by Appenninica MTB | Aug 24, 2021 | r
The sportive town in the Province of Modena renews its bound with Appenninica MTB Stage races, hosting two starts and two finishes of the upcoming 2021 edition
The special relationship between Fanano and Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues for the 2021 edition (September 12th-18th, 2021), when the town in the province of Modena will host three stages of the mountain bike stage race. Fanano is a small mountain municipality at the foot of Monte Cimone, located in the Alto Appennino Modenese Natural Park. Orange flag of the Italian Touring Club since 2001 for its environment, this municipality is renewed as hometown of the Italian gold miner Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in the United States at the beginning of the last century during the gold rush.
Appenninica MTB Stage Race will reach Fanano on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021, at the end of stage 3, “Gold Rush”, with 57 km and 2500 metres of elevation gain, starting from Lizzano in Belvedere. Before the arrival, the bikers will face the ascent of Monte Cimone, passing through the village of Trignano, birthplace of Felice Pedroni. This stage is characterized by exhausting ups and downs where athletes will have to be ready to face any scenario.
The following day, Wednesday, September 15th, 2021, the “Pippo Yeah!” stage returns to Appenninica after last year’s success. Entirely charted by famous trail builder Pippo Marani, the stage of 50 km and 2300 metres of elevation gain is byword of pure fun with two ascents towards the Passo Colombino and Passo Croce Arcana, although the 15 km of downhill on a single track will be decisive.
Fanano will say goodbye to Appenninica on Thursday, September 16th, 2021, hosting the start of the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, 95 km and 3600 metres of elevation gain with finish in Cerreto Laghi. The athletes will immediately face the challenging ascent towards the summit of Monte Cimone (17 km of climb for an elevation gain of over 1000 metres).
“We believed in the Appenninica project from the start because it is a worldwide platform for us to promote our territory. Here in Fanano we have about 300 km of trails of different difficulties that we keep clean with effort and dedication, but thanks to Appenninica, we can give a touristic boost to this offer and commitment. This is the moment of the Apennines, an ideal area to enjoy nature and breathe fresh air”, explained the Mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli.
FANANO, BETWEEN SPORTS AND GOLD RUSH
Fanano is a small mountain municipality with a strong sport tradition, related to the winter ski resort of Monte Cimone, where it is possible to practice downhill skiing, ski mountaineering, as well as figure skating and hockey thanks to the presence of an ice rink. In summer, the network of trails is ideal for trekking, mountain biking and outdoor sports.
The beating heart of the town is Piazza Corsini, where the three most important access roads converge. In the village of Trignano, it’s also possible to visit the native home of Felice Pedroni, Fanano’s most illustrious citizen, who founded the town of Fairbanks, in Alaska, after discovering the largest gold deposit in the region.
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 18, 2021 | r
For the first time, the village in the province of Bologna, the birthplace of journalist Enzo Biagi, will be among the venues of Appenninica MTB on Monday, September 13th and Tuesday, September 14th
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Located in the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, Lizzano in Belvedere is ready to make its debut at Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12th-18th, 2021). Famous for its stunning natural landscapes, the town in the province of Bologna is also the birthplace of the late Italian journalist and writer Enzo Biagi, as well as a scene of fierce fighting along the Gothic Defensive Line during World War II.
The Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan will get to Lizzano in Belvedere on Monday, September 13th for the finish of stage two, “Il Corno“, 55 km and 2540 meters of elevation gain after the start from Porretta Terme. The undisputed protagonist of the stage will be the Corno alle Scale mountain, whose top offers a breathtaking view, extending from the Tyrrhenian Sea, westbound, to the Adriatic Sea, eastbound. Before reaching the finish line, the riders will also enjoy the scenery of the Crinale Massimo up to Lake Scaffaiolo, already reached in the past editions.
Furthermore, on Tuesday, September 14th, Lizzano in Belvedere will host the start of stage 3, with the race heading to Fanano through a 57 km and 2500 meters of elevation gain route, in the stage called “Gold Rush“.
“We joined the project of Appenninica MTB Stage Race with great enthusiasm and we are confident that this event will help people to discover the beauty of the Corno alle Scale area – explained the mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere, Sergio Polmonari -. For some years now, we have been working to create a wide network of trails suited for mountain biking within the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, with routes both near the villages and at high altitudes. Appenninica will be the opportunity for people to discover this network of trails, and represents a further step in this project of development and promotion“.
LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, THROUGH NATURE AND HISTORY
The landscapes around Lizzano in Belvedere make this village a perfect tourist destination for those looking to immerse in the nature and breathe clean air. Here, a soulful place for meditation, surrounded by monumental trees and silence, is the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero (Maple’s Virgin): the legend says that the maples rising on the sides of the sanctuary have hosted a resting Virgin Mary.
During World War II, these areas were the scene of clashes between the partisan forces and the German army, that built the Gothic Line in 1944 . Today, a suggestive path through those paths tells the story of those terrible years. In addition, in the hamlet of Pianaccio there is a museum dedicated to Enzo Biagi, who started from here a long and remarkable career in journalism, going on to work for Italy’s major newspapers, Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, as well as curating his own prime-time show on Rai Uno.
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
by Appenninica MTB | Aug 18, 2021 | r
The tourist resort in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme, known for its SPA and the Porretta Soul Festival, will host the great start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th and 13th
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
As already happened for the successful 2020 edition, the 2021 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will start from Porretta Terme, in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme, in the Province of Bologna. Renowned for the quality of life and its favorable geographic location, Porretta Terme is a pole of attraction for thermal tourism and various health activities, enhanced over the years by an increasingly widespread culture of hospitality.
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the 2021 edition of Appenninica will start from Piazza Della Libertà with an individual time trial of 40 km and 1600m of elevation gain, that will allow competitors to enter immediately in the competitive mood. With its route passing through villages, mountain retreats and roads, the “Porretta Soul” stage will pay homage to the Porretta Soul Festival, an event that has attracted the biggest names in soul music for over 30 years.
The route of the opening stage winds through the mountains around Porretta Terme, through the many trails that surround the town in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, such as the ring of Monte Cavallo, 43 kilometers and 1500 meters of elevation gain among the beech forests and the most beautiful forest roads of the Upper Reno area.
Credits: IAT Alto Reno Terme
The first taste of the Apennine ridge will be on the following day, Monday, September 13, in the stage from Porretta Terme to Lizzano in Belvedere, 57 kilometers and 2340 meters of elevation gain. The absolute protagonist of the second stage is the Corno alle Scale mountain, from which the fraction “Il Corno” takes its name, with its wide views ready to provide emotions.
“There are many reasons why Alto Reno Terme has chosen to believe in cycling – commented the Mayor Giuseppe Nanni -. First of all, our desire to team up with all the municipalities of Emilia-Romagna to promote the Apennines and the Alta Via dei Parchi, combined with the possibility to diversify our tourism offer with sports and eco-sustainable proposals.”
“Appenninica MTB Stage Race has risen to international prominence – continued the Mayor – and contributes to a new image and positioning of Alto Reno Terme, related to thermal water and top-quality spa treatments, wellness, nature, sports and leisure, combined with high-quality food and wine”.
Credits: IAT Alto Reno Terme
PORRETTA TERME BETWEEN MUSIC, MOVIES AND WELLBEING
The thermal baths of Porretta, renowned for their mineral waters, have a thousand-year-long tradition and have been a source of opportunities and tourism for the town. One of the main tourist attractions are the underground springs, where the secrets of the subsoil and the path of thermal water can be discovered.
The name of Porretta Terme is also linked to two prestigious festivals of the international level. The Porretta Soul Festival, celebrating its 30th edition in 2021, has brought true legends of international music to the town, while in early December takes place the Film Festival, which over the years has hosted famous directors such as Giuseppe Tornatore, Ferzan Ozpetek and Ken Loach.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 29, 2021 | Highlights
For the third edition in a row, the Tuscan company will be technical sponsor of the Italian MTB stage race and design all the leaders’ jerseys
The partnership continues to florish between Appenninica MTB Stage Race and Natali Sports Wear, a company from Pistoia, Italy, founded in 1968, that in recent years has been experiencing a moment of growth and relaunch alongside prestigious events. As technical sponsor, Natali will dress all the leaders of Appenninica 2021, from September 12 to 18.
Natali has embraced the project of Appenninica since its debut in 2019, grasping its potential of growth on a national and international scale, confident that the format of mountain bike stage races is trending upwards in popularity and prominence.
“We believe in the project and the people behind it, and we are convinced that this event will become one of the most important on the Italian scene, and not just for off-road racing – says Marino Palandri, director of Natali Sports Wear -. Appenninica is undoubtedly an event that leaves a positive mark on those who take part in it, and we want to do the same, offering our top range models”.
The leaders of the different categories competing at Appenninica will wear the Top21Rudi model, the most popular Natali jersey in 2020 and 2021, appreciated for its versatility and innovative materials. With micro-perforated stretch front and back guaranteeing high transpirability, the garment is 100% Made in Italy, entirely produced within the Natali factory in Pistoia.
The leader of the men’s general classification will wear the blue jersey, while the leader of the women’s classification will don the red jersey. Furthermore, for the first time this year, there will be leader’s jerseys also for the grand master (orange) and master (green) categories.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 27, 2021 | r
Gordon Wadsworth and his wife Emily Hairfield will be at the start of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th, combining a sporting challenge with a holiday in Italy to discover the Apennines.
Appenninica MTB Stage Race could not happen anywhere else than on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: the bind between the race and its territory goes far beyond its name. So, while many get to know the area while taking in the Appenninica challenge, it also happens that some people come to the race to make an exciting combination of adventure and a holiday. That’s the case of Gordon Wadsworth and Emily Hairfield from the United States, coming to Appenninica’s third edition from September 12th to 18th.
“We love events that match the local spirit and world-class riding and hospitality, and from what we have learned the Appenninica MTB has both in great measure. A sports event like Appenninica shows the heart and spirit of a territory, showcasing the culture and the history. When you see and experience a place, you also learn about people and their lives in a very special way. We may not leave Italians, but we will leave with a love of Italy. I am sure!” said Gordon Wadsworth.
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Gordon Wadsworth took up mountain biking in his teenage and transferred his passion to his wife Emily. As a three-time winner of the US National Championships and five-time winner of the National Ultra Endurance Series Championships, Gordon competed in several international events. In recent years, his wife Emily and him have created the “race-cations” formula, combining the challenge of a stage race with a holiday.
“We love crafting “race-cations” with epic events as a starting point, where we get to experience the location at a very close level. The bike is a tremendous medium for the experience because we can hear, feel, smell, and taste things like no other way. After having completed the Appenninica, we hope to feel a little closer to the people and culture of Emilia Romagna and the areas we plan to travel through,” explained Gordon Wadsworth.
The US couple has already begun the build-up to a demanding stage race like Appenninica, with a training plan that includes long rides repeated for several days in a row. Over the past spring, Wadsworth also took part in the Trans-Sylvania Epic and Unbound XL, finishing both races in the top ten and confirming that he can be with the best at the Appenninica.
“Emily and I both love the stage race format because every day it has to be the “best day ever”. They are hard, of course, and that’s part of the appeal. By digging extremely deep, we learn about ourselves, challenge ourselves, and emerge the other side as different and better people. The community that an event like Appenninica builds is second to none. After the race, we both love sharing the experiences of the day, and sometimes those friendships grow across time and borders,” said Wadsworth.
