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

A sporting event’s growth is measured not only by participation numbers or the technical level of the competition, but also by its companions along the way. This year, once again, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race will line up in Bologna for the start of the 2024 edition (September 2-7) with a strong team of partners. This includes a mix of premium national and international brands alongside local excellence from the Emilia-Romagna region, showcasing a grand alliance that certifies and rewards the work of ASD Happy Trail MTB, led by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

The connection with the Emilia-Romagna Region remains crucial, as Appenninica MTB Stage Race offers an opportunity to promote the Apennines as a premier tourist destination for cycling, not only on the road but also for mountain biking. This project is also part of a broader plan to combat depopulation in these mountainous areas.

In the cycling sector, two long-standing partners stand out: 9th Wave Cycling, a Dutch company producing high-performance wheels, which has supported the project from the outset, and Barbieri PNK, a Bologna-based brand specialising in bike accessories and spare parts.

Prestigious international sponsors from the cycling world have also answered the call. Enervit, an Italian leader in sports nutrition and functional foods, will be the Sports Nutrition Partner of Appenninica. Additionally, the French brand Look, the official pedal of the event, and the bike lubricant manufacturer Squirt Cycling will also be key partners.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race also showcases Italian brands deeply rooted in the race’s territory, such as My Bike, a Meliconi group brand that applies the famous Italian company’s technology to create bike accessories and supports. The leader jerseys will be provided by Natali Sports Wear.

Among the main partners of Appenninica MTB Stage Race is Lavor, which will offer the Bike Wash service during the race. Lavor is part of the Comet Group and is a world leader in the production of cleaning and maintenance machinery.

Throughout the race week, Official Suppliers—excellent brands that will accompany the caravan—will play a vital role in making the experience even more unforgettable. The official hydration water will be provided by Gruppo Sem, one of Italy’s leading bottling operators, while Iren will ensure bikers can refill their water bottles. Thanks to Coop Alleanza 3.0, organic products from the Vivi Verde range will be available at refreshment points along the route and at the finish line.

In a region renowned worldwide for its food and wine excellence, cured meats and cheeses will be supplied by Grandi Salumifici Italiani, and the pasta from Delverde will be dressed with Rodolfi tomato sauce—two new and important partners, both from Emilia-Romagna. Cabrioni Biscotti, another partner from Emilia, is also joining the Appenninica MTB Stage Race starting this year.

As in recent years, mechanical assistance will be provided by the expertise and precision of Sport Bike Alicante, while Hibros will supply pre- and post-race muscle care products.

Radio Bruno, the Official Radio Partner, will be on hand throughout the week with the best summer hits, providing entertainment. Official Live Tracking will be managed by SeTe Track, providing an essential tool to follow the stage live and ensure the safety of the athletes, while Endu has handled the registration process, and Evodata will be responsible for timing and classifications.

The excitement continues with the return of the Appenninica Teen Camp project, which will immerse a group of young people and teenagers in the heart of the race operations. Decathlon will sponsor the project, providing tents, sleeping mats, and essential camping gear.

Arias and Bakker crowned champions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Colombian Diego Arias secures his second overall title after 2022, while Dutch rider Lola Bakker prevails in the women’s race after a week-long battle with Syd Schulz. Spica wins final stage and climbs to third overall.

Bakker delivers standout Queen Stage performance

Another dramatic turnaround in the women’s race as Lola Bakker claims her third stage win, building a commanding advantage

Arias moves closer to Appenninica 2025 victory

Diego Arias wins High Mountain Queen Stage, extending his lead in Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025. Saitta remains second, with Massimo Rosa taking third on the day.

Bakker rebounds, Schulz stays calm

Lola Bakker responds after Tuesday’s setback, while Syd Schulz manages to limit the damage

Candeago bounce back in Riolunato

Third different winner in as many stages at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025: Andrea Candeago claims victory in Riolunato, outsprinting Vincenzo Saitta and teammate Diego Arias to secure the win that eluded him in Vidiciatico.

Schulz seizes the Pink Jersey

In the women’s race, Syd Schulz snatches the leader’s jersey from Lola Bakker

Saitta triumphs in Vidiciatico as Arias holds firm

After a strong debut, Sicilian rider Vincenzo Saitta wins Stage 2 of Appenninica, outsprinting Diego Arias and Andrea Candeago in Vidiciatico

Arias strikes first at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Diego Arias drops Saitta, and finishes ahead of Becking and the Italian

Bakker powers clear, Schulz hangs tough

Lola Bakker edges Schulz in a heated women’s contest

Appenninica 2025 kicks off: five days of pure MTB

Tomorrow, Monday June 23rd, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere. Through Friday June 27th, 117 riders will battle across 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking and Diego Arias are the men to watch, while the women’s field is wide open with no clear favorite.

Twenty-Two Nations line up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

From June 23-27, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will collect the attention of international MTB lovers with 118 participants from 22 different Countries. The Netherlands and Italy lead the field, while South America is getting more represented year after year

Young and bold: Italian prospects ready to make their mark at Appenninica 2025

After Luca Cacchi’s surprising third-place finish in 2024, the 2025 edition of the Emilia-Romagna Apennine stage race will once again showcase Italian talent hunting for the spotlight against international stars from June 23-27