Riders bulletin n.1/2023

by | May 25, 2023 | Highlights, Rider's Bulletin (2023)

Riders bulletin n.1 📒May 25, 2023

Congratulations on registering for the Fifth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race from September 4th to September 9th. We are 102 days out.

 

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.
  • 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? Have them register soon because we have only a few spots left (after that we will open a waiting list). Also, follow our social media channels and use #AppenninicaMTB and #Appenninicafamily on your posts. Thank you!
  • Rules. The race rules are published here (you can also download a pdf with the latest and approved race rules). 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. 

 

Pre-race hotel options

 

The first stage of Appenninica 2023 is Monday the 4th. For Sunday, September 3rd you can book the following:

 

– Shared room for two (twin beds or one double bed; specify). 

– Private room for one rider*.

– Shared room (generally a triple room). This is a new option and one you’ve asked for. 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

 

Pre-race hotels could be as far as 45 min drive away in Reggio Emilia. Shuttles are provided; the start of Stage 1 – in Castelnovo ne’ Monti – is in the late morning with plenty of time to get there. 

 

Arriving even earlier

 

If you are arriving on Saturday the 2nd, 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

The Champions are coming home: Diesner and Arias say yes to Appenninica 2023

by | May 4, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2023)

There are places destined to break into people’s hearts and stick there. Experiences you are looking to relive as soon and as much as possible, because after all, they feel like home to you. Maybe it’s because of the family atmosphere among the Appenninica MTB Stage Race competitors or the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, but there are more and more athletes returning every year to take the start of the “Italian Cape Epic”.

Among them, from September 4 to 9, 2023, will be last year’s winners, Diego Arias and Naima Diesner. Both dominated Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022, winning several stages and securing a commanding lead already early on; both will return this year to confirm themselves and relive the sweet memories that this stage race has left fixed in their minds.

“Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a challenging race, – says Naima Diesner, also the winner of the 2021 edition, – set in beautiful places and with a superb organization. Like a little kid looking forward to Christmas at the start of the year, I am already excited for Appenninica 2023 and to catch up with riders, staff and friends, I met”.

“Last year, I had a lot of fun, even though I had to work hard for it. It is a race that I am recommending to other athletes because it is a special test, with varied and fun trails”, said the Hubbers-Polimedical Colombian, Marathon vice-World Champion in 2021.

Last year, the Colombian not only won the final classification but also took five stage victories, proving to be comfortable on the routes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. This year he will be at the start knowing part of the route already, and being able to manage the effort over one less day of racing, according to the new format proposed by the organizers. 

“With my team, we always set out to win, even though our opponents never make it easy on us. Knowing the area better will definitely help me to manage myself better, but I also know the participants’ level will grow further. The format with six stages instead of seven will help the amateurs, and their desire to live their experience at the fullest. However, it will also be one less day of effort for me, which will mean managing my energy differently”, analyses Arias.

The Queen of Appenninica 2021 and 2022 is also looking forward to testing the new format.

“It will be nice to witness the adaptation of the race format first-hand. Six days of racing is still a long time, and I imagine the tracks to be of high quality „epicness“. But let’s be honest: I am so in love with the Appenninica Stage Race, I would probably also line up if you double the race days”, said Naima Diesner.

Regarding her ambitious goals, the German rider will look to approach things differently.

“I’ll do my best riding and hopefully contribute to an exciting race. However, the beauty of stage racing lies in its various aspects that may challenge you along the track and at the end of the day, I hope to reach the finish line exhausted but with a big smile on my face”, says Diesner.

The same smile that will be on the faces of Diego Arias and Naima Diesner as they return to Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

The Appenninici – Tim and Louise: from Cape Epic to Appenninica, always in pairs

by | Mar 29, 2023 | Highlights

Many stories of sports and life can be found among the Appenninica MTB Stage Race riders. Tim and Louise Ferreira have taken part in multiple MTB stage races before they found Appenninica, developing a deep connection to the event and the majestic Emilia-Romagna Apennines

Effort and success are better when shared, also in MTB stage races where it’s sometimes possible to compete in pairs. On its part, Appenninica MTB Stage Race embraced the formula of individual racing after its first edition.

Nevertheless, riders are still allowed to tackle the race as a pair, supporting each other through the ups and downs of the journey. For Tim and Louise Ferreira, who finally got the chance to participate in the event in 2022 after two years of pandemic-related postponements, the opportunity to ride together through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines was too good to pass up.

“We have ridden numerous private tours in Europe, following parts of the Tour de France in 2009 and 2011. In Italy, we rode from Sicily to Rome and then from Genoa to Venice, but we wanted to tour it by mountain bike, so we found information about Appenninica MTB Stage Race. We got in touch with Beppe and started the planning, but the arrival of Covid forced us to postpone participation twice before we could travel again in 2022”, said Tim and Louise.

The South African couple has an impressive track record in the sport, having participated in multiple events like the Cape Epic (Louise even finished it five times consecutively), Joberg2c, Sanic2c, Berg&Bush, and Wines2Whales. They have added the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s medal to their tally in 2022, and are looking forward to another ride in the Apennines in 2023.

“We both have ridden the Cape Epic and participated in several events in South Africa, stage races of 3-4 days but also 9 days. Appenninica is very different from all of these because it has much longer and steeper climbs than what we are used to, but also the landscapes and villages are very different from what you can find in other stage races around the world”, said the pair.

“Our first experience of Appenninica was incredible. The atmosphere was amazing – the staff and other riders were so positive and helpful. We were very fortunate with the weather conditions and also did not experience any mechanical problems, which was a bonus. We had never been to the Emilia Romagna region before. The places we visited at the Appenninica event were beautiful and we really enjoyed the experience. That’s why we’re taking part again in 2023”, said Tim and Louise.

Of course, Tim and Louise will ride together again this year, facing the challenges that the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will place on their path as a couple.

“We have ridden together for many years, but also individually. Riding this event together was helpful because it allowed us to help each other where needed. We know each other’s riding strengths and understand each other well”, they say.

Ultimately, sharing the effort, sweat and success makes everything more special. 

The Appenninici – Jeremy Mahot: mountain bike as a social message

by | Feb 27, 2023 | Highlights

Many stories of sports and life can be found among the Appenninica MTB Stage Race riders. Jeremy Mahot took up mountain biking during the Covid period as an antidote to the death of a close friend, and in 2022 he concluded Appenninica to raise awareness about the problem of depression

There are many motivations for someone to take up a sport. Some develop a passion early on and others approach it with time. Those who do it to get physically fit and those who do it to find inner peace, to take their mind off life’s everyday problems.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 finisher Jeremy Mahot was introduced to mountain biking during the hard months of the Covid quarantine when gyms were closed, and one could only get an hour of airtime to play outdoor sports. Before then, he had never played this sport, but love was at first sight.

“It was a bad time, and a friend invited me to mountain biking. Unfortunately, not long after I started, another close friend lost his life due to depression caused by a concussion. He could no longer find peace with himself. At that moment, mountain biking saved my life, and I felt a duty to tell everyone about the positive impact this sport can have on a person’s life, as well as the social interaction with other bikers”, says Jeremy Mahot.

 

To testify to this, Jeremy Mahot got into mountain bike stage racing, participating in and completing the Bike Transalp in 2021. From there, the idea of sharing his adventures on social media and a blog, explaining why he was doing it and showing how everyone can achieve a goal if they want to, even finding the motivation to get through the darkest moments.

“I want to make people aware that concussion is a major trauma, not to be taken lightly, because it can bring problems such as depression, irritability, and lack of concentration. Talking is a great help to vent. I want everyone to understand that so many things can help to feel good. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. Within the circles of Mtb fans, you can find people willing to talk and listen”, explains the French rider based on the United Kingdom.

On his journey-testimony, Jeremy Mahot crossed paths with Appenninica MTB Stage Race, finding that sense of family and community he sought.

“I enjoyed Apenninica for the beautiful scenery and host cities, and it reinforced my belief that the Mtb community is unique. I now have friends all over the world with whom I talk regularly. I will go back in the future because the family atmosphere is unique. I left alone and returned with many brothers and sisters with whom I shared an experience”, he says.

From Castelnovo to Vidiciatico, Appenninica 2023 promises thrills and spills

by | Feb 15, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases (2023)

Organizers have unveiled the route for the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, scheduled for September 4-9, which features six stages measuring 400 km and 14 thousand meters of elevation gain. In addition to Castelnovo ne’ Monti and Vidiciatico, stage venues include Fanano and the new Fiumalbo

Race organizers have promised that “reducing the format of one stage will not make the race any easier.” This promise has largely been fulfilled, judging from a first look at the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route.

Riders will have to conquer 400 kilometres and 14,000 meters of climbing over the course of six stages to earn the finisher’s medal of the 2023 edition, scheduled for Sept. 4-9, 2023. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines will be the judges of an epic challenge among enchanted landscapes, Apennine ridges, and beautiful Italian towns.

Same as last year, the stage race will start from Castelnovo ne’ Monti, in the shadow of the Pietra di Bismantova. Returning stage venues include Fanano, a historic passage in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race and Vidiciatico, a hamlet in Lizzano in Belvedere that will host the grand finale, same as it did in 2022. New for 2023 is Fiumalbo, a historic village in the Modena Apennines located on the border with Tuscany.

“The new format allows us to spread out the challenges better than in years past. The Queen Stage, scheduled for the second day, is slightly shorter and less challenging than before, but the following two days will compel racers to manage their efforts. The result is a demanding middle part of the race, with 400 kms and 14 thousand meters of total elevation gain,” explained Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

SIX STAGES TO TACKLE AT FULL SPEED

The start is set for Monday, September 4, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti with 56 km and 1,800 meters of climbing beginning at the foot of the Pietra di Bismantova and traversing the lands of Matilda di Canossa. Compared to 2022, the La Matildica route has been further improved, with alternating climbs and descents that aren’t long, but they are challenging.

With practically no time to settle into race mode on Tuesday, September 5, it’s already time to take on the Mountain Queen Stage. Compared to past editions, the stage is shorter (89 km) but no less challenging with 3200 meters of climbing before reaching the finish line in Fiumalbo.

No time to rest because on Wednesday, September 6, a loop around Fiumalbo will again put racers under pressure. The Tuscany “Incipit” is the newest development for the 2023 edition, with a gradual advance into Tuscany inside the Abetone ski area, 79 km long with 2700 meters of climbing.

Monte Cimone is the big star in the fourth stage on Thursday, Sept. 7, from Fiumalbo to Fanano. There will be three climbs that day along the 57-kilometer route of the Cimone Challenge with 2300 meters of climbing to test the athletes’ legs once again.

For those who like the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s approach to mountain biking, the stage slated for Friday, September 8, from Fanano to Vidiciatico will be the perfect manifesto. Appenninica Distilled with its 54 km and 2,500 meters of climbing is a combination of everything the Italian stage race has to offer: long and rideable climbs, technical descents, and wonderful views.

The grand finale is booked for Saturday, September 9 on the Monte Pizzo, with start and finish in Vidiciatico, a hamlet in the municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere. Same as last year, the technical 37 kilometres with 1750 meters of climbing will declare the final verdict.

HOW TO REGISTER

After the tremendous success of the Early Bird registration phase, which sold out in just 15 days, it’s now possible to register in the “Regular Registration” phase until May 31, 2023. Same as in the last four editions, organizers have confirmed the solo format and have limited entries to a maximum of 150 participants to avoid overcrowding on the trails and to ensure a high standard of quality in providing support to all participants.

THE ROUTE

Stage 1 – La Matildica – 56 km and 1800 m of elevation gain
Monday, September 4: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Stage 2 – Mountain Queen – 89 km and 3200 m of elevation gain
Tuesday, September 5: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Fiumalbo

Stage 3 – Tuscany “Incipit” – 79 km and 2700 m of elevation gain
Wednesday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

Stage 4 – Cimone Challenge – 57 km and 2300 m of elevation gain
Thursday, September 7: Fiumalbo – Fanano

Stage 5 – Appenninica Distilled – 54 km and 2500 m of elevation gain
Friday, September 8: Fanano – Vidiciatico

Stage 6 – Monte Pizzo – 37 km and 1750 m of elevation gain
Saturday, September 9: Vidiciatico – Vidiciatico