Appenninica MTB Stage Race is set for a five-star edition

by | Jul 20, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2023)

On July 20, 2019, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race adventure officially started from Bologna with a 12-kilometre time trial up to the summit of San Luca to mark the debut of this new mountain bike stage race on both the Italian and international mtb marathon scene.

Five years later, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is now a solid organization that’s able to attract athletes from around the world. This unique promotional driver for the Emilia-Romagna Apennines highlights the landscapes and places still unexplored by the general public to paint a picture of the unparalleled outdoor offerings this area has for summertime visitors.

Five years later, on Thursday, July 20 — again in Bologna — the Appenninica MTB Stage Race unveiled plans and details at the ExtraBo headquarters in Piazza del Nettuno for the 2023 edition, September 4-9. The new six-stage format promises fun and entertainment for competitors ready to challenge themselves and their rivals, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Lizzano in Belvedere.

Doing the honours at the Appenninica MTB Stage Race presentation was Bologna City Councillor for Sport, Roberta Li Calzi, Emilia-Romagna Head of the Political Secretariat of the Presidency, Giammaria Manghi, and President of the Bologna Metropolitan City Tourist Destination, Mattia Santori. In addition, one of the organizers, Milena Bettocchi, and the president of off-road riding for the Italian Cycling Federation, Massimo Ghirotto, also shared their thoughts

A POSTCARD OF THE APENNINES

When the organizers of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB conceived the Appenninica MTB Stage Race in 2019, the ambition was to create a small “Cape Epic”, but with a strong Italian flare: a demanding and challenging stage race that would showcase the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines while communicating the sense of welcoming and hospitality that these regions are known for worldwide. During the past five years, athletes from five continents — from Australia to Israel via South Africa, Argentina, and the United States — have participated in the stage race.

All of them got a taste of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines by riding technical and challenging trails that are nothing less than those of the Alps, but are far less known to the public. Evidence of the excellent tourist impact generated by the Appenninica MTB Stage Race in recent years comes in the form of stories of athletes who have extended their holidays in the area following the event, or who have embarked on business partnerships with local farms.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race sold out of its 150 participant entries in five editions, with 28 nations represented in the 2022 edition. Many athletes have been at the start several times, thus demonstrating their love for the routes, landscapes and family atmosphere provided by the Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan.

Over the years, thanks to the partnership between the organizers and #InEmiliaRomagna, the brand belonging to the Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board, the stage race has been able to showcase the beating heart of the Apennines. This has enabled area leaders to promote sport tourism, both local and on a grander scale, in key locations around the area. This is part of a long-term project aiming to create a true regional brand for the Apennines.

THE ROUTE

The race route travels from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Lizzano in Belvedere, through the intriguing Fiumalbo and the historic Appenninica MTB Stage Race venue, Fanano. The 2023 race route covers about 400 kilometres and more than 14,000 meters of total elevation gain throughout the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

Beginning with the 2023 edition, the six-stage format will make its debut and take the place of the previous seven-stage format. Organizers decided on this change in order to ease logistics for the athletes, while maintaining the same level of difficulty that’s elevated the Appenninica MTB Stage Race to international status throughout the past five years.

Stage 1 – La Matildica – 57 km with 1850 m of elevation gain

Monday, September 4: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Stage 2 – Mountain Queen – 89 km with 3250 m of elevation gain

Tuesday, September 5: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Fiumalbo

Stage 3 – Tuscany “Incipit” – 79 km with 2550 m of elevation gain

Wednesday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

Stage 4 – Cimone Challenge – 62 km with 2350 m of elevation gain

Thursday, September 7: Fiumalbo – Fanano

Stage 5 – Appenninica Distilled – 61 km with 2500 m of elevation gain

Friday, September 8: Fanano – Vidiciatico

Stage 6 – Monte Pizzo – 36 km with 1500 m of elevation gain

Saturday, September 9: Vidiciatico – Vidiciatico

FOUR-WAY CHALLENGE

Between September 4 and 9, it will be a four-way challenge on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Starting in this 2023 edition will be all the male winners from the first four editions who will be ready to do battle and deliver an encore performance, which is something that hasn’t happened yet.

Among them, the front-runner is Colombian racer, Diego Arias, winner of the last edition, who’s returning to Appenninica to notch a second victory. He’ll have to face Dutch rider, Hans Becking, who’s eager to leave his second mark after success in 2020. Joining them in battle are the winners of the two remaining editions: German racer, Felix Fritzsch, who was king in 2021, and Austrian rider, Lukas Kaufmann, winner of the first edition in 2019.

Behind these four, the Italian racers, Martino Tronconi and Nicola Taffarel, will also play their hand for the win. Frenchman Miguel Martinez, gold medallist at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and winner of the 2022 Cape Epic in the masters’ category along with Mirko Pirazzoli, seems to be the first outsider.

The big favourite among the women is German racer, Naima Diesner, winner in both 2022 and 2021. Diesner is aiming for a hattrick for her third edition. Outsiders who could spoil Diesner’s plans include Australian rider, Imogen Smith, and Dutch racer, Anouk Van den Bielerd.

THE JERSEYS

As in previous editions, Natali Sports Wear will be the technical sponsor of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race leader jerseys. The blue jersey represents the leader in the men’s general classification, while the pink jersey will be worn by the leader in the women’s GC. Three more jerseys will be awarded in the race: Master (green), Grand Master (orange) and Great Grand Master (lilac).

THE APPENNINICA FAMILY

 

During the past five years, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race family has grown not only with the many athletes who have joined the race, but also thanks to the partners who have supported the event. Sustaining sponsors include carbon fibre wheel manufacturer, 9th Wave Cycling, Natali Sports Wear and Barbieri PNK.

Long term partners of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race are Barilla and the bike care brand, Squirt Cycling. Enervit, the leading Italian brand for sports nutrition, and Lavor, the leading manufacturer of high-pressure cleaning machines, have recently joined the family.

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Riders bulletin n.2/2023

by | Jul 12, 2023 | Rider's Bulletin, Rider's Bulletin (2023)

Riders bulletin n.2 📒July 9, 2023

 

Hey there,

 

It is mandatory – per race rules and to comply with the Italian Cycling Federation FCI – that all participants have a UCI approved racing license (UCI logo and number).

 

Therefore, you should get or renew your national cycling federation UCI valid racing license.

 

The alternative is to buy an event racing license in Italy and it will cost 60 Euro (cash).

You’ll also need a medical declaration. The medical declaration is mandatory to race with the event license.

 

Often, a national racing license includes additional benefits such as insurance while racing and even training. We recommend that you obtain a racing license with your national cycling federation and that you use the daily license as a backup plan.

 

In any case, one or the other is mandatory and if you don’t comply you won’t be able to race.

 

 

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

 

July 15 – Last day to add extras to your registration. Go to Active.com and select and pay for any extras (massages, hotels, etc) by that date.

 

July 31 – Last day to make any changes to your registration form. For instance, add your UCI license number.

 

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.
  • The riders’ bulletins will be saved on the website so that you won’t have to dig them out of your inbox. Make sure you read them all.
  • 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’ll be able to book them from your events area in Active.com which you can also access from your confirmation email.
  • If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages; click here.

 

Reminders and To Do:

  • Spread the word. Do you know of anyone that could join you? They have until next Saturday, July 15th.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions

The Appenninica 2023 kickoff takes place under the Bismantova Rock

by | Jul 6, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases (2023)

The mention of Bismantova Rock immediately brings to mind the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The places that were once fiefdoms of Matilda of Canossa serve as the home territory for this mountain bike stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Castelnovo ne’ Monti has hosted at least one stage of Appenninica every year and is now preparing to hold the 2023 edition, scheduled for September 4-9, 2023.

This town in the Reggio Emilia province, made famous by the Bismantova Rock that inspired Dante’s Purgatory, will host the preliminary operations of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023, starting on Sunday, September 3rd, with the arrival of the athletes. Also on that date, there will be Appenninica Lovers, a meeting open to all and dedicated to amateur cyclists on the route of the first stage race.

The official start is scheduled for Monday, September 4, with an opening loop stage covering 57 kilometers and featuring 1900 meters of total elevation gain. La Matildica is a deceptively challenging section with long climbs and highly technical descents. The athletes will face a downhill single trail to cross the Tresinaro River before climbing towards Carpinete Castle. The striking passage under the iconic Bismantova Rock will precede the athletes’ return to Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

Finding the right rhythm with Appenninica will be crucial because, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the extremely demanding Mountain Queen Stage is scheduled. Covering 89 kilometers and featuring 3250 meters of elevation gain, this stage will start from Castelnovo ne’ Monti and reach Fiumalbo, offering breathtaking views and a route mostly above 1500 meters of altitude. The route will include challenging sections such as the Cisa Pass, the Mount Cusna area, and the Radici Pass before reaching Pievepelago via a single track.

“Castelnovo ne’ Monti welcomes the Appenninica MTB Race again this year with great pleasure. Among the many sporting events that we will host in the summer as a ‘town for sport,’ Appenninica holds great importance due to its international dimension, and mountain biking has experienced exponential growth in recent years. There are numerous fans who ride our roads and trails, appreciating and enhancing our territory and its environmental quality,” says Enrico Bini, the mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI, IN THE SHADOW OF THE BISMANTOVA ROCK

Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the surrounding territories are rich in history and magic, starting with the Bismantova Rock. According to tradition, this rock inspired Dante’s Purgatory during the poet’s stay in 1306, as mentioned in Canto IV of the Divine Comedy’s Purgatory. The Castelnovo area also boasts several fortresses and castles that were once part of the reign of Matilda of Canossa between 1000 and 1100 AD.

The medieval town’s historical center is definitely worth a visit. It has been renovated in recent years, offering truly characteristic views. One of these views is the Palazzo Ducale, located amidst the green gardens of Bagnolo. Built by the Este family as a symbol of their domination over the territory, it now serves as Castelnovo’s City Hall.

Clean to the goal thanks to Lavor’s Bike Washing, the new partner of Appenninica

by | Jun 30, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases (2023)

In a race as long, demanding, and stressful as the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the details make the difference. From the choice of tires to nutrition, and through the ability to manage energy, bike maintenance has no secondary value. Therefore, cleaning the bike is paramount at the end of each stage.

In the 2023 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Lavor, an Italian company based in Pegognaga, will offer the Bike Wash service as one of the leading manufacturers of high-pressure cleaning machines. As a valuable Supplier Sponsor of the event scheduled from September 4 to 9, Lavor will ensure perfect bike cleaning and maintenance day by day.

Founded in 1975, Lavor is among the leading players in the worldwide cleaning industry, specializing in producing hot and cold-water pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, steam generators, and Floor Care products. The company is part of the Comet Group, based in Emilia-Romagna, and operates in more than 130 Countries worldwide with a team of 750 people.

The partnership with Appenninica MTB Stage Race marks Lavor’s first time in mountain biking, but not in sports. The Italian company is also a premium partner of the LCR Honda MotoGP team and a sponsor of the Desert Endurance Motorsport team, which took part in the Dakar Classic in 2023.

“We are very excited to welcome Lavor to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race family. Thanks to them, we cover an important aspect of a stage race like ours: bike cleaning. We are happy to bring them closer to the world of mountain biking and to provide our athletes with state-of-the-art, modern machinery for cleaning mud and dirt,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

“The Lavor brand has always been linked to the world of sports because there are many similarities between the values of sports and Lavor’s world: dynamism, the strive for constant improvement, teamwork to achieve goals, to name a few. In addition, our products are a perfect for cleaning sports tools as well as venues. Therefore, athletes are a key target audience for us: these are some of the reasons that led us to approach the world of MTB, an adrenaline sport for true sports lovers, in which our products can be of great help in always keeping the bike clean and ready for use,” says Dante Rossetti, Lavor’s marketing manager.

Italy sets ambitious goals for Appenninica with Tronconi and Taffarel

by | Jun 14, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases (2023)

Faenza-born athlete Martino Tronconi and Nicola Taffarel from the Cannondale MTB Professional Team will be participating in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 4-9, 2023) for the first time, aiming to make their mark by focusing on stage victories while also keeping an eye on the overall standings

After years of anticipation, the time has finally come. Martino Tronconi and the Appenninica MTB Stage Race have been acquainted since 2020, but the athlete’s scheduling conflicts had prevented him from participating in the stage race located so close to his home in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. However, 2023 presents the perfect opportunity for Tronconi to embark on this adventure, not only as an athlete but also as the Team Manager of the newly formed Cannondale MTB Professional Team.

From September 4 to 9, 2023, Martino Tronconi, alongside Nicola Taffarel, will show up at Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the ambition to challenge their competitors every step of the way.

“The Appenninica MTB Stage Race has always enticed me, partly due to its proximity to my home, but mainly because previous participants have spoken highly of its organization and the stunning route. After a long pursuit, we have finally secured our presence this year,” says the Team Manager of the Cannondale MTB Professional Team.

Tronconi and Taffarel certainly won’t be mere bystanders but will look to make their mark on the race, which covers 400 km and boasts a total elevation gain of 14,000 meters across six stages.

“Our minimum goal is to secure a stage victory. After the initial 2-3 stages, we will assess our position in the general classification and, if favorable, aim for a prestigious placement,” expresses a determined Martino Tronconi.

The duo from the Cannondale MTB Professional Team possesses the ideal blend of experience and a hunger for success. Previously, 27-year-old Martino Tronconi has performed admirably in similar races, achieving third place at the Swiss Epic 2022 alongside Dario Cherchi and third place at the Andorra MTB Classic 2021 with Johnny Cattaneo.

“The Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s route is one of the most challenging in the world of stage races, particularly due to the unique demands of tackling altitude differences in the Apennines compared to the Alps or Dolomites, making the stages significantly more demanding. I believe that reigning champion Diego Arias will be the athlete to beat. On cards, he has something extra, but we will strive to make it difficult for him, working together as a team,” analyzes Tronconi.

The team will approach the Appenninica MTB Stage Race as an opportunity to fine-tune their condition for the end of the season. After the World Championships in Glasgow, in which they hope to participate in the Italian national team jersey, Tronconi and Taffarel will resume training in mid-August and arrive at the start line in Castelnovo ne’ Monti after the Kronplatz King Marathon.

“Appenninica MTB Stage Race will be a significant fixture in our second half of the season, providing valuable preparation for our upcoming competitions. I believe that tackling a race like this individually, rather than as a duo, brings about substantial tactical changes, with different race dynamics that we must smartly exploit,” explains the Team Manager of the Cannondale MTB Professional Team.

Undoubtedly, after years of anticipation, Martino Tronconi will give his all to ensure that his encounter with the Appenninica MTB Stage Race becomes an unforgettable one.