Since its debut in the 2021 edition, Lizzano in Belvedere has become a regular stage venue for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. This year will be no different, with Vidiciatico hosting the finish of the second stage on Tuesday, September 3, and the start of the next stage the following day.
While the first stage from Bologna to Loiano, along the Via degli Dei, serves as a delightful appetizer for the athletes, the second stage, with its 73 km and 2350 meters of elevation gain, immediately raises the challenge to a higher level. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, this stage will take competitors into the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines through the Savena, Setta, and Reno valleys.
The first 25 km are the most demanding, featuring a rough and varied course, passing through medieval villages like La Scola and Rocca Pitigliana and encountering picturesque castles, including the enchanting Rocchetta Mattei. After reaching Rocchetta Mattei, a long 17 km climb with 900 meters of elevation gain will take athletes to higher altitudes, with only the first 4 km on asphalt.
From this point until the finish in Vidiciatico, in the municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere, the stage will follow the Gothic Line, a site of fierce battles during the Resistance in World War II. The “Gothic Line” stage is thus demanding but rich in history and breathtaking landscapes.
The following day, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Vidiciatico will also host the start of stage 4, which will immediately head towards Corno alle Scale. Starting this year, the Corno alle Scale KOM has been established at Lago Scaffaiolo, with a prize awarded to the first athlete to pass through.
“We are honoured to be one of the stage venues for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, a highly appreciated event for which we are grateful as an administration. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines are a wonderful territory with great potential, and the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is an important showcase to make the treasures of our mountains known worldwide, from the landscape to the hospitality and culinary products,” says Barbara Franchi, mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere.
LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, THE HOME OF ENZO BIAGI
Lizzano in Belvedere is a municipality in the Province of Bologna at the foot of Corno alle Scale, within the eponymous Natural Park. From the summit of Corno alle Scale, at 1945 meters above sea level, one can enjoy a stunning view that embraces the Alps to the north and the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas to the east and west. A place of peace and meditation is the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero with its monumental trees and the silence of nature.
The renowned Italian journalist Enzo Biagi, a prominent face of Rai 1 from 1995 to 2002 with his program “Il Fatto,” was originally from Lizzano in Belvedere. Additionally, ski champion Alberto Tomba, who trained for his greatest success in in the Corno alle Scale area, has a connection to this unique territory.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is still open during the “Late Registration” window until July 31, 2024. As in the past five editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and a cap of 150 participants. This decision is aimed at avoiding overcrowding of the trails and ensuring a high-quality support standard for all participants during the race.
