The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is anticipating the emergence of new Italian prospects after Luca Cacchi‘s remarkable third-place podium finish in 2024. From June 23-27, the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will welcome a fierce and highly motivated Italian contingent, determined to challenge the biggest names in international mountain biking.

Leading the charge will be two standout performers from last year’s edition: Luca Cacchi, who was the absolute revelation of 2024 with his podium finish and stage victory in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, and Federico Mandelli, who dominated the stage in Fiumalbo with authority. Both riders return to the start line with renewed ambitions and a hunger to confirm their place among the elite.

Cacchi will be supported by teammate Davide Magnani, who arrives at Appenninica riding high after his recent triumph at “Il Carpegna mi Basta” and eager to make a strong first impression on the Apennine trails and Peter Menghetti. Alongside them, Piraz Coach Academy is raising the stakes once again with Mandelli, aiming high after the excellent results shown in 2024.

The Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team returns after their 2023 experience, with Martino Tronconi – who raced that year – now firmly established as team manager. Veteran Diego Arias, winner of the 2022 edition, will be the cornerstone of a squad that also features quality Italians in Massimo Rosa, plus young Andrea Candeago, 22, who has already shown promise at the 4Island Epic.

There’s buzz also around the debut of Paolo Alberati‘s Team Rolling Bike. The former pro turned manager is focused on developing young talent and will field Vincenzo Saitta, who finished fourth at the 4 Stage MTB Lanzarote won by Appenninica former rider Tim Smeenge, and Emanuele Spica, who cracked the top ten at Costa degli Etruschi.

The 2025 edition of Appenninica promises to be one of the most competitive ever, giving young Italian riders the chance to go toe-to-toe with some of the best on the international scene. After Cacchi and Mandelli’s breakout performances in 2024, anticipation is building to see which new name will capture the imagination.

With strong team support and the energy that comes from hunger for results, the Italian squad is determined to write a new chapter in the history of Italy’s most prestigious mountain bike stage race.

When Appenninica MTB Stage Race talks about family, they mean it. The atmosphere of the small Emilia-Romagna Apennine villages, the genuine friendships that form and endure year after year, the loyalty of supporters who simply can’t—and won’t—say no to being part of Appenninica.

This Family philosophy guides the Happy Trail MTB organizers in building relationships with their extensive network of partners, both technical and commercial, who continue to support Italy’s premier MTB stage race, running June 23-27.

At the heart of this support is the Emilia-Romagna Region, which has recognized the mountain bike stage race as a powerful tool for promoting the Apennines as a top international summer cycling destination. Furthermore, this is part of a broader strategy to revitalize mountain communities and combat rural depopulation.

Lavor, a leading Italian manufacturer of pressure washers, has been part of the Appenninica story for several years. What started as a partnership providing bike wash services has grown into one of the event’s major sponsorships, reflecting the deepening relationship between the brand and the race.

Many cycling-related brands are also well-represented among event supporters, starting from Enervit. Italy’s leading sports nutrition and functional food company has served as Appenninica’s Sports Nutrition Partner for several years. Barbieri PNK, Bologna-based bike accessories and parts brand, manufacturer of innovative TPU inner tubes, continues its long-standing partnership.

Natali Sports Wear crafts the leader jerseys, while French brand Look provides the official pedals. New to the family in 2025 is Northwave, a leading manufacturer of technical cycling shoes, while Squirt Cycling returns as a key supplier of chain lubricants.

Local Emilia-Romagna businesses are also part of the Family. The Meliconi group leverages its technology expertise to produce bike accessories and supports through its My Bike brand. Hibros, a Parma-based chemical laboratory, continues its partnership by supplying recovery creams for athletes’ care.

Throughout race week, June 23-27, athletes will seize the quality from an impressive lineup of official suppliers and premium brands supporting the event. Gruppo Sem, one of Italy’s major bottling companies, provides Acqua del Cimone as the official water. At the grand finale in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, riders can also refill their bottles at a special Iren water fountain.

Given the region’s renowned culinary heritage, food partners play a key role. Delverde supplies pasta, while Rodolfi Mansueto provides tomato sauces products. Local favourite Cabrioni Biscotti will fuel athletes’ breakfast needs with traditional baked goods.

Key support services include mechanical assistance from Sport Bike Alicante and logistical support from Decathlon, which supplies tents, sleeping mats, and equipment for the Appenninica Teen Camp—a program that engages teenagers as part of the race staff.

Radio Bruno returns as the official radio partner, providing live commentary and summer hits throughout race week. SeTeTrack handles Official Live Tracking, essential for real-time stage coverage and athlete safety, while Evodata secures timing and results services.

Who will be crowned the new queen of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race? In 2024, Swiss rider Nina Brenn ruled the Elite Women’s field. This year, from June 23 to 27, the race through the rugged terrain of Emilia-Romagna promises one of the most open and unpredictable editions yet.

The rider tipped as the early favourite is Dutch talent Lola Bakker. After finishing third last year, the KMC Mountainbike Team rider returns for her third Appenninica, having recently secured second place at the Bike Marathon in Willingen, Germany, behind Belgian champion Julia Grégoire.

Among the Netherlands’ field, keep an eye on Linda Van Vliet — a former professional road cyclist who placed fourth at the 2021 4 Islands MTB — as well as the Loomans sisters, Janneke and Jeltje, who round out the “orange” presence.

Ukraine’s Elena Novikova, who narrowly missed the podium in 2022 and has extensive experience in endurance MTB, could spring a surprise. So too could Syd Schulz – well known from the US-based YouTube channel Syd and Macky – who impressed with a runner-up finish at the Volcanic Epic in New Zealand earlier this year.

From South America, Argentina’s Betiana Iglesias Canay returns after her 2023 appearance, while all eyes will be on Uruguayan Syomara Facchin, who has shown strong domestic form, and Peru’s Gina Torres, eager to make her mark.

Also returning is Germany’s Regina Marunde, a veteran of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, who will find a familiar face in Miguel Martinez, another Olympian racing this year’s edition.

Adding to the international flair are Spain’s Gemma Rossell – a 2024 finisher of the grueling Titan Desert in Morocco – and fellow Spaniard Maria Lopez de Arméntia, both of whom boast a strong social media following and are set to inspire on and off the bike.

It will be a contest of legs, tactics, and courage – with the crown of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025 up for grabs.