Appenninica MTB Stage Race bolsters partners’ panel for 2022 edition

The fourth edition of the MTB stage race (September 4-10) shows a positive curve also in terms of number and quality of partners, including cycling brands as well as Made in Italy excellences

Since the first edition in 2019, the rise of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has been for everyone to see, not only in technical terms, but also based on the number and stature of the partners joining the project, either from the bike industry and from the excellences of Emilia-Romagna. A virtuous trend that rewards the efforts of the ASD Happy Trail MTB organizing company, led by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

For the 2022 edition, scheduled from 4 to 10 September, many established partners have remained on the side of the organizers, obviously starting with the strategic support Emilia-Romagna Region, given Appenninica’s crucial role in shining a light and promoting the active tourism opportunities in the Appennines in the summer period.

Cycling brand partners include Look, the renowned French brand, which is the official pedal of the event from 2021, and Komoot, the navigation and planning app for outdoor activities, which is the official race routing app. A recent addition to the Appenninica family, Enervit is the event’s new official nutrition partner.

Technical partner since 2020, Natali Sportwear will again dress the classification leaders. The Bologna-based bike accessories and spare parts brand Barbieri PNK has confirmed its confidence to the event to promote its NXT Tube inner tube, and Dutch wheel manufacturer 9th Wave Cycling will also be returning with its van and coffee station for all competitors. The mechanical assistance service will be delivered by Sport Bike Alicante, while bike lubricant manufacturer Squirt Cycling and Hibros Sport, producing creams, oils and warming and defatigue gels, also will show up at the race.

A race such as the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, that crosses an area rich in gastronomic excellence, must properly refuel the riders after each effort, in quality and quantity. Therefore, the organisers have teamed up with important food brands, including Barilla, which will supply the caravan with its best products for pasta parties at the end of the races.

According to tradition, the opening of the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel will not be missed, while the official water to rehydrate after the effort will be provided by Sem Group, one of the leading bottling operators in Italy. Thanks to the new partnership with Iren, a giant jug will be installed in Castelnovo ne’ Monti allowing bikers to fill their water bottles, while a smaller parallelepiped will provide water for the bike wash.

For those who prefer a different kind of hydration, the colourful stand of DeQuo Action Beer will return to Appenninica with its beer designed for sportsmen and women for quick energy recovery. Thanks to a partnership with Coop Alleanza 3.0, biological products from the Vivi Verde range will also be available. GSI Casa Modena Salumi also associates its name with Appenninica, offering participants the unique flavours of its products as well as the production experience handed down from generation to generation, combining tradition and innovation.

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