The 2022 edition (September 4-10) of the mountain bike stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will turn the route on its head by swapping the start with the finish (and vice versa) compared to recent years. Castelnovo ne’ Monti will kick off the 450-km, 16,000-meter elevation effort, while Lizzano in Belvedere will stage the grand finale. Fanano and Porretta Terme have also been confirmed as stage cities
The Appenninica MTB Stage Race does an about-face in order to offer participants a new route. The event, scheduled from September 4-10, 2022, will start from Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) and end in Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna). This change is a calculated move by the Happy Trail MTB organizers aimed at bringing new perspectives and routes to the athletes while leaving the race’s successful mix of scenic routes and breath-taking scenery untouched, all while striking a proper balance between technical and fun features.
The route for the 2022 edition will wind along the paths of the Alta Via dei Parchi, amid the inviting landscapes of the Apennine ridge. The area’s natural beauty is a great source of pride for local tourism in the Emilia-Romagna region and is a highlight of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Compared to past editions, competitors will also face routes full of history and WWII settings, like the Lunigiana military road and part of the infamous Gothic Line.
Along the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s 450 km and 16,000 meters of elevation, participants will take on yet unseen mountains while passing through both the main winter and summer outdoor sports areas of Emilia-Romagna: Ventasso, Monte Cusna, Monte Cimone, Corno alle Scale and Monte Pizzo. Even though the route is new, the stage locations remain unchanged. In addition to the above-mentioned Castelnovo ne’ Monti and Lizzano in Belvedere, Fanano (Modena) and Porretta Terme (Bologna) have remained in the Appenninica family.
credits: The Outdoor Lab
SEVEN STAGES TO ENJOY
The start is set for Sunday, September 4, 2022, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti with a circuit around the iconic Pietra di Bismantova in Matilde di Canossa’s scenic lands. The opening “La Matildica” stage has been named after her and spans 50 km with a little more than 1,750 meters of climbing.
Another circuit around Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the Bismantova Rock will be proposed for the second stage on Monday, September 5. 62 km and 2,200 metres of elevation gain on the menu, climbing almost to the summit of Monte Ventasso, with a view on the scenic Lake Calamone.
On Tuesday, September 6, the “High Mountain Queen Stage” from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Fanano will be the first real test for the competitors. If the first two stages are meant to warm up the legs, the third stage (103 km with 3,600 meters of elevation gain) on the Apennines ridge between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany will be a real watershed for individual ambitions within the general classification.
The following day, Wednesday, September 7, Appenninica will once again traverse the trails of the famous trail builder, Pippo Marani. The “Pippo Yeah 2.0” starts and finishes in Fanano in a renewed version of one of the most loved stages from past editions: 56 km with 2,250 meters of elevation gain.
Stage five from Fanano to Porretta Terme, scheduled for Thursday, September 8, will take place on the so-far untouched paths of the Gothic Line, the famous battleground of the Second World War. The “Gothic Line” will offer a smooth and fun route through 71 km with 2,500 meters of elevation gain.
On Friday, September 9, riders will head from Porretta Terme to Lizzano in Belvedere on a 60 km route with 2,700 meters of elevation gain. During the “Il Corno” stage, athletes will cross some unforgettable spots from previous editions, like the beautiful summit of Corno alle Scale – the mountain of Bologna – and the stunning Scaffaiolo Lake
The final stage set for Saturday, September 10, will roll out the red carpet on the beautiful slopes of the Monte Pizzo bike park around Lizzano in Belvedere. It is a fast and spectacular 37-km route with 1,750 meters of elevation gain, which will determine the winner of the 2022 Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
“Compared to last year’s edition, we decided to go against the tide and design a route in the reverse direction while still being able to enhance the most endearing elements of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. As usual, the breath-taking scenery of the Apennines ridge is combined with wooded passes in a mix of smooth climbs and technical, fun descents. In addition, we have worked hard to better balance each stage’s length with its elevation gain. We are sure it will be a spectacular edition,” said the Appenninica MTB Stage Race organizers, Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi.
Same as in 2021, the organizing committee is allowing individual participation only. After the Early Bird phase sold out, and almost 100 registrations already confirmed out of the 150 maximum, riders can sign up for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the “Regular Registration” fee until May 31, 2022. Furthermore, a three-installment payment plan is also available.
The race numbers reserved for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s Early Bird registration phase were sold out for the second consecutive year. With less than nine months to the go, two-thirds of the available spots are already gone, with new Countries also joining the party
If seems like 2022 Appenninica MTB Stage Race is already off to a very good start. At the end of December, the best-price Early Bird registration phase came to a close: all the available numbers for such period were sold out for the second straight year, as demands and attention keep increasing for the event whose 4th edition will be held from September 4th to 10th, 2022, in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
Among the Early Bird entrants, the 2021 participants who confirmed their participation with the Appenninica Family deal and those who chose to pass on their 2021 registration due to COVID-related circumstances, the event’s peloton already amounts nearly 100 riders, two-thirds of the closed number of 150 participants, with little less than nine months to the start.
Increasing interest also results in more Countries being represented at the event: Appenninica remains very popular among riders from the Netherlands and Belgium, already the most represented Countries in 2021, but Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica also show in the list, with an increased presence also from American and Sweden, while new riders are expected from Spain. That is excellent news for an event whose main purpose is making the Apennines and the Emilia-Romagna’s beauties renowned on the international scale.
On January 1st, the “regular registration” phase has opened (1.290 €), to be followed by the eventual “late registration” period (1.490 €). Registrations will close upon reaching the maximum number of 150 participants.
At Appenninica, riders are guaranteed a full-service package, including the race number and all the thrills of the race, food and accommodation, as well as the offer of additional on-demand services such as massages, mechanical services, hotel packages or companion passes. It’s also possible to require a prorated payment plan in three instalments with no extra costs, a very popular choice also among Early Bird entrants.
The Italian mountain bike stage race will take place in September 2022, but will move a few days earlier compared to 2021. The “Early Bird” registration phase starts on November 15th
Just little time to enjoy the show of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, and for Appenninica MTB Stage Race is already time to start planning for a new adventure. The Italian mountain bike stage race has disclosed the dates of next year’s event: the fourth edition of the event will take place from September 4th to 10th, 2022.
In the 2021 edition, which ended less than two months ago, Appenninica has further established itself among the most relevant events in Italian mountain bike, collecting significant success among riders and stakeholders on the international scale. For the 2022 edition, the A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB organizers have opted to move the dates a few days earlier, yet confirming its late-summer fixture for the third year in a row.
“Our goal is to grow further, strengthening Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s positioning as a unique competition for its technical level, the wild and amazing landscapes, and for the extraordinary atmosphere that riders breathe within the Appenninica family. The feedback from riders and insiders at the end of the 2021 edition has given us further energy and motivation. We want to keep focussing on our distinguishing features, while building around them an increasingly engaging and attractive event, a showcase for the territory and the Emilia-Romagna Apennines”, said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, co-organizers of the race.
The registration opening date has also been fixed on Monday, November 15th, 2021, when the “Early Bird” phase will get off. In this phase, there are 50 numbers available within January 31st, 2022, providing the chance to register at the lowest fee, and pay in several instalments. Like many stage events, Appenninica is a full-service race, which means that not only the participation, but also accommodation, meals, transfers between stages and other services, are included in the fee.
The “solo” formula has been confirmed also for the 2022 edition, as well as the maximum number of 150 registered riders, to avoid overcrowding of trails and to guarantee higher race standards.
In the final stage, Felix Fritzsch gained more terrain over Bart Classens, on his way to the overall victory. Elia Taverna won the final stage and earned the third step of the podium. Diesner finalized a dominating display to be crowned queen of Appenninica 2021
Credits: Francesco Narcisi / The Outdoor Lab
The test of the Bismantova Rock gave Felix Fritzsch the Men’s crown of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021. Winner of the opening stage in Porretta Terme, the German completed the stage race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines in first position, showing consistency and tactical acumen to beat Bart Classens in the GC by 8:09, responding to the Dutchman’s comeback after the High Mountain Queen Stage.
Fritzsch was not among the top favorites before the race, yet on Saturday, September 18th, 2021, on the finish line in Piazza Peretti in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the German enriched his palmares, adding the Appenninica overall to the 2018 Rally di Romagna. The 32-year-old of the RSG 52 Stolbergteam completed the seven stages in 20:49:55, ahead of Dutch Bart Classens (second) and Elia Taverna, third at 37:22.
“I’m really happy for the final victory. The race was very hard and I’m tired but we rode in wonderful landscapes and the Apennines are stunning. I’m proud to have completed the race, that was my goal at the start, but it was a fantastic experience. Now that I won the leader jersey, I have to come back next year and defend it”, said Felix Fritzsch on the finish line.
After riding all week in the front positions, Elia Taverna finally achieved a stage victory on the final day, 50 km and 1600 metres of elevation gain. The Italian rider managed to win the final stage in 2:27:55, setting the pace with Fritzsch and Classens in the first part of race, until a flat tire forced the Dutchman out of the game. At the finish, Fritzsch gave Elia Taverna the green light to the stage win.
“Finally, I have got a stage victory. I’m happy of how I have been racing this week and I’m fully satisfied about my participation. I didn’t think I’d be such at the sharp end, and to win a stage, so it’s all very positive”, said Elia Taverna.
Credits: Juan J. Pestaña / The Outdoor Lab
NAIMA DIESNER’S CONQUERS APPENNINICA
An absolute protagonist of this edition, Naima Diesner’s attitude conquered the entire caravan of Appenninica. The German got another win at the shade of the Bismantova Rock in 2:51:57, ahead of Virginia Cancellieri by 7:21 and Evelyn Sulzer by 8:13. After the expected battles in the first stages, Diesner dominated the race starting from the High Mountain Queen Stage and winning four out of seven stages. In the overall standings, the Tuspo Weemde team rider finished Appenninica in 26:24:58, with an advantage of 59:37 on Virginia Cancellieri and 1:26:09 on Evelyn Sulzer.
“It was a fantastic experience. At Appenninica MTB Stage Race I found a wonderful atmosphere, the people welcomed me in an extraordinary way. This victory is also for those who couldn’t race it till the end due to some crashes or mechanical problems. I really enjoyed the race and I’d love to be back next year”, explained Naima Diesner.
Credits: Francesco Narcisi / The Outdoor Lab
APPENNINICA EYES FURTHER GROWTH IN 2022
At the end of the 2021 edition, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race organizers drew a positive wrap-up of the experience, looking forward to 2022 with new drive and confidence. The 106 athletes coming from 16 different Countries expressed positive comments towards the Emilia-Romagna Apennines stage race, where they fell in love with the atmosphere through the whole week.
“The feedback from the riders confirms that Appenninica belongs among the main mountain bike stage races in Europe. Many athletes felt at home while discovering unexpected landscapes among the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. The competition was tough, showing that the route gave nothing for granted and needed to be prepared in the best possible way. We lived an intense week full of emotions, thanks to the beautiful landscapes and the passion of the athletes. We are already looking forward to 2022 with the aim of growing further”, said the Appenninica organizers, Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi.
The final awarding ceremony in Piazza Peretti was attended by the Antonella Incerti, member of the Italian Parliament’s Agriculture Commission and representative of the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Public Works Councillor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti Giorgio Severi, and on behalf of the Coop Alleanza 3.0 Directors Board, Chiara Saccani. “I want to express a big thank you to the OC and to all athletes – said Antonella Incerti-. We are investing on the Apennines and on these areas that have a great potential. Appenninica is an important chance to showcase the territory in all his features, from landscapes to hospitality and cuisine”.
After the the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, the Dutch biker took also the sixth one in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, but Felix Fritzsch remained on his wheel and in the GC lead. Tomorrow, the Bismantova Rock will crown the king of Appenninica. Another victory for leader Naima Diesner among women
Credits: Francesco Narcisi / The Outdoor Lab
Following his feat in the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, Bart Classens delivered another success in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, on Friday, September 17th, 2021. The Dutchman won Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s 6th test, started from Cerreto Laghi, whose distance was shortened to 45 km and 1200 metres of elevation gain after yesterday’s downpours had affected the safety conditions on some trails. On the finish line of Piazza Peretti, Classens outsprinted GC leader Felix Fritzsch, ending his effort in 2:05:36.
Bart Classens got off to a strong start, trying to attack Fritzsch’s lead, but the German biker managed the situation, getting back on the Dutchman’s wheels halfway into the race. From there, the two continued together to the finish, where Classens won the duo’s sprint. The final outcome will be decided tomorrow, when Felix Fritzsch will have a 6:36 advantage to defend. Italy’s Elia Taverna was third both in the stage, with a 4:01 gap, and in general classification, over 30 minutes behind the German.
“I tried to pick up the pace in the early part of stage to try to put Felix (Fritzsch) into trouble, and I managed to drop him at first, but he made his way back. Tomorrow, I’ll also need some of luck, because Fritzsch has a solid lead to manage”, explained Bart Classens.
Naima Diesner had already proved to be the strongest of the field in the previous stages, but she wanted to make her participation in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race even more successful, taking her third stage victory in 2:30:12. After thanking the O.C. on social networks for their handling of the “High Mountain Queen Stage” tough weather conditions, the German biker dug a further gap in the general classification, which she leads with 52:16 on Virginia Cancellieri.
At the finish in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Evelyn Sulzer took second place with a 9:37 gap, while the Italian biker of the Orbea Factory Team was 12:35 adrift, giving up any further hope for the overall glory. After the start, the three best riders rode together, until an attack by the duo Cancellieri-Sulzer, to which Diesner replied and further insisted with her pace, flying alone to the finish line.
“I started with the idea of managing my advantage. Virginia (Cancellieri) and Evelyn (Sulzer) tried to raise the pace and so did I. I’m happy to be here in Appenninica and I think that the situation in general classification is now quite secure, but I still have to be careful”, said Naima Diesner after the finish line.
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
THE 2021 EDITION TO BE DECIDED ON DANTE’S PURGATORY
After the efforts of an intense week, it will be the “Purgatory” stage to decide the final classification of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, on Saturday, September 18th. In Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the anticipated final act will take place over 50 km and 1600 metres of elevation gain, which will crown the winner of the 2021 edition between Fritzsch and Classens.
On the 700th anniversary of the of poet Dante Alighieri’s death, the final judge of Appenninica will be the Bismantova Rock, which according to tradition inspired the Purgatory of the Divine Comedy. Leaving the town of Castelnovo, the route will continue for 13 km on the sinuous track until the steep climb to Monte Fasola. After a long downhill to the Secchia river, allowing for a short breather, the riders will climb again towards the Bismantova Rock, before heading back downtown to the finish line in Piazza Peretti.
