Arriving even earlier

Since its inception in 2019, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has introduced riders and fans to a number of hidden gems throughout the Emilia-Romagna Apennines (Italy). These mountain communities, though often affected by population decline, offer architectural treasures and breathtaking landscapes steeped in history, tradition, and cultural identity.

Organized by A.S.D. Happy Trails MTB, the event serves a dual purpose: creating unforgettable racing experiences while showcasing these unique locations to an international audience — reaching beyond national borders as a promotional platform for the Emilia-Romagna Region.

From June 23 to 27, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will unveil a new gem of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: Riolunato. This charming town in the province of Modena will host the finish of the third stage and the start of the fourth. These two stages are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the overall standings, being the longest and most demanding of the five-day race.

On Wednesday, June 25, riders will take on the “Emilia Romagna Peaks” stage—a gruelling 64 km route featuring 2,750 meters of climbing that begins in Lizzano in Belvedere. This high-altitude challenge spans two of the region’s most iconic mountain areas: Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone.

The route partially mirrors the 2024 stage that finished in Fiumalbo, dominated by two major ascents. Riders face a serious test right out of the gate: of the first 23 km, 16 are uphill. It starts with an opening 7 km climb averaging 8.1%, with punishing sections reaching 20% that could already sap the legs of those not properly warmed up.

After a short downhill respite, another brutal 8.5 km climb begins, averaging 9.1%, with the final kilometer consistently above 12%. This segment runs through the Corno alle Scale area, which last year hosted a special KOM won in a sprint by Juul Van Loon over Miguel Martinez.

From the summit, a long and technically demanding descent leads to Fanano, another Appenninica stage town from previous years. From there, riders begin the third and final major ascent—14.2 km toward the summit of another Appenninica landmark: Monte Cimone.

The climb starts with challenging gradients, though on pavement, and gradually eases in the final kilometers. From the peak, a fast descent unfolds until just 5 km from the finish, where single-track segments may prove decisive before reaching the medieval village of Riolunato.

Riolunato will also host the start of stage four—the iconic “High Mountain Queen Stage,” covering 89 km with 3,100 meters of elevation gain. Coming immediately after the prior day’s effort, this long and relentless stage could create significant time gaps and prove crucial to the general classification.

“Hosting a stage of the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a true honor for our small town,” said Riolunato Mayor Lorenzo Checchi. “This event continues to grow in international prestige year after year, achieving remarkable success. It provides an exceptional showcase for our region, which I’m confident will leave a lasting impression—not just for its environmental, scenic, cultural, and natural beauty, but also for the warmth and hospitality of its residents.”

The medieval village of Riolunato, where history and nature meet, was once home to French writer Alberto Gallois, a leading advocate for Esperanto. Centuries later, the village will once again become a melting pot of languages as riders from around the world descend on the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Perhaps someone might even be tempted to use Esperanto—the universal language—to recount the challenges of the third stage.

Corno alle Scale stands as the iconic mountain for Bologna locals—a beloved destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking adventures. This is where skiing legend Alberto Tomba built his greatest successes during his dominant years in alpine competition, and where the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has established itself as a fixture in recent years.

At the foot of Corno alle Scale lie Lizzano in Belvedere and its village of Vidiciatico, which will once again feature prominently in this mountain bike stage race through Emilia-Romagna’s Apennines (June 23-27, 2025). In a significant shift from previous editions, these locations will host the opening stages of this year’s race, welcoming riders from around the world eager to discover this hidden gem of Italy.

The event kicks off Sunday, June 22, 2025, as Vidiciatico comes alive with competitors arriving for registration and race briefings. This marks a new role for the Bologna Province location, which transitions from hosting final stages in past editions to launching an event packed with new features—including a streamlined five-stage format and a new June calendar slot.

Monday’s opening stage (June 23) offers no gentle introduction, challenging riders with 58km and 2,300m of climbing across the Corno alle Scale area. From Vidiciatico, the route crosses Fanano, immediately testing riders’ technical skills on classic Apennine terrain.

After passing through the village of Fellicarolo, the course climbs first on tarmac, then forest roads, and finally more technical singletrack toward Passo di Croce Arcana via the mountain huts of  Taburri and Capanno Tassoni. This demanding climb features gradients exceeding 15% before revealing spectacular ridge views along one of Appenninica’s signature sections. The iconic passage by Lake Scaffaiolo and the summit of Corno alle Scale marks the beginning of the final 15km descent, alternating technical singletrack with flowing dirt roads.

The second stage delivers equal technical demands with the “Monte Pizzo Trails“—another loop starting and finishing in Vidiciatico. Covering 49km with 2,200m of elevation gain, this stage demands constant focus through its relentless terrain changes.

The climbing begins immediately with a manageable 5.5km ascent (350m elevation gain) on the Albarè trail in the Monte Pizzo area. The route continues upward to Monteacuto nelle Alpi before plunging into a brief but intense descent to Molino Squaglia—just 1.2km but with leg-burning 26% gradients in some sections. Without recovery time, riders must immediately climb again toward the day’s high point before tackling the brutal Segavecchia ascent (just over 3km averaging nearly 10% gradient) and finally descending on Monte Pizzo’s technical trails.

Vidiciatico completes its hosting duties with the start of stage three, sending riders toward the new stage location of Riolunato in what promises to be one of the edition’s most grueling days at 64km with 2,750m of climbing.

Lizzano in Belvedere Mayor Barbara Franchi expressed enthusiasm for the event: “We’re proud to welcome back the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with its enhanced experience and innovations. This event celebrates authentic mountain biking while bringing significant value to our community through international visibility and tourism. We’re excited to provide all participants with an unforgettable experience combining sport, nature, and local heritage.”

The partnership between Lizzano in Belvedere and Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues to strengthen since partnering for the first time in 2021. One can only imagine what the legendary RAI journalist Enzo Biagi, born in these mountains and known for his sharp, refined writing, might have written about this challenging race through his homeland.

Five-time Cape Epic champion, seven-time Transalp winner, and three-time German National Marathon Cross Country champion, Karl Platt has confirmed his participation in the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, scheduled for June 23–27. As one of the most decorated MTB Marathon athletes of the past two decades, the German mountain biking legend will make his debut on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, adding another chapter to his storied career.

Platt recently claimed victory in the Cape Epic Master category alongside partner Calle Friberg, proving that his competitive form is still world-class.

“This year’s Cape Epic tested us with extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rain. I’m thrilled with our win—after twenty-one editions, I’m still learning. Now it’s time for a bit of rest before I shift focus to new adventures,” said Platt.

First on his calendar is the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The German rider will line up in Lizzano in Belvedere, eager to explore new trails and terrain.

“While I’m very familiar with racing in Italy and I love the Alps, exploring the Apennines will be a completely new experience. I’ve heard great things about the Appenninica MTB Stage Race over the years, and when my friend Hans Becking suggested I take part this year, I couldn’t say no. I’m really looking forward to challenging myself on these new and exciting trails,” Platt commented.

Racing in the Master category, Platt will face tough competition, including two-time defending champion Juul Van Loon. Among the most fierce competitors might also be Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist Miguel Martinez, who’ s weighing in on giving Appenninica a third shot.

A Bulls brand ambassador, Platt added: “I’ve heard wonderful things about the family atmosphere at Appenninica, and I’m excited to experience it firsthand. But I know that once I pin on the number, race mode kicks in—it’s just who I am.“

They say you always return to places where you’ve found joy and success, and that’s certainly true for Martino Tronconi and Diego Arias Cuervo. Having previously experienced the Emilia-Romagna Apennine trails, they had no doubt in committing to the 2025 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

Martino Tronconi’s Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team will field a competitive four-rider squad for the June 23-27, 2025, event. Leading the charge is Diego Arias Cuervo, who claimed victory at Appenninica in 2022. The Colombian star aims to challenge back to back defending champion Hans Becking, supported by a strong lineup featuring Jacopo Billi, Massimo Rosa, and Andrea Candeago.

“The Appenninica MTB Stage Race truly deserves high praise,” notes Martino Tronconi, who raced in 2023 and is now the manager of the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team. “We couldn’t fit it into our packed schedule last year, but this year’s June date works perfectly—right after the Hero Südtirol Dolomites and World Cup events, and before the Italian Championship. We’re coming to perform well and build form for the remainder of the season.”

The Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team kicked off its 2025 campaign at the Andalucia Bike Race (February 24-March 1), with Diego Arias’s arrival generating significant buzz around Tronconi’s team.

“Diego Arias will help elevate our international standing. He’s extremely motivated about returning to Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and I expect him and Hans Becking to be the riders to watch. Having teammates at his disposal gives Diego an extra tactical advantage, though I suspect Jacopo Billi will be targeting a stage win”, Tronconi explains.

Following his 2022 victory, Diego Arias Cuervo had to withdraw at the last minute in 2023, but now returns with clear ambitions. He’s expected to battle with Hans Becking across all five stages, covering the full 320 km course with its 12,200 meters of elevation gain.

“I’m thrilled to be heading back to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, which gave me such incredible memories when I won in 2022. My goal is to surpass my previous performance and fight for the podium. This edition looks technically demanding, and I’m ready to push my limits. Appenninica ranks among the most beautiful and challenging races out there, and I’m eager to test myself against the competition again. I’m bringing full motivation and determination to continue my success story”, says Diego Arias Cuervo.