Since its inception in 2019, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has introduced riders and fans to a number of hidden gems throughout the Emilia-Romagna Apennines (Italy). These mountain communities, though often affected by population decline, offer architectural treasures and breathtaking landscapes steeped in history, tradition, and cultural identity.
Organized by A.S.D. Happy Trails MTB, the event serves a dual purpose: creating unforgettable racing experiences while showcasing these unique locations to an international audience — reaching beyond national borders as a promotional platform for the Emilia-Romagna Region.
From June 23 to 27, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will unveil a new gem of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: Riolunato. This charming town in the province of Modena will host the finish of the third stage and the start of the fourth. These two stages are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the overall standings, being the longest and most demanding of the five-day race.
On Wednesday, June 25, riders will take on the “Emilia Romagna Peaks” stage—a gruelling 64 km route featuring 2,750 meters of climbing that begins in Lizzano in Belvedere. This high-altitude challenge spans two of the region’s most iconic mountain areas: Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone.
The route partially mirrors the 2024 stage that finished in Fiumalbo, dominated by two major ascents. Riders face a serious test right out of the gate: of the first 23 km, 16 are uphill. It starts with an opening 7 km climb averaging 8.1%, with punishing sections reaching 20% that could already sap the legs of those not properly warmed up.
After a short downhill respite, another brutal 8.5 km climb begins, averaging 9.1%, with the final kilometer consistently above 12%. This segment runs through the Corno alle Scale area, which last year hosted a special KOM won in a sprint by Juul Van Loon over Miguel Martinez.
From the summit, a long and technically demanding descent leads to Fanano, another Appenninica stage town from previous years. From there, riders begin the third and final major ascent—14.2 km toward the summit of another Appenninica landmark: Monte Cimone.
The climb starts with challenging gradients, though on pavement, and gradually eases in the final kilometers. From the peak, a fast descent unfolds until just 5 km from the finish, where single-track segments may prove decisive before reaching the medieval village of Riolunato.
Riolunato will also host the start of stage four—the iconic “High Mountain Queen Stage,” covering 89 km with 3,100 meters of elevation gain. Coming immediately after the prior day’s effort, this long and relentless stage could create significant time gaps and prove crucial to the general classification.
“Hosting a stage of the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a true honor for our small town,” said Riolunato Mayor Lorenzo Checchi. “This event continues to grow in international prestige year after year, achieving remarkable success. It provides an exceptional showcase for our region, which I’m confident will leave a lasting impression—not just for its environmental, scenic, cultural, and natural beauty, but also for the warmth and hospitality of its residents.”
The medieval village of Riolunato, where history and nature meet, was once home to French writer Alberto Gallois, a leading advocate for Esperanto. Centuries later, the village will once again become a melting pot of languages as riders from around the world descend on the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Perhaps someone might even be tempted to use Esperanto—the universal language—to recount the challenges of the third stage.
