Race today, itinerary tomorrow: how Appenninica MTB is opening Emilia-Romagna’s undiscovered Apennines to global cyclo-tourism

by | Apr 20, 2026 | Press Releases, Highlights

Sixteen Polish cyclists discovered the race on YouTube, booked their flights and in June 2025 made their way to the Emilia-Romagna Apennines to ride the Appenninica MTB Stage Race course – a multi-stage event crossing the mountains between Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia since 2019. A year later, the story is repeating itself in German: from June 7–13, 2026, Unique Bike Rides – founded by former Appenninica competitor Holger Schaarschmidt – will bring a group of enthusiasts to those same trails, a full week before the official race start.

Since 2023, Belgian tour operator Transactief has been working with the organizers to bring competitors from Belgium. Out of that partnership grew a dedicated travel package: “Italia Coast to Coast,” a cycling tour from Rimini to Lido di Camaiore, taking in Bologna, the Via degli Dei, and Florence along the way.

The race, launched in 2019 by ASD Happy Trail MTB, has started generating more than a leaderboard: a tourist economy that now moves under its own steam. Every year, athletes from over twenty countries carry images, stories, and word-of-mouth back home – translating into cycling packages conceived abroad and summer months that are filling Apennine accommodation once again.

“It’s one of the most demanding and technical routes I’ve ever ridden, but also one of the most beautiful. We found Appenninica on YouTube and thought – why not turn this into a trip? Accommodation, restaurants: everything was easy, everything was wonderful,” said one of the Polish cyclists in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, at the end of the 2025 edition.

 

TWO WHEELS AND OUTDOOR TOURISM AS A RESPONSE TO DEPOPULATION

The growth of summer outdoor tourism in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines represents a new opportunity for a region that has struggled in recent years with a sharp decline in winter visitors. Cycling and trekking are giving local hospitality businesses the chance to welcome guests outside the traditional ski season, building a product rooted in the green season instead.

The backdrop is a demographic story that stretches back decades: depopulation that began after World War II and has never fully turned around. The inland areas of Emilia-Romagna have shrunk from 700,000 residents in 1951 to roughly 420,000 in 2021, with projections suggesting a further 8.5% drop by 2043 (ISTAT and Regione Emilia-Romagna). Yet the picture is not uniformly bleak – municipalities in the Apennines around Bologna actually recorded a migration balance five times the national average between 2019 and 2023, a shift that breaks with decades of outflow (Città Metropolitana di Bologna). Summer outdoor tourism is now seen as one of the most promising ways to build on that momentum, and Appenninica is among its most visible standard-bearers.

“Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a concrete example of how sport can become an effective tool for tourism promotion and territorial development,” says Roberta Frisoni, Emilia-Romagna’s Regional Councillor for Sport and Tourism. “Bringing athletes and enthusiasts from around the world to ride through the Apennines means shining a spotlight on an extraordinary natural and scenic heritage, and strengthening its position as a destination for active and outdoor holidays. Events like this tap into a growing demand – experiential, sustainable tourism – and bring visitors who support local economies and create new opportunities for Apennine communities. The Apennines are a strategic asset for our Region: investing in them with high-quality initiatives means strengthening territorial identity and supporting balanced, widespread development.”

SOLD OUT: APPENNINICA 2026 IS ALREADY FULL

Set to take place June 22–26, starting in Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna) and finishing in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) after passing through Riolunato (Modena) across five stages, the 2026 edition of Appenninica sold out well ahead of schedule.

Dubbed the “Italian Cape Epic,” Appenninica is the most important multi-stage MTB event in Italy – and unlike similar races, it runs as an individual competition rather than a pairs format. Organized by ASD Happy Trail MTB, it is a fully serviced race: the entry fee covers not just a race number but also accommodation, aid stations, meals, medical assistance, bike washing, transfers between stages, and more.

All of it adds up to something that can’t be scripted: the atmosphere the MTB world knows as the “Appenninica Family” – warmth, authenticity, and the kind of human connections that outlast the race itself. It’s what keeps people coming back, and what keeps drawing new ones in, long after the chequered flag and the finisher’s medal.

For more information: www.appenninica-mtb.com.

Riders bulletin n.1 2026

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Rider's Bulletin, Rider’s Bulletin (2026)

Riders bulletin n.1 📒March 13, 2026

This is the first rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders.

Basics and Updates:
  • On the website, you can find lots of information, and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • What is included in your race entry is listed under What you get.  
  • Extra packages, such as hotels, are listed on the website, and you can book them from the ENDU shop. We close the shop for hotels and other premium packages on March 31st; do not wait.
  • If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages; click here.
Reminders and To Do:
  • Wait list. Do you know of anyone who could join you? Appenninica is sold out, but you can have them join the wait list.
  • Social media.  Follow our social media channels and use #AppenninicaMTB and #Appenninicafamily on your posts. Thank you!
  • Rules. The race rules are published here. Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email if your registration is not complete or if we have questions (check your spam folder). 

    Pre-race hotel options

    The first stage of Appenninica 2026 is Monday, the 22nd. For Sunday, June 21st, you can book the following:

     

    – Shared room for two (twin beds or one double bed; specify). 
    – Private room for one rider*.
    – Shared room (best value; generally a triple room). We can match you to other riders or contact us to indicate your roommates. This item is booked per person and not per room. 

     

    The cost includes all taxes and fees, breakfast, and a fixed menu dinner (drinks are not included). 

     

    *Currently sold out

        Arriving even earlier

        If you are arriving on Saturday, the 20th, or even earlier, and you need assistance, please contact us to discuss your best options. Do not rule out visiting Bologna – the region’s capital – for a day and catching the transfer on Sunday. Write to us to let us know where/how, and when you arrive in the Emilia Romagna/Bologna.

          Arriving and Parking

           

          See you in Vidiciatico, a fraction of Lizzano in Belvedere (the first hosting village) Sunday, June 21st.

          Come to the accreditation desk between 14:00 and 18:30 in Piazza XXVII Settembre here.

           

           

          Parking for accreditation is here. Go to the accreditation area on foot or by bike. Do not drive or attempt to park there. Thank you.

          Transfer – Stage 5 location to start (pre-booked service)

          The transfer from the last hosting town – Castelnovo ne’ Monti – is planned for 13:30 on Sunday the 21st (the drive is about 3 hrs). Long-term Parking and pick-up area: parcheggio Piazzale Collodi 

           

          Please have your bikes assembled – not in the bike bag – and be ready to board at 13:00 at the latest. 

          Transfer – Airport (pre-booked service)

          Transfers from Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) is planned for 13:00 on Sunday, the 21st.

           

          If you have not sent your flight schedule with the flight number, please write to segreteria@appenninica-mtb.com. We must have this information (it is not enough that you have booked the transfer). 

           

          The meeting point is at the arrival terminal (ground floor). Exit from the sliding doors and gather to your right. You’ll see a staff member with an Appenninica sign.  

           

          If you arrive by train (or if you are already in town), you can reach the airport via the monorail called Marconi Express. 

           

          Stay tuned for the next bulletin.

          Appenninica 2026 reaches capacity four months ahead

          by | Feb 27, 2026 | Highlights

          With just over four months to go until the opening stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, ASD Happy Trail MTB already has a significant achievement to celebrate: the maximum number of participants for the 2026 edition has been reached – and slightly exceeded – officially declaring the race at full capacity.

           Eight years after its debut, Appenninica has firmly established itself among the most respected multi-day MTB stage races on the international calendar – a reputation built season after season and reflected today in a start list featuring riders from across the globe.

           A well-deserved reward for the dedication and relentless commitment of the organizing team led by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno. Year after year, the organizers have continued to refine the format, introducing new elements and testing innovative solutions to ensure that no two editions are ever identical.

           The race’s international outlook has always been one of its defining strengths, turning the event into a powerful showcase for the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Following the highly positive feedback received after moving the race to a late-June slot in 2025, the 2026 full capacity further confirms the solidity of that strategic choice.

           In response to exceptional demand, the organizers agreed to slightly increase the originally planned field limit of 150 riders, while fully preserving their commitment to preventing trail overcrowding and maintaining high-quality standards for every athlete on the start line.

           Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a full-service event, including accommodation, feed zones, medical assistance, bike washing, transfers between stages, and a wide range of additional services. The deliberately limited field also contributes to a distinctive atmosphere – one that encourages genuine connections, shared experiences, and the spirit that defines the Appenninica Family. An approach that enhances operational management while making the overall experience even more immersive and memorable.

           “We are extremely proud to announce this milestone with more than four months still to go before the start,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno. “On one hand, it represents tremendous satisfaction and rewards the commitment we have invested over the years in developing Appenninica MTB Stage Race. On the other, it gives us even greater motivation to continue raising the bar and live up to the expectations of the many riders who have chosen to place their trust in us.”

          WAITING LIST NOW OPEN

           For those who had planned to take part in Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2026, a waiting list has now been activated and is available via the official website, www.appenninica-mtb.com. In the event of withdrawals or deferrals to the 2027 edition, riders on the waiting list may be contacted.

          Waiting list

          From Corno alle Scale to Bismantova Rock: the Appenninica 2026 route revealed

          by | Feb 9, 2026 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2025)

          With less than six months to go until the start of the 2026 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, organizers A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB have officially unveiled the course for the eighth edition of the multi-day MTB race. From June 22–26, 2026, riders will tackle the ridgeline of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines in a demanding 310 km route with 11,000 meters of elevation gain.

           

          The 2026 edition marks a year of strong continuity for Appenninica. Following the outstanding feedback received after last year’s edition – which introduced the new early-summer calendar slot and the five-stage format – organizers have chosen to maintain the same race villages that hosted Appenninica 2025. The race will once again start from Lizzano in Belvedere, with the middle stages based in Riolunato before the grand finale in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, on a journey crossing the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia.

          As already seen last year at the foot of the Bismantova Rock, 2026 will once again see the routes of Appenninica MTB Stage Race and the Giro d’Italia cross paths. One of Appenninica’s iconic climbs, Corno alle Scale, will feature in the Corsa Rosa with a stage finish scheduled for May 17, 2026. Just over a month later, A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB will pay tribute to this milestone with a special stage.

          “The routes of Appenninica MTB Stage Race and the Giro d’Italia are crossing paths once again, and we couldn’t be happier,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. “Corno alle Scale has always been at the heart of our race, and we’re thrilled it can enjoy this additional spotlight. The course will broadly follow the 2025 layout, but there will be new elements, including KOMs and time bonuses, to make the racing even more spectacular.”

          THE STAGES: FIVE DAYS OF PURE RACING

          The action kicks off on Monday, June 22, with a loop stage starting and finishing in Lizzano in Belvedere, in the village of Vidiciatico. The “Monte Pizzo” stage, with its 34 km and 1,600 meters of climbing, immediately introduces some surprises: a fast, flowing course enriched with technical and dynamic sections. A true appetizer for what awaits riders throughout the week.

          Tuesday’s “Corno alle Scale Dressed in Pink” stage on June 23 takes things up a notch. The first 11 km will retrace the paved climb tackled by the Giro d’Italia, passing through Madonna dell’Acero. After a further 3 km of dirt road, riders will reach 1,779 meters of elevation, where the KOM will be set at Scaffaiolo Lake. From here, the route continues into the Modena area before reaching Riolunato, after 56 km and 2,300 meters of climbing.

          Day three, Wednesday, June 24, features a loop stage starting and finishing in Riolunato, covering 52 km with 1,700 meters of elevation gain. The “Appenninica Ridge” is arguably the most scenic stage of the edition, with the climb to Monte Albano and a passage along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Along the way, riders will cross the Via Vandelli and the Giro del Diavolo above San Pellegrino in Alpe.

          Thursday, June 25, brings the feared “Mountain Queen Stage,” the longest day with its punishing 88 km and 3,000 meters of climbing. From Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the route will touch Passo delle Radici, Giovarello, and Lama Lite, before opening up onto the spectacular view of the Bismantova Rock, now a globally recognized symbol of Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

          The grand finale on Friday, June 26, features a loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti covering 58 km with 1,400 meters of elevation gain. The trails of Monte Ventasso take center stage on a technically demanding course, where mental reserves after five days of racing will matter as much as physical strength. The effort will be rewarded by the unique view of the Bismantova Rock before riders don the coveted finisher’s medal.

          LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING

          Only a few spots remain for the 2026 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The “Regular Registration” phase will remain open until March 31, 2026 (or until sold out), but there’s no time to hesitate – the race is selling out fast. As in recent editions, Appenninica has chosen to maintain a limited field size to prevent trail overcrowding and ensure all participants receive the highest standard of on-course support.

          Appenninica MTB locks in 2026 dates: five days of racing from June 22nd to 26th

          by | Jul 1, 2025 | Highlights, Press Releases (2025)

          Just days after crossing the final finish line in Porretta Terme, with Diego Arias and Lola Bakker claiming overall victories, the team at ASD Happy Trail MTB is already shifting focus to the 2026 edition. The dates – officially announced during the closing ceremony – confirm Appenninica’s slot on the international MTB calendar.

          Five intense days riding the rugged trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines once again left their mark on riders, who praised the mix of scenic beauty, technical challenge, and genuine atmosphere that define the race.

          “The 2025 course earned high marks from every rider on the start list – that’s the strongest validation we could ask for,” said organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno. “These were five days of authentic mountain biking, set against a backdrop of camaraderie, good vibes, and world-class trails. That’s the core of Appenninica, and what we’ll keep building on.”

          Registration for the 2026 edition opens Wednesday, July 2nd, with a limited batch of 40 Early Bird entries available at €990. Once those are claimed, prices will increase.

          True to its full-service approach, Appenninica offers riders more than just race access – entry includes accommodation, meals, feed zones, medical support, daily bike wash, and all stage-to-stage transfers. Complete details are available at https://appenninica-mtb.com/en/register-2/

          As always, the race will be capped at 150 participants – a deliberate decision by organizers to preserve the race’s intimate feel, ensure top-level organization, and protect the region’s pristine trails. Though a solo format, the experience creates a sense of community that goes well beyond the finish line – from the first breakfast to the final dinner, shared moments are part of the Appenninica DNA.