There’s always a chance to turn the tables in a stage race — and Andrea Candeago did just that on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Riolunato. After missing out on the win in Vidiciatico, the Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team rider made no mistakes this time, seizing victory in the uphill sprint finale of Riolunato.

Candeago outpaced Vincenzo Saitta (Rolling Bike Team) and teammate Diego Arias to take Stage 3 — 64 kilometres with 2,750 metres of elevation gain. Arias, once again in control throughout tha stage, extends his grip on the general classification.

The day began in Vidiciatico with a long, steady climb to Corno alle Scale, which the lead riders tackled without fireworks, knowing the real challenge lay ahead. Alongside the podium trio, Emanuele Spica, Hans Becking, Davide Magnani and Peter Menghetti also made the early front group. But as the race descended toward Fanano, Menghetti crashed out, and on the long ascent to Monte Cimone, the pace from Metallurgica Veneta split the field for good.

Becking, Spica, and Magnani were dropped one by one, leaving Candeago, Saitta, and Arias to contest the win. In the final uphill corner into Riolunato, Candeago led from the front and held his advantage to the line, clocking 3:28:02 — just two seconds ahead of Saitta and Arias. Spica followed at 2’28”, while Becking crossed fifth at 5’38”.

“I was frustrated after yesterday, so I really wanted this,” said Candeago. “Right now, I think Diego, Vincenzo and I are the strongest on the climbs. It’s a pity about the mechanical in Stage 1 — I might be closer overall. Today I made sure to take the final corner first, and it paid off.”

Diego Arias remains firmly in the lead, now 6’54” ahead of Saitta. With today’s performance, Candeago moves into third at 12’08”, followed by Becking at 14’03” and Spica at 14’22”.

“I’ve been able to manage the race well so far,” commented Arias. “Almost seven minutes is a good cushion, but anything can happen — especially with the heat playing such a big role this week.”

The Master‘s classification continues to be dominated by Oscar Pujol, who took his third consecutive stage and now leads Juul Van Loon by 16’09”, with Rob Van der Werf sitting third at 25’18”. In the Grand Master ranks, Mirko Pirazzoli made it three out of three, extending his lead over Stefan Buri to nearly thirty minutes. In the Great Grand Master field, Axel Strauss remains unchallenged ahead of Piotr Sozanski and Lawrence Westney.

The women’s classification was significantly reshuffled. Starting the day with a 2’49” lead, Lola Bakker struggled from the very first kilometres and could not find her rhythm. By the finish, she had lost 17’12” to Syd Schulz, who now tops the general classification with a 14’23” margin.

Linda Van Vliet completed the podium both for the stage and overall, although over 45 minutes down on the new leader.

“I went out strong to test the waters and see if Lola would respond,” explained Schulz. “I was alone almost right away, and didn’t panic. I thought she’d come back, but maybe the heat got to her. The scenery at Appenninica is amazing, and I really loved the final descent today — it was so much fun.”

Vincenzo Saitta continues to build momentum at the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, confirming his status as a rising contender. After animating the opening stage, the Sicilian rider struck gold on Tuesday, June 24, conquering the second stage: a 46-kilometre technical rollercoaster with 2,100 metres of elevation gain, both starting and finishing in Vidiciatico.

The course offered no reprieve, with relentless climbs and descents that tested riders’ skill and stamina. A five-man lead group quickly emerged, featuring Diego Arias, Hans Becking, Vincenzo Saitta, Andrea Candeago, and Davide Magnani. Midway through the race, Magnani lost contact, and on the final ascent to Molino della Squaglia, Becking was also dropped.

Down to three, the leaders traded attacks. Near the second feed zone, Candeago made the first move, which was immediately countered by Arias and Saitta. On the following singletrack descent, Candeago pushed again, but Saitta launched his own counterattack just before entering the town centre. Leading into the narrow streets of Vidiciatico, he sprinted clear and claimed a decisive stage victory — his first at Appenninica.

Saitta stopped the clock at 2:20:18, edging out Arias and Candeago. Emanuele Spica finished fourth at 1’55”, while Becking trailed by 1’59”. Despite missing the win, Arias maintains control of the general classification and retains the Barbieri PNK Blue Jersey, holding a 6’54” lead over Saitta, with Becking in third at 8’27”.

“I said yesterday I wanted to win, but I didn’t expect it to come so soon,” said Saitta. “I stayed with the strongest riders all day and managed to get into the final kilometre ahead. That was the key.”

Diego Arias remains satisfied with his consistent performance. “We managed the race without forcing after yesterday’s effort. I hoped Andrea could go for the win in the finale, but Vincenzo timed his move well on the descent. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m feeling good.”

In the Master category, Oscar Pujol doubled up with a second stage win, once again ahead of Rob Van der Werf and Juul Van Loon. Mirko Pirazzoli also claimed back-to-back victories in the Grand Master category, consolidating his lead over Stefan Buri. In the Great Grand Master race, Axel Strauss confirmed his dominance, taking the win ahead of Piotr Sozanski and Lawrence Westney.

Diego Arias picked up where he left off. The Colombian, winner of the 2022 edition on his Appenninica MTB Stage Race debut, returned to the top step of the podium on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, dominating Stage 1 of this year’s edition in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

Racing for the Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team, Arias quickly lived up to his billing as the man to beat. He took the win in the 58 km opener — with 2,300 meters of climbing — starting and finishing in Vidiciatico. Displaying the tactical poise of a veteran, he kept things steady in the early phases before attacking in the final stretch to gain maximum time.

The day’s first major climb toward Corno alle Scale was animated by the Rolling Bike Team duo of Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica, who forced a fierce pace in the summer heat that broke the peloton apart. Arias bided his time before bridging up to Saitta at Passo di Croce Arcana, letting the early attackers burn their matches.

On the next ascent to Lago Scaffaiolo, the Colombian made his move — dropping Saitta and going solo on the descent to Vidiciatico, determined to open a gap on his main rivals.

Meanwhile, Hans Becking, after a challenging start, mounted a strong comeback to secure second place. Arias crossed the line in 2:55:25, putting 6’28” into Becking — his primary rival for the final Barbieri PNK Blue Jersey.

Vincenzo Saitta claimed a well-earned third at 6’55”, confirming his excellent form. Rounding out the top five were Emanuele Spica (10’01”) and Andrea Candeago (12’09”).

“It was a really hot day, and I think that’s going to be a key factor all week,” Arias said post-stage. “The Rolling Bike guys went all-in on the first climb to Corno alle Scale. After I dropped Saitta, I kept pushing to open up a gap on Becking — he probably felt the effects of yesterday’s long transfer, but I know he’s going to be a major threat in the GC.”

MASTERS CATEGORIES

In the Master category, Spain’s Oscar Pujol claimed the win with a 3’25” advantage over Dutch rider Rob Van der Werf, while defending champion Juul Van Loon, also from the Netherlands, settled for third at 5’04”. Among the Grand Masters, Italy’s Mirko Pirazzoli took the top step of the podium, finishing 9’02” ahead of Stefan Buri, with Paul Wellicome in third. Axel Strauss delivered a dominant performance in the Great Grand Master category, beating Piotr Sozanski and Lawrence Westney by a significant margin.

As expected, the women’s field proved tightly matched. Dutch rider Lola Bakker claimed Stage 1 in 4:20:43, edging out American Syd Schulz after a race-long battle.

The duo quickly took control of the race and, mirroring the men’s dynamic, stayed together until the second major climb toward Lago Scaffaiolo. There, Bakker’s steady acceleration finally dropped Schulz. However, the narrow final margin of just 2’49” shows how closely contested the race remains.

Linda Van Vlet (NED) took third at 26’55”, with Spain’s Almudena Rodriguez Lopez de Armentia and Regina Marunde rounding out the top five — both over an hour down on the leader. Bakker now wears the first Maglia Rosa Lavor of 2025, but the GC battle is far from settled.

“It was a really hard day because of the heat,” said Bakker. “The first climb pushed me to my limit, but the incredible ridge views gave me the energy to keep going. On the second climb, I was alone and just kept pushing. It’s my third time at Appenninica — I love being here, it’s amazing.”