Appenninica MTB Stage Race to release six-part short documentary series

Fresh from the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 2-7), memories of this epic six-day mountain bike adventure remain vivid for all participants. The story of one of Europe’s premier stage races now comes to YouTube as a six-episode series, launching Thursday, November 7th.

Produced by The Outdoor Lab, the series takes viewers to the heart of the action. New episodes will be released every Thursday at 18:30 CET on Appenninica’s YouTube channel, starting November 7th, with each installment focusing on one stage of the race. The series follows the intense competition through Nina Brenn and Hans Becking‘s victories in the women’s and men’s categories.

The race traversed the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, beginning with Bologna’s iconic San Luca climb and winding through Loiano, Lizzano in Belvedere, and Fiumalbo before its finale in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Beyond the competition itself, the series captures personal triumphs and emotional journeys, showcasing the determination of every participant in this formidable challenge.

In line with the event’s Stage Analysis tradition, the series emphasizes the human stories that have defined Appenninica since its 2019 debut. While showcasing the race’s challenges, each episode celebrates the participants’ spirit and determination. The series also highlights the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ distinctive charm, from its landscapes and local cuisine to its characteristic villages and warm hospitality.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race, one of Emilia-Romagna’s major sporting events, continues its longstanding partnership with the Region to promote the Apennine territory, an area whose beauty and potential remain largely unexplored by the wider public.

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