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.

Enervit becomes Official Nutrition Partner of Appenninica MTB Stage Race

by | Jun 1, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases (2023)

Enervit has been confirmed as the Official Nutrition Partner of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, set to take place from September 4-9, 2023. The race organization will donate a portion of the registration fees to support the people of Emilia-Romagna who have been affected by the recent floods.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race family is expanding, and it is thrilled to welcome an esteemed partner from the sports nutrition industry. For the upcoming edition scheduled for September 4-9, 2023, Enervit will join forces with the organizers of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB. An Italian leading brand in sports supplementation and functional nutrition, Evervit is also a partner of the Italian National Cycling Team.

This prestigious partnership signifies the increasing visibility and credibility of the race within the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna, as it enters its fifth edition. In a challenge as demanding as the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, nutrition plays a vital role before, during, and after the competition, especially in a six-day stage race where recovery becomes crucial.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Enervit is the ideal nutrition partner to support the competitors of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The company possesses the know-how to design, test, develop, and produce innovative and high-quality functional foods and supplements.

“We are delighted to welcome Enervit into our family. Their reputation as a world leader in meeting the nutritional needs of athletes is well-known, and they will supply their best products before, during, and after the competition. In a challenge like the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, success not only depends on preparation and mental strength but also on the careful management of energy throughout each stage,” says Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

 

Paolo Calabresi, Enervit Sport & Fitness Marketing Director, stated: “We could not pass up the opportunity to support this unique MTB race in Italy for the second consecutive year, characterized by its traveling stages. It is a fantastic competition that attracts numerous foreign athletes in a challenging and exciting outdoor environment.“

A THOUGHT FOR ROMAGNA

Registration for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is open until June 30th, 2023, during the “Regular Registration” phase. As in previous editions, the organizers have opted for the individual formula, with a maximum of 150 registered participants. This decision aims to avoid overcrowding on the trails and ensure a high standard of riding support for all participants.

In a show of solidarity with the people of Emilia-Romagna affected by the devastating floods in May, the organizers of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB have decided to allocate a fee of €100 for each new registration until the end of the registration phase. The funds will be donated to the Emilia-Romagna Agency for Territorial Security and Civil Protection to aid in the restoration of the areas impacted by the environmental disaster.

“We are deeply saddened by the events that unfolded in our region and stand in solidarity with the people of Romagna. By allocating a portion of the new registration fees, we aim to support the reconstruction efforts and provide concrete help to the many families affected by this catastrophic event,” stated Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

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.