After 320 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of climbing in a sun-scorched week, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race has found its champions: Diego Arias and Lola Bakker. Arias, racing for Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team, led from start to finish. Bakker, meanwhile, had to chase down American Syd Schulz after a setback in stage two, sealing her win with consistency and resilience.
Arias claimed the final Barbieri PNK Blue Jersey, securing his second career Appenninica title after his 2022 triumph. Throughout the week, the Colombian faced relentless pressure from Vincenzo Saitta, backed by teammate Emanuele Spica. The duo from Rolling Bike Team were central protagonists from the opening stage, locked in an ongoing battle with Arias and his team, managed by Martino Tronconi.
The final showdown came on Friday, June 27th, with the 58 km stage 5 around Castelnovo ne’ Monti (1,600 m elevation gain). Spica, just two seconds behind third-place Andrea Candeago in the GC at the start, executed a decisive ride to claim the stage in 2:30:18 and climb onto the final podium.
The stage began with aggressive moves from Oscar Pujol and Peter Menghetti, the latter leading solo for nearly 1 hour and 40 minutes before taking a wrong turn and getting reeled in by a quartet: Arias, Candeago, Saitta, and Spica.
From there, the Rolling Bike duo turned up the pace on the climb to Pietra di Bismantova, distancing Candeago in the fight for third overall. Spica then surged ahead on the final descent, clinching the stage win. Menghetti outsprinted Saitta for second (+42″), followed by Arias and Candeago at +2’27”.
“I really wanted that third place overall,” said Emanuele Spica. “Vincenzo and I pushed hard on the final climb and made it happen. I’m proud of the stage win – it’s been a fantastic week, full of satisfaction for our team. This is a tough but truly beautiful race. It deserves its reputation.”
Arias completed the five-stage race in 15:32:25, with Saitta second at +7’34” and Spica rounding out the podium at +21’36”. Candeago (+24’00”) and Massimo Rosa (+45’20”) completed the most Italian-flavored top five in event history.
“Today I tried to help Andrea Candeago defend his third place, but we couldn’t quite manage it,” said Diego Arias. “It’s been a great week with excellent organization – just like I remembered from 2022. I’m happy to have found my best legs again and to take this win. I hope to return next year to defend the title – maybe against Hans Becking again.”
SCHULZ WINS THE FINAL STAGE, BAKKER TAKES THE OVERALL
The duel that animated the women’s race all week saw one last chapter in the final stage. Syd Schulz claimed victory at the foot of Pietra di Bismantova, once again proving faster than Lola Bakker over shorter distances – but the Dutch rider had already done enough to lock in the overall win.
Schulz completed the stage in 3:19:15, finishing 8’35” ahead of Bakker. The Lavor Pink Jersey was never in doubt after stage four, with Bakker holding a 21’25” lead in the general classification. Fellow Dutchwoman Linda Van Vliet completed the podium, over two and a half hours behind her compatriot.
“Winning Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025 is a dream come true,” said an emotional Lola Bakker at the finish. “This year I was strong mentally and physically – I think that made the difference. It’s been a difficult season with injuries, but this victory makes it all worthwhile.”
CLEAN SWEEPS IN THE OTHER CATEGORIES
The week also saw dominant runs across the other categories. In the Masters, Oscar Pujol went unbeaten across all stages, finishing over 30 minutes ahead of defending champion Juul Van Loon, with Rob Van der Werf in third.
In Grand Masters, Mirko Pirazzoli led from start to finish, building a gap of over 40 minutes to Stefan Buri (Switzerland), with Paul Wellicome (UK) third.
In the Great Grand Masters category, Axel Strauss of Austria was in a league of his own. Piotr Sozanski took second, and Lawrence Westney completed the podium.
