in 2021.

Either in May or September, top cycling will be waiting for you on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: why not taking advantage of this opportunity? 

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

Among the protagonists of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race many stories of sport and life can be found. Sophie Halhead, who made her second experience in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines in 2023 after taking part in the debut edition, recounts her transition from rugby to the world of mountain biking.

Third time’s the charm: Hans Becking returns to Appenninica for the hat trick

First Elite Man to win two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Dutch defending champion of BUFF-Megamo will go for the hat trick from September 2 to 7, 2024. “This race has won my heart,” says Becking.

The Appenninica 2024 route: kicking off in Bologna with 14,000 meters of elevation gain

The organizers have unveiled the route for the MTB stage race, scheduled from September 2 to 7. Confirmed stage venues include Lizzano in Belvedere, Fiumalbo, and Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the grand finale, with Loiano making its debut this year. Participants will face a total of 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation gain

The Appenninici – An Olympic champion discovers Appenninica

Among the protagonists of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race are many stories of sport and life. Miguel Martinez, Mountain Biking gold medallist at Sydney 2000, participated in the 2023 edition and was impressed by the routes and landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines and the familiar atmosphere of the race

From Tour the France to the MTB: Appenninica 2024 to kick off in Bologna

The main town of Emilia-Romagna is poised to inaugurate the sixth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 2, 2024. Bathed in the afterglow of the Tour de France’s visit in July, the MTB challenge is set to bring more cycling emotions to the city

Appenninica MTB Stage Race Adventure Returns from September 2 to 7, 2024

The renowned MTB stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines confirms its six-day format, announcing its schedule for the 2024 season. Early Bird registration commences on December 1

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