Appenninica MTB locks in 2026 dates: five days of racing from June 22nd to 26th

Just days after crossing the final finish line in Porretta Terme, with Diego Arias and Lola Bakker claiming overall victories, the team at ASD Happy Trail MTB is already shifting focus to the 2026 edition. The dates – officially announced during the closing ceremony – confirm Appenninica’s slot on the international MTB calendar.

Five intense days riding the rugged trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines once again left their mark on riders, who praised the mix of scenic beauty, technical challenge, and genuine atmosphere that define the race.

“The 2025 course earned high marks from every rider on the start list – that’s the strongest validation we could ask for,” said organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno. “These were five days of authentic mountain biking, set against a backdrop of camaraderie, good vibes, and world-class trails. That’s the core of Appenninica, and what we’ll keep building on.

Registration for the 2026 edition opens Wednesday, July 2nd, with a limited batch of 40 Early Bird entries available at €990. Once those are claimed, prices will increase.

True to its full-service approach, Appenninica offers riders more than just race access – entry includes accommodation, meals, feed zones, medical support, daily bike wash, and all stage-to-stage transfers. Complete details are available at https://appenninica-mtb.com/en/register-2/

As always, the race will be capped at 150 participants – a deliberate decision by organizers to preserve the race’s intimate feel, ensure top-level organization, and protect the region’s pristine trails. Though a solo format, the experience creates a sense of community that goes well beyond the finish line – from the first breakfast to the final dinner, shared moments are part of the Appenninica DNA.

Appenninica MTB locks in 2026 dates: five days of racing from June 22nd to 26th

Fresh off the 2025 edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race is already looking ahead. The next chapter of the Italian stage race will take place from June 22nd to 26th, 2026, keeping its five-stage format. Early Bird entries go live on July 2nd

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