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

Appenninica MTB Stage Race announces significant changes for 2025, set to deliver an even more intense and exciting racing experience. After four years in early September, Italy’s premier mountain bike stage race shifts to early summer, with the next edition scheduled for June 23-27, 2025.

The race format sees the second major update. Appenninica MTB Stage Race will now feature five stages, aligning with Europe’s leading events while maintaining its identity as one of international mountain biking’s most challenging stage races. Riders will tackle 330 kilometers and 12,000 meters of climbing through the stunning Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

“Our calendar move responds to increasingly crowded September scheduling, particularly with the 2025 MTB Marathon World Championships which would have overlapped with our second weekend,” explain race co-organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

“The shift to five days reflects direct feedback from current and potential participants, bringing us in line with major events in our sector. What remains unchanged is our unique ‘Appenninica Family’ atmosphere and our commitment to showcasing extraordinary, undiscovered trails,” the organizers added.

With 2025 dates now confirmed, registration is set to open. The Early Bird phase offers 50 entries at a special rate of €990, available from Sunday, December 1st to December 31st, or until sold out. Appenninica MTB Stage Race provides full-service racing, with entry fees covering accommodation, feed zones and meals, medical support, bike washing, stage transfers, and additional services (complete details at appenninica-mtb.com).

The event maintains its 150-rider cap to preserve trail conditions and ensure premium service standards. While riders compete individually, Appenninica’s essence lies in shared experiences – from start lines to host towns and communal dinners. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have witnessed countless lasting friendships, with more connections waiting to be forged.

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.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race concluded today, September 7th, capping off a week brimming with emotion, physical challenges, Italian hospitality, and newfound friendships. The 400 km and 13,000 m of elevation gain from Bologna to Castelnovo ne’ Monti left a deep mark on the 125 riders at the start.

From 20-year-old German Peat Weinberg to 68-year-old Polish rider Piotr Sozansky, from overall winner Hans Becking to Canada’s Warren Poon, forced off the bike due to an early injury but back riding in the rear of the peloton at the end of the week, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines fulfilled and went beyond athletes’ expectations. And that’s a major accomplishment, given the 24 countries represented.

Day after day, from the majestic Bologna to the highest peaks of the Apennines, the bunch gave full praise to the race organized by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB, to its familiar atmosphere and the quality of the routes.

“Appenninica is like a great family, every year you ride on wonderful trails and among great people from every corner of the world,” said US rider Nate Rex, at his second participation. “Wonderful views, technical trails and friendly atmosphere: that’s why I keep coming back,” echoed Northern Ireland’s Clive Caldwell, third-time finisher and thus new member of the “Hall of Family.”

Together with Caldwell, this special “Hall of Family” award went as well to Hans Becking, Federico Arcidiacono, Tobias Guggemos, Deer Jan Van Putten, Adam Batuna, Dick Van Loon, Emiliano Amalberti, Matts Asplund, Andreas Derblom, Francesco Gaffuri and Toby Leyland.

In the final stage, 58 km and 1,600 m elevation gain around Castelnovo ne’ Monti and its iconic Bismantova Rock, the win went to Italian Luca Cacchi (2:32:43), the first rider to earn the finisher’s medal. Behind him, fellow countryman Federico Mandelli (54″ behind) and GC winner Hans Becking (1’07”). In the women’s category, Nina Brenn (3:14:34) took all stages, like Esther Süss and Naima Diesner.

BACK TO… BECKING: SECOND CONSECUTIVE TITLE FOR THE DUTCH CHAMPION

Hans Becking, at 38, etched his name deeper into Appenninica’s history books. After becoming in 2023 the first male rider to win twice the race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, the Dutchman is now the only athlete to triumph three times: 2020, 2023 and 2024.

“It’s always nice to race at Appenninica: the trails, the atmosphere and the people make it a great event. I had a lot of fun competing with these young guys!” said Becking on the finish line in Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

The Dutchman, national Cross-Country Marathon champion, completed the 400 km and 13,000 m of elevation gain in 16:56:11. Silver medal went to home rider and today’s stage winner Luca Cacchi, just 12’23” behind, while Germany’s Peat Weinberg took third place with a gap of 20:51.

“It was my last chance after several days on the podium,” said Cacchi at the end. “We gave it all, Hans was really fast in the flat section but I managed to take over in the very final part and get my first win at Appenninica.“

This edition’s unofficial ‘Rising Star’ is undoubtedly Peat Weinberg, the peloton’s sole teenager who turns 20 in October. The achievements of the German athlete at Appenninica include a stage win, the overall bronze medal and a new level of self-confidence.

The Masters‘ category saw another Dutch triumph, with Juul Van Loon securing his second consecutive win. Van Loon matched Miguel Martinez‘s feat of three stage victories. However, Van Loon kept the race under control and put a gap of 17:56 on the French, former XC Olympic champion. Third place in the GC for Sebastian Jenschatz, 42:50 behind the winner.

Francesco Gaffuri, after two years as runner-up, finally went the distance in the Grand Masters‘ category, clinching the overall victory. The Italian got ahead of fellow countryman Emiliano Amalberti by over one and a half hours, while Francis Sevenoo outplaced Erik Vrang in the last day and earned the bronze.

The Great Grand Masters podium reflected the race’s international flavor, with Austria’s Maximilian Zdouc claiming his second consecutive title. Silver medal for Poland’s Piotr Sozanski, the most experienced rider of the peloton, and Netherlands’ Erik Van den Boogert.

BRENN DOMINATION IN THE WOMEN’S CATEGORY

Nina Brenn‘s trajectory at Appenninica has been nothing short of meteoric. After securing bronze in 2023, she returned this year to dominate the race, clinching victory in every single stage. Not only did she win the General Classification, but she also took all six stages from Bologna to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with a total time of 22:39:40. Thanks to this feat, Nina Brenn joins another Swiss rider, Esther Süss, and Germany’s Naima Diesner, among the only athletes to take all the stages in a single edition.

Rounding up the podium are Spain’s Ada Xinxó Morera, silver medal with a gap of 9:59, and Netherlands’ Lola Bakker. The youngest female rider of the bunch, just 22 years old, finished in third place, 14:05 behind the leader.

“This win wasn’t planned,” commented a smiling Nina Brenn on the finish line. “I’m glad I enjoyed the journey and had fun along the way.“

THE ORGANIZATION’S POINT OF VIEW

The sixth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race got nothing but full appreciation from the peloton. Thus, the great satisfaction of the organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB: “Starting from Bologna was a major highlight for us, and enhanced our idea of a journey from the city to the Apennines, involving the entire region,” said the organizers.

“We’re thrilled that Appenninica has become more than just a race—it’s an adventure that allows riders from across the globe to explore our region, experience our trails, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Most of them are coming back year after year, and they share their experience with fellow bikers, friends and families. That’s how we can promote the Emilia-Romagna Apennines on the international scenario, and we will keep working in this direction.“

As the dust settles on this year’s event, anticipation is already building for the next challenging and exciting Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

The highly anticipated Mountain Queen Stage delivered a clear outcome: “Experience” emerged as the defining factor in this edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The knowledge of accomplished riders such as Hans Becking and Nina Brenn was pivotal in managing the 86 km and 2,850 m of elevation gain from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, especially on the penultimate day of a six-day stage race.

Anticipation for the Queen Stage intensified due to uncertain weather forecasts, with the possibility of low temperatures and showers along the Apennine ridges. These conditions could have added an unpredictable element to the race, which had been firmly controlled by the Dutch and Swiss riders so far.

Despite concerns, weather conditions turned out favorable. Nina Brenn remained unfazed, securing her fifth consecutive stage win. Ada Xinxó Morera finished second, 2:16 behind in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, while Lola Bakker came in third with a gap of 5:15. The same order holds in the General Classification.

“I’m really having a fun time racing at Appenninica. Compared to the Swiss Epic or the Cape Epic, it is more familiar and the landscapes are wonderful. I’ve become friends with Ada (Xinxó Morera, ed), and it’s been a pleasure to share so many kilometers together. Today I had some issues with the bike, but in the end I’m happy I could take another win,” said the Swiss rider at the finish line.

If Nina Brenn wins again tomorrow, September 7th, on the 58 km course with 1,600 m of elevation gain around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, she could become the third woman to win every stage in a single edition. Before her, this feat has been achieved by fellow Swiss rider Esther Süss and by Germany’s Naima Madlen Diesner.

“Of course it’s nice to win, but that was not the main goal of this week. This is my second time at Appenninica (she got third overall in 2023, ed): I wanted to come back and I’m glad I’m fully enjoying it. Here, the experience is what matters the most,” concluded Brenn.

BECKING SEALS THE DEAL

Any lingering hopes for an upset in the title race were quickly dispelled during the Queen Stage. Reigning champion Hans Becking, drawing on his experience after recent second and third-place finishes, decisively pulled away from young challengers Cacchi and Weinberg.

The Dutch champion won in 4:15:01, after riding most of the stage side by side with Italian Luca Cacchi. At about km 50, before tackling one of the many climbs of the day, Becking dropped Cacchi and soloed to Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

“It was a great stage with excellent trails. The new single track section is really impressive; I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said the Buff-Megamo rider at the finish line.

Italy’s Cacchi suffered a gap of 3:21, while Germany’s Weinberg finished 5:23 behind. In the GC, Becking leads with 13:30 over Cacchi, and 16:16 over Weinberg. The final stage will decide the order on the podium for the silver and bronze places.

Although Miguel Martinez clinched his third stage win out of five in the Master’s category, he still trails leader Juul Van Loon by 14:09. The Dutchman appears poised to secure his second consecutive Appenninica MTB Stage Race victory. Among the Grand Masters, Italian Francesco Gaffuri can manage over an hour lead on fellow countryman Emiliano Amalberti, and he’s cruising towards his first overall win after being runner-up for two consecutive years. A similar situation exists in the Great Grand Masters, with Austrian rider Maximilian Zdouc going for back-to-back wins following last year’s triumph.

FINAL SHOWDOWN IN CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI

The 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race concludes with a 58 km loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, featuring 1,600 m of elevation gain. The route begins at the local headquarters of the Italian National Olympic Committee and circles the iconic Bismantova Rock.

Among the highlights of this challenging route is the spot at Calamone Lake, which kicks off the final descents toward Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the much sought-after finisher’s medal.