Three host venues, including one new addition, five stages, 320 kilometres, and 12,200 meters of elevation gain are the key figures for the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The Italian mountain bike stage race has announced its challenging 2025 route, connecting the mountain towns of Lizzano in Belvedere and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with the newly added Riolunato in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
Set for June 23-27, the 2025 edition marks a strategic shift from previous years, moving earlier in the calendar and condensing the race from six stages to an intense five-day format. The organizers from A.S.D Happy Trail MTB have designed a route that revisits the most beautiful and acclaimed stages from previous editions, treating athletes to spectacular views of the Emilia-Romagna Apennine ridge from the very first kilometers.
The race will start from Lizzano in Belvedere, a location featured in previous editions but hosting the grand départ for the first time, while Riolunato in the Modena province makes its debut appearance. The race’s finish location, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, further emphasizes Appenninica’s significance in Italy’s cycling landscape, as it will also host a stage finish of the 2025 Giro d’Italia. This connection to cycling’s Grand Tours continues Appenninica’s tradition of sharing venues with prestigious road cycling events, following Bologna’s hosting of both the 2024 race start and a historic Tour de France stage.
Race organizers A.S.D Happy Trail MTB have crafted a route that combines fan-favorite sections from previous editions with new challenges. “We’ve designed this year’s course to be intense from day one,” said race co-organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno. “By incorporating the most acclaimed segments from our 2023 edition – widely considered our best yet – and adding the exciting new venue of Riolunato in Modena Province, we’re confident this will be an unforgettable experience for every rider.”
THE STAGES: FIVE DAYS OF HIGH INTENSITY
The battle begins immediately with a demanding opener around Lizzano in Belvedere on Monday, June 23, 2025. The 58 km route with 2,300 meters of elevation gain explores the Corno alle Scale area, a mountain beloved by Bologna residents.
The second stage is another loop around Lizzano in Belvedere, this time offering more flow with 49 km and 2,200 meters of climbing within the Monte Pizzo area, featuring some of Appenninica’s most technical and beloved trails.
Wednesday’s stage (June 25, 2025) takes the race to Riolunato over 64 km and 2,750 meters of elevation gain. The route partially follows the 2024 stage that finished in Fiumalbo, crossing the Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone areas with the addition of Passo del Lupo.
The fourth stage from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti is the highly anticipated High Mountain Queen Stage, covering 89 km with 3,100 meters of climbing. Riders will tackle the Via Vandelli immediately before climbing to altitude and crossing some of Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ most beautiful ridges, enjoying unique panoramas.
The final stage follows the traditional loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, through Matilde di Canossa’s lands at the foot of the Bismantova Rock. At 58 km with 1,850 meters of elevation gain, this stage is far from easy and provides the perfect terrain for final standings shake-ups or decisive moves.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Regular Registration remains open until March 31, 2025, with prices increasing from April 1. As in recent editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and a cap of 150 participants – a choice aimed at preventing trail overcrowding and ensuring high-quality race support for all participants.
THE ROUTE
Stage 1 – Corno alle Scale – 58 km and 2,300 m elevation gain
Monday, June 23: Lizzano in Belvedere – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 2 – Monte Pizzo Trails – 49 km and 2,200 m elevation gain
Tuesday, June 24: Lizzano in Belvedere – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Emilia Romagna Peaks – 64 km and 2,750 m elevation gain
Wednesday, June 25: Lizzano in Belvedere – Riolunato
Stage 4 – High Mountain Queen Stage – 89 km and 3,100 m elevation gain
Thursday, June 26: Riolunato – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 5 – La Matildica – 58 km and 1,850 m elevation gain
Friday, June 27: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti