Steep from the start: Appenninica tests riders on Tour de France footsteps

The sixth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race kicked off on September 2nd from the heart of Bologna. Despite the stage’s relatively limited distance and elevation gain, the start on the San Luca climb (nearly 2 km at an average 10.8% gradient) immediately showed riders that nothing comes easy in the Apennines.

On the 43 km route with 1,550 m of elevation gain from Bologna to the new stage venue of Loiano, Appenninica and its peloton rode the same San Luca climb as the Tour de France just two months ago. While chances of beating Tadej Pogacar’s King of the Mountain (KOM) time (5 minutes and 6 seconds, set on June 30th in the Tour’s first-ever Italian Grand Départ) were slim, the 130 riders gave their all and conquered the iconic ascent before leaving the city behind and diving into the more typical forests and off-road trails.

Retracing the famous “Via degli Dei” (Gods’ Path) hiking trail, which connects Bologna to Florence along the ancient Flaminia Militare Roman road, the opening stage of Appenninica 2024 offered a first glimpse of the athletes’ fitness and ambitions. Among the guests at the start was also the former Italian Road Cycling Technical Director and Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board President Davide Cassani.

BECKING TAKES THE LEAD, CACCHI IS RIGHT BEHIND

Riding on such an iconic climb, tackled by the world’s greatest cyclists just two months ago, was bound to leave a mark on all riders, whether regulars or newcomers to Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Hans Becking, the reigning champion and first man to win Appenninica twice, is now chasing his third gold medal and legendary status on the Emilia-Romagna trails.

However, the back-to-back title might not come easy for the Dutchman. Right behind Becking, who won in 1 hour, 58 minutes, and 20 seconds, two young riders are vying for the spotlight: Italian athlete Luca Cacchi (23 years old), just 6 seconds behind on the finish line in Loiano, and German Peat Weinberg (21), who took bronze with a 58-second gap.

“It was a nice stage, fast and fun, with a tough final climb after a flat yet technical middle section,” said winner Hans Becking.

This is my first year in the Elite category, Appenninica is my first ever stage race and, even though I’m from this area, I had never ridden on the San Luca before,” said a smiling Cacchi on the finish line. “Hans only dropped me in the last few hundred meters,” added the Italian, who finished the opening stage on a positive note.

NINA BRENN FIRST QUEEN AT APPENNINICA 2024

Winner of the Swiss Epic on home soil, and coming off last year’s third place at Appenninica, Nina Brenn is the first woman to cross the finish line in Loiano in 2:33:48. Second place goes to Dutch rider Lola Bakker, who started the race at full gas but suffered a gap of 9:41 to the winner. Third place is Spain’s Ada Xinxó Moreira10:45 behind.

“I loved this stage! Steep climbs are my favorite, and the flat part along the Reno river was beautiful. I’m happy for the win and for the racecourse,” said Nina Brenn at the finish line.

FROM LOIANO TO LIZZANO: APPENNINICA SHOWS OFF IN THE CORNO ALLE SCALE AREA

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3rd, 73 km and 2,550 m of elevation gain will take the riders from the new entry Loiano to Lizzano in Belvedere, a regular stage venue in recent years. Stage 2, named “Gothic Line”, runs along three rivers (Savena, Setta, and again Reno) and crosses no less than three valley floors.

The route kicks off with 25 km among the medieval hamlets of La Scola and Rocca Pitigliana, and the Rocca Mattei Castle. After that, the riders face a 17 km climb with 900 m elevation gain, reaching for the first time the real peaks of the Apennines. From there, the track follows the Gothic Line trail, a legacy from the clashes during World War II.

The Appenninica peloton is ready for a long day on the bike, cycling through history and nature, well aware that nothing worth having ever comes easy.

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