There are events that race through a region — and then there are events that belong to it. Appenninica MTB Stage Race has never been just about trails and profiles. It’s about terrain and identity. From the first edition, it has been deeply rooted in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines — and every year, that bond grows stronger.

More than a race, it’s become a ritual. A gathering where competition and connection go hand in hand. The “Appenninica Family” isn’t just a phrase — it’s what keeps riders, staff, and locals coming back.

Tomorrow, from the slopes of Corno alle Scale in Lizzano in Belvedere, 117 athletes will embark on a five-stage journey: 315 kilometers, 12,000 meters of elevation, and one goal — to conquer one of Europe’s most authentic and demanding mountain bike stage races.

On Friday June 27th, beneath the cliffs of Pietra di Bismantova, we’ll know the names of the 2025 winners across all categories: Men Elite, Women Elite, Master, Grand Master, and Great Grand Master.

Among the starters are curious newcomers discovering these mountains for the first time — and returning faces who’ve seen the race evolve year after year. Some are back for their second or third attempt. Others, their fifth. They know the names. They know the stories. And above all, they know what Appenninica means.

This year, they’ll face a twist. For the first time, the event runs in late June — a deliberate move by ASD Happy Trail MTB. The change in calendar adds a layer of unpredictability: late-spring form, heat management, and trail conditions could all play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.

BECKING VS ARIAS, BUT THE PACK IS DEEP

If you’ve already won Appenninica, you don’t sneak under the radar. If you’ve won it three times — as Hans Becking has in 2020, 2023, and 2024 — you carry a target on your back. But the Dutchman thrives under pressure and knows these trails like few others.

Standing in his way is 2022 winner Diego Arias. A pure climber with serious pedigree, Arias lines up with strong team support from Massimo Rosa and Andrea Candeago — and with a clear objective: to take back the crown.

The front row might be familiar, but there’s danger all around. Federico Mandelli showed his potential with a stage win last year and returns with more confidence. Bad Team’s young duo Davide Magnani and Peter Menghetti are here to disrupt the status quo, as are the Rolling Bike Team’s Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica. Local hope Lorenzo Dallarosta, born in 2001, will be racing on home soil and could be one to watch.

Missing from the action is Luca Cacchi, one of 2024’s big names, forced to withdraw last-minute after a knee injury at Dolomiti Hero.

The Master category also promises fireworks. Two-time defending champion Juul Van Loon is chasing a rare triple, but legends like Karl Platt — six-time Cape Epic winner — and former road pro Oscar Pujol are here to make sure it doesn’t come easy.

WOMEN’S RACE WIDE OPEN — AND FULL OF VARIABLES

With no reigning champion on the start list, the women’s race is up for grabs. Lola Bakker, third last year, returns with unfinished business, though her season has been complicated by injuries. American Syd Schulz, Dutch road convert Linda Van Vliet, and the ever-consistent Elena Novikova are among those with podium potential. What’s certain is that no single name dominates the start sheet — and that sets the stage for one of the most unpredictable editions yet.

VIDICIATICO WELCOMES THE RIDERS

The first chapter of Appenninica 2025 unfolded today in Vidiciatico, where riders gathered for accreditation and the official presentation. Local authorities — including Lizzano in Belvedere’s Mayor Barbara Franchi and Corno alle Scale Park President Tiberio Rabboni — welcomed the field under the warm Apennine sun, with President of the Emilia-Romagna’s Italian Olympic Commitee Andrea Dondi. 

Andrea Dondi (President of Emilia-Romagna’s Italian Olympic Committee):  “Appenninica is a remarkable showcase for our region. Tourism, fine food, and sport make the perfect blend, and Emilia-Romagna’s sporting community proudly supports this race, wishing all the athletes the very best.”

Barbara Franchi (Mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere):  “We are thrilled to welcome the Appenninica MTB Stage Race back to our town, and I wish all the athletes an unforgettable week in our beautiful territory.”

Tiberio Rabboni (President of the Corno alle Scale Regional Park): “Cycling is a sport that aligns with the values of biodiversity and environmental respect. We are pleased to host such an internationally recognized event in our Park and hope all athletes will discover, appreciate, and fall in love with our land.”

Now, the countdown is over. The adventure begins. Five stages. Big climbs. Tight margins. Real mountain biking.

Since its inception, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become the ultimate showcase for the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Through rider stories and images that travel the globe, the international attendance has grown stronger each year—and this year’s start list is no exception.

Just days before the stage race begins, 118 participants will head to Lizzano in Belvedere on June 22nd. From June 23-27, they’ll battle across the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia, covering 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of total elevation gain.

Among the twenty-two nations represented at Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Netherlands once again fields the largest contingent. No less than 26 Dutch riders will line up, led by defending champion and three-time overall winner Hans Becking. But the Dutch have other solid cards to play, including Juul van Loon, who’s won the Master category the past two years, and Lola Bakker, last year’s third-place finisher and a top contender in this year’s women’s race.

Italy also brings a solid delegation with twenty-two athletes, ranging from young guns Luca Cacchi and Davide Magnani to veterans like Raffaele Verzella.

The other major favorite comes from Colombia—though he’s now based in Italy: it’s Diego Arias, who leads a South American group featuring two Colombians, three Brazilians, two Uruguayans, one Peruvian, and five Argentinians. It’s a clear sign of how much Appenninica MTB Stage Race is valued even on the other side of the world.

Several nations continue to show their loyalty to the Apennine stage race: Belgium (11), the United Kingdom (9), the United States (7), Spain (6), and Germany (5). The start lists also includes riders from the Dominican Republic and South Africa, representing Central America and Africa respectively.

FROM LIZZANO TO CASTELNOVO: 315 KM AND 12,000 METERS OF CLIMBING

The 2025 Appenninica adventure kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere, at the foot of Corno alle Scale. The first two stages on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th will be loops starting and finishing in the Vidiciatico area. These are far from easy opening stages—riders will immediately face 58 km and 2,300 meters of climbing through Corno alle Scale, Passo Croce Arcana, and Lago Scaffaiolo. The intensity keeps up in stage two with 46 km and 2,100 meters of climbing along the Monte Pizzo trails.

Wednesday, June 25th brings the “Emilia Romagna Peaks” stage—64 km and 2,750 meters of climbing—taking the race to Riolunato via two of the Apennines’ most iconic peaks: Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone.

The High Mountain Queen Stage is the fourth stage, running from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti across 88 km and 3,000 meters of climbing. This stage could well decide the overall classification before the final act on Friday, June 27th—a loop starting and finishing in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. The “Windy Way Home” with its 58 km and 1,600 meters of climbing will still have plenty to say before crowning the final winner in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is anticipating the emergence of new Italian prospects after Luca Cacchi‘s remarkable third-place podium finish in 2024. From June 23-27, the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will welcome a fierce and highly motivated Italian contingent, determined to challenge the biggest names in international mountain biking.

Leading the charge will be two standout performers from last year’s edition: Luca Cacchi, who was the absolute revelation of 2024 with his podium finish and stage victory in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, and Federico Mandelli, who dominated the stage in Fiumalbo with authority. Both riders return to the start line with renewed ambitions and a hunger to confirm their place among the elite.

Cacchi will be supported by teammate Davide Magnani, who arrives at Appenninica riding high after his recent triumph at “Il Carpegna mi Basta” and eager to make a strong first impression on the Apennine trails and Peter Menghetti. Alongside them, Piraz Coach Academy is raising the stakes once again with Mandelli, aiming high after the excellent results shown in 2024.

The Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team returns after their 2023 experience, with Martino Tronconi – who raced that year – now firmly established as team manager. Veteran Diego Arias, winner of the 2022 edition, will be the cornerstone of a squad that also features quality Italians in Massimo Rosa, plus young Andrea Candeago, 22, who has already shown promise at the 4Island Epic.

There’s buzz also around the debut of Paolo Alberati‘s Team Rolling Bike. The former pro turned manager is focused on developing young talent and will field Vincenzo Saitta, who finished fourth at the 4 Stage MTB Lanzarote won by Appenninica former rider Tim Smeenge, and Emanuele Spica, who cracked the top ten at Costa degli Etruschi.

The 2025 edition of Appenninica promises to be one of the most competitive ever, giving young Italian riders the chance to go toe-to-toe with some of the best on the international scene. After Cacchi and Mandelli’s breakout performances in 2024, anticipation is building to see which new name will capture the imagination.

With strong team support and the energy that comes from hunger for results, the Italian squad is determined to write a new chapter in the history of Italy’s most prestigious mountain bike stage race.

When Appenninica MTB Stage Race talks about family, they mean it. The atmosphere of the small Emilia-Romagna Apennine villages, the genuine friendships that form and endure year after year, the loyalty of supporters who simply can’t—and won’t—say no to being part of Appenninica.

This Family philosophy guides the Happy Trail MTB organizers in building relationships with their extensive network of partners, both technical and commercial, who continue to support Italy’s premier MTB stage race, running June 23-27.

At the heart of this support is the Emilia-Romagna Region, which has recognized the mountain bike stage race as a powerful tool for promoting the Apennines as a top international summer cycling destination. Furthermore, this is part of a broader strategy to revitalize mountain communities and combat rural depopulation.

Lavor, a leading Italian manufacturer of pressure washers, has been part of the Appenninica story for several years. What started as a partnership providing bike wash services has grown into one of the event’s major sponsorships, reflecting the deepening relationship between the brand and the race.

Many cycling-related brands are also well-represented among event supporters, starting from Enervit. Italy’s leading sports nutrition and functional food company has served as Appenninica’s Sports Nutrition Partner for several years. Barbieri PNK, Bologna-based bike accessories and parts brand, manufacturer of innovative TPU inner tubes, continues its long-standing partnership.

Natali Sports Wear crafts the leader jerseys, while French brand Look provides the official pedals. New to the family in 2025 is Northwave, a leading manufacturer of technical cycling shoes, while Squirt Cycling returns as a key supplier of chain lubricants.

Local Emilia-Romagna businesses are also part of the Family. The Meliconi group leverages its technology expertise to produce bike accessories and supports through its My Bike brand. Hibros, a Parma-based chemical laboratory, continues its partnership by supplying recovery creams for athletes’ care.

Throughout race week, June 23-27, athletes will seize the quality from an impressive lineup of official suppliers and premium brands supporting the event. Gruppo Sem, one of Italy’s major bottling companies, provides Acqua del Cimone as the official water. At the grand finale in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, riders can also refill their bottles at a special Iren water fountain.

Given the region’s renowned culinary heritage, food partners play a key role. Delverde supplies pasta, while Rodolfi Mansueto provides tomato sauces products. Local favourite Cabrioni Biscotti will fuel athletes’ breakfast needs with traditional baked goods.

Key support services include mechanical assistance from Sport Bike Alicante and logistical support from Decathlon, which supplies tents, sleeping mats, and equipment for the Appenninica Teen Camp—a program that engages teenagers as part of the race staff.

Radio Bruno returns as the official radio partner, providing live commentary and summer hits throughout race week. SeTeTrack handles Official Live Tracking, essential for real-time stage coverage and athlete safety, while Evodata secures timing and results services.