WILL THIS BE THE WOMEN TEAM TO BEAT AT THE APPENINICA 2019?

Lorenza Menapace and Danièle Troesch, two stage race veterans who never give up and who are used to battling until the last finish line of the last stage, have joined forces to form a remarkable team.
Talent and condition are the foundation of successful stage racing. But mind and determination are just as important, not to mention experience, which these two bikers do not lack: Lorenza will celebrate her 25th stage race and Danièle was French MTB marathon champion. Not bad!
It is by all means a very strong team and a sure candidate for the podium. Are they the team to beat in the Women’s category?
We immediately reached Lorenza upon registration for some questions 😉

What prompted you to race the Appenninica?
I feel unique emotions during stage races and the urge to capture more of those emotions in a new environment, and most importantly in Italy, sparked my interest. Also, I could not resist the challenge of 20.000 mt to conquer. I am ready to suffer but I also want to end with a smile and to bring home a new, great personal experience.

Why did you decide to race with Danièle Troesch?
I knew Danièle from past Transalps and other races around the globe. During the last Transalp we really bonded, there was a nice energy between us. We talked a lot and we found that we had many things in common.

Have you ever raced together?
We’ve raced at the same events as adversaries but never together.

What is the most important aspect when choosing a teammate?
Finding a person whose human aspects (character, goals, and attitude towards the sport) well match with mine. When you race with a man – other than the human aspects – it’s important to find a very strong rider. On the other hand, when you race with another female rider, it’s important to be athletically at the same level; admittedly, rider character greatly impacts the overall Team result.

Take advantage of the W-Special promotion for teams of two female riders and register to Appenninica MTB for a memorable challenge!

Saitta and Steinburg crowned champions of Appenninica 2026

History is made as an Italian wins the Elite men’s race at Appenninica for the first time. The final stage goes to Hans Becking, who climbs to second overall ahead of Marek Sülzle. Among the women, Lola Bakker takes the stage win but the overall title belongs to Steinburg.

Steinburg: queen of stage and standings

Among the women, Steinburg further cements her lead ahead of tomorrow’s finale

Chiarini: from heartbreak to the biggest win

After seeing victory slip through his fingers in Riolunato, Riccardo Chiarini got his revenge in the finest possible way on the 91km and 2900m ending in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Behind overall leader Saitta, the podium battle is wide open.

Steinburg wins and pulls clear

Among the women, Greete Steinburg made her move. Having pulled on the leader’s jersey yesterday, the Estonian took her first stage win of this edition, increasing her margin over Lola Bakker. Mara Parisi remains in contention, sitting third in the overall standings.

Saitta storms in Riolunato

The script for Stage 3 of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race was already written: short, explosive and full of plot twists. That is exactly what unfolded across the 38 km and 1,500 metres of elevation of the Monte Cimone Challenge, a loop around Riolunato held...

Schulz strikes back, Steinburg takes pink

Schulz had slipped more than 21 minutes behind after the opening stage. The American showed resilience and determination to respond immediately, taking victory in Riolunato. The general classification may now be a long shot, but she has firmly re-established herself as one of the riders to watch over the remaining stages.

Win for Becking, Jersey for Spica

Becking had finished third in Vidiciatico, disappointed after failing to hold the wheel of Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica in the finale. On the 65-kilometre route featuring 2,600 metres of elevation gain, however, the Dutchman matched the pace of the Rolling Bike Team duo throughout the day and eventually took advantage of misfortune for the race leader to claim both the stage win and a valuable leap up the standings.

De Souza overcomes adversity

De Souza overcomes a crash to beat Lola Bakker and Greete Steinburg in the women’s race

Sicilian dominance in the Apennines

Saitta leads home teammate Spica and Becking

Appenninica MTB Stage Race gets underway tomorrow in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

The 2026 edition of Italy’s premier MTB stage race starts tomorrow, Monday, June 22. Nearly two hundred competitors will contest five exacting stages across the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, culminating in a grand finale at Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Friday, June 26

Appenninica 2026: the partners behind the race

The Emilia-Romagna’s stage race confirms a comprehensive partner ecosystem, positioning the event as a flagship platform for regional excellence and outdoor tourism. The 2026 edition will take place from June 22 to 26

Brazil’s rising MTB star eyes Appenninica crown on debut

At 23, Luiza Euzebio De Souza makes her Appenninica debut with quiet confidence, returning from injury and leading a record Brazilian contingent