by Appenninica MTB | Mar 15, 2021 | r
The Italian MTB stage race unveils the course of its seven stages for the 2021 edition (12-18 September). Great expectations for the new “High Mountain Queen Stage,” with 95km and 3,600 meters of elevation gain.
With less than six months to go, the countdown is on for the third edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and the organizing team is in full activity. From September 12th to 18th, 2021, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will be the location for an epic challenge between the world’s best long-distance riders.
As in the past, the organizers have charted a challenging course for the 2021 edition, enhancing the Apennine ridge’s beauty and the unspoiled nature of Alta Via dei Parchi, the feather in the cap for the tourist promotion of the Emilia-Romagna Region. The extreme challenge will take place over seven stages with almost 16,000 meters of elevation gain and a total distance of over 420 kilometers through five-stage venues. For the 2021 edition, new stage towns Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna) and Cerreto Laghi (Reggio Emilia) have joined the confirmed Porretta Terme (Bologna), Fanano (Modena) and Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia).
As in the first two editions, the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route will alternate long and demanding stages with fast, technical and fun courses. A perfect mix to ensure entertainment, keeping the high technical level of the race.
SEVEN STAGES AND THE GRAND FINALE ON THE BISMANTOVA ROCK
On Sunday, September 12th, 2021, Porretta Terme will host the Appenninica MTB Stage Race start with the “Porretta Soul” stage, a 45 km individual time trial (1,645 mt of elevation gain) dedicated to the Porretta Soul Festival. A symbol of Porretta Terme area, the Monte Cavallo climb will be immediately tackled by the riders while the stage will continue through the thick surrounding woodlands, enjoying high altitude views of the mountains and Reno valley.
The first real taste of Apennine ridge will be scheduled on Monday, September 13th with stage 2, 57 km and 2,340m of elevation gain from Porretta Terme to Lizzano in Belvedere. Named the “Corno”, the second stage’s protagonist is the Corno alle Scale mountain, with its wide and emotional views.
On Tuesday, September 14th, the Appenninica 2021 riders will move from Lizzano in Belvedere to Fanano with a very technical stage of 50km and 2,500m of elevation gain. The track goes continuously up and down through different terrains, with versatility required to be ready for any situation.
Designed by famous trail builder Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani, the spectacular “Pippo Yeah” stage will return on Wednesday, September 15th. With a route of 50 km and 2,300m of elevation gain, one of the most appreciated stages of the 2020 edition will again show the beautiful landscapes around Fanano, entertaining the riders on the breathtaking single tack downhill to the town center.
From Fanano to Cerreto Laghi, the “High Mountain Queen Stage” scheduled on Thursday, September 16th, will be the real test bench for those who aspire to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race overall. The athletes will face 95km and 3,600m of elevation gain on a track wholly charted at high altitude, smooth and incredibly scenic.
After the great effort, on Friday, September 17th, the “Park&Roll” will move to Castelnovo ne’ Monti through a less challenging stage, 65km and 1,900m of elevation gain. After the first uphill part, the riders will go downhill through the trails of Cervarezza Bike Park from Lake Calamone, enjoying the Bismantova Rock view from afar.
On Saturday, September 18th, the epilogue is the “Purgatory” stage, dedicated to Dante Alighieri on the 700th anniversary of his death. The name of the stage says everything: to reach the “Paradise”, finishing (or even winning) the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, the riders have to tame the Bismantova Rock, riding in the shadow of the mountain that inspired Dante’s Purgatory before tasting the glory at Castelnovo ne’ Monti.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration for the 2021 edition is open on the official website: www.appenninica-mtb.com.
As in 2020, the organizing committee chose to allow only individual participation, without the pairs format. Riders can register at Appenninica MTB Stage Race in the “Regular Registration” phase until June 30th, 2021. A three-installment payment plan is also available for the 2021 edition. For further information: https://www.appenninica-mtb.com/en/register.
With Appenninica’s trails riding through regional and national parks, to avoid the course’s overcrowding and provide the best possible experience, the organizers opted to set a maximum number of 150 registered athletes.
THE COURSE
Stage 1 – Porretta Soul – 45 km and 1,645m elevation gain
Sunday, September 12th: Porretta Terme – Porretta Terme
Stage 2 – Il Corno – 57 km and 2,340 mt elevation gain
Monday, September 13th: Porretta Terme – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Gold Rush – 50 km and 2,500 mt elevation gain
Tuesday, September 14th: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fanano
Stage 4 – Pippo Yeah – 50 km and 2,300 mt elevation gain
Wednesday, September 15th: Fanano – Fanano
Stage 5 – High Mountain Queen – 95 km and 3,600 mt elevation gain
Thursday, September 16th: Fanano – Cerreto Laghi
Stage 6 – Park & Roll – 65 km and 1,900 mt elevation gain
Friday, September 17th: Cerreto Laghi – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 7 – The Purgatory – 50 km and 1,400 mt elevation gain
Saturday, September 18th: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
by Appenninica MTB | Mar 1, 2021 | Highlights
Monte Cimone will be crossed by the fourth stage of the 2021 Giro d’Italia, covering a section of the 2021 Appenninica course that will be proposed also in 2021.
Old loves are never forgotten. The early-days Appenninica MTB Stage Race fans will remember when the MTB stage race made its debut in 2019 on the slope of the San Luca climb in Bologna, where the opening time trial of the Giro d’Italia had taken place just a couple of months earlier. From the beginning, a bond was there between Appenninica and Giro, and now we are about to see a new episode of that.
Fanano and the surrounding Apennine area will shine in 2021 Giro d’Italia stage 4, 186 kilometres from Piacenza to Sestola. On May 11th, 2021, the great names of road cycling will face the Ca’ dei Frati climb reaching the Colle Passerino before the finish in Sestola: a well-known route to the Appenninica riders, after riding it downhill during the “Pippo Yeah” stage in 2020, a course that will be proposed again in the 2021 edition, on September 15th. After the San Luca climb in Bologna in 2019, Appenninica and Giro d’Italia will cross their roads again, this time to show the Apennines’ beauties.
The Giro will shine a light on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and their courses network, both on the road and the over 300 km of off-road trails, promoting bike and outdoor tourism in these areas. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race OC has the same goal, as highlighted by the territorial partnership recently signed with the Emilia-Romagna Region.
The relationship between Appenninica and the Giro d’Italia is also enhanced by the more and more frequent connection between MTB and road cycling, with an increasing number of riders performing at the highest level in both disciplines. Mathieu Van der Poel might be one of the most outstanding examples, but two of the best riders expected at the Giro also started their careers offroad before establishing as legitimate road cycling stars: 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal and the multiple World Champion Peter Sagan. Furthermore, someone has tagged Appenninica as the “Giro d’Italia on MTB” due to its nature as a stage race. An overwhelming comparison, but certainly an inspiring one for the young Apennine event, which celebrates only its third edition in 2021.
Either in May or September, top cycling will be waiting for you on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: why not taking advantage of this opportunity?
by Appenninica MTB | Feb 11, 2021 | Highlights
After all the 55 available numbers in the first phase of registration were claimed, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race team looks forward to the next months with further confidence: sold-out is the goal!
The Early Bird phase to sign up for the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race – scheduled from September 12th to 18th – ended in January. All the 55 bibs available in such phase were claimed, further encouraging the organizers for the coming months, with the ambition of achieving the sold-out. We are not yet free of the Covid emergency, but the appeal of Appenninica is stronger.
The newly registered riders joined those who had confirmed their slot after taking part in the 2020 edition, and those who had to give up on last year’s race due to COVID-related reasons: the Appenninica peloton already trespassed the 50% threshold of the closed number of 150 athletes.
Along with the peaking figures, the Early Bird phase for the third edition already brought the race to new Countries, showing Appenninica’s attitude to become a global showcase for outdoor in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, as in the strategy shared with the Emilia-Romagna region. The race will see athletes from Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela, as well as more established MTB Countries such as UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, the latter currently leading the Nations’ ranking. Spaniards are also destined to be represented in forces. In September on the Appenninica routes, we will get to know better Jersey, a small Island on the English Channel with a huge cycling passion, that will be represented by a significant group of riders.
From February 1st to June 30th, the “regular registration” phase is open for 1.290 €, followed by a “late registration” period at 1.490 € until the maximum number of 150 participants has been reached.
Riders can take advantage of a full-service package including the participation fee and all the thrills of the race, food and accommodation, as well as the offer of various collateral services such as massages, mechanical services, hotel packages or companion passes. From this year, it’s also possible to pay with a three-installment payment plan with no extra costs, already extremely popular in this Early Bird phase.
The next goals? To approach the sold-out and increase the number of women riders. Currently, women only represent 5% of the participants, from 15% of last year: Appenninica hopes to see 20% of ladies in September.
Last but not least, clubs and teams can benefit from dedicated conditions and deals: get in touch with the Appenninica organizers for further information.
by Appenninica MTB | Jan 22, 2021 | r
The partnership between the MTB stage race and #InEmiliaRomagna paves the way for an ambitious future: Appenninica will be a showcase for outdoor and active tourism in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines
Photo: The Outdoor Lab
Since its inception, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race adventure has been characterized by a clear mission: to bring into the spotlight an extraordinary Region like the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna, often overlooked in the scenario of the the main tourist destinations, and help shaping its identity as a chosen area for the world of mountain biking. With its high technical and organizational level, Appenninica’s storytelling and communication has enhanced the authentic spirit of the Apennines: its beauty and unspoiled nature, the people’s hospitality, and the genuineness of its food.
In view of its third edition, scheduled from September 12th to 18th, 2021, Appenninica looks to further raise the bar thanks to the partnership with Regione Emilia-Romagna and #InEmiliaRomagna, the brand of the Emilia-Romagna tourist board. This agreement recognizes the Appenninica’s efforts and outcomes, paving the way for a more ambitious vision in line with the Region’s strategy to promote the major sporting events. In recent months in Emilia-Romagna, Imola hosted the World Road Cycling Championship in September and the F1 Grand Prix in November, while Misano Adriatico was the venue of two MotoGP Grand Prix in September. On the other hand, the Italian Football SuperCup between Juventus and Napoli was played in Reggio Emilia on January 20th, 2021.
Emilia-Romagna found in Appenninica a wonderful showcase to promote the beauty of its mountains and give voice to these territories’ reawakening, to which the boost of the summer tourism is crucial. Not by chance, the 2021 Appenninica’s course visits three renowned Winter Sports resorts, now more and more committed towards the summer and outdoor sports offer: Corno alle Scale, Monte Cimone and Cerreto Laghi.
Appenninica’s approach is now ready to make a leap in ambition, thanks to the support and contribution of Emilia-Romagna.
“Once again, Emilia-Romagna confirms itself as a land of sports – said Gianmaria Manghi, Head of the Presidency Political secretariat of Emilia-Romagna, “capable of hosting events of every disciplines, thanks to its facility, organizational and hospitality system. As an event, Appenninica is growing and becoming increasingly popular among mountain bike fans. We want to support this event because it is a perfect fit with the structural action promoted by the Region to support our mountains, with the goal of relaunching the Apennines for good, as a place to be experienced and discovered in every dimension. Our mountains offer a wide range of possibilities, ready to match the demands of a large target: from natural and emotional tourism to sports, from wine and food experiences to cultural and landscapes itineraries.”
Photo: The Outdoor Lab
The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have promoted proximity tourism for years, encouraging people to discover unexplored places without facing significant distances. As a consequence of the international juncture, in 2020 many people chose the Apennines for their holidays or weekend trips, appreciating their beauty and genuine hospitality. The same feelings are also shared by the best bikers in the world at the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, who also spread the word on their experience through their network in different areas of the World. The strength of Appenninica is combining a high-profile sporting event with the area’s stories and traditions, telling the heart of Apennines.
Thanks to a well-established and close-knit organizational structure, and the teamwork with the hosting venues, Appenninica supports these locations’ efforts in the resilient challenge to find new ways of tourism and enhance their facilities and overall tourism offer. With this new partnership, the project will find new energy and support, strengthening its role as an economic driver for the Apennines and Emilia-Romagna. Through Appenninica’s valorization and a stronger synergy with local authorities, the visibility and recognizability of these territories worldwide will be strengthened, on the way towards the creation of a real territorial brand.
“The territorial partnership with Emilia-Romagna will be instrumental to further develop our event, and therefore support the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ development project. In the past editions, the athletes’ feedbacks show how much appreciation these areas gather, and that they have a real opportunity to become attractive for active tourists from all over the World. We hope to significantly contribute to this goal“, explained Appenninica MTB Stage Race organizers Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi.
by Appenninica MTB | Jan 7, 2021 | r
The Italian MTB race to take place from September 12th to 18th over seven stages, 450 km and 16.000 mt of elevation gain. Porretta Terme will host the departure, while the final stage in Castelnovo ne’ Monti will be a tribute to Dante’s Divina Commedia. Fanano, Lizzano in Belvedere and Cerreto Laghi are the other stage venues.
The Emilian Apennines might be covered in white these days, but it will not take too long before bikers from all over the World are back to test themselves over some of the most charming routes in Europe. After the successful 2020 edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race‘s OC looks with confidence and enthusiasm to the 2021 edition, to take place in the final days of Summer, from September 12th to 18th, 2021.
A highly-demanding challenge over 450 kilometers and more than 16,000 meters in elevation gain will be tackled over seven stages, riding in the wild and unspoiled nature of the Emilian Natural Parks. With a unique landscape, the Apennine ridge will guarantee an immersion in the authentic Italian atmosphere and culture, enriched by the genuine hospitality of Emilia-Romagna.
In 2021, Appenninica will count on five different stage venues, located in three provinces: Bologna, Modena and Reggio Emilia. Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna) and Cerreto Laghi (Reggio Emilia) are the new entries among the confirmed venues of Porretta Terme (Bologna), Fanano (Modena) and Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia). The 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route will combine technical trails with scenic and smoother sections. The Appenninica course will also visit three different renowned Winter Sports resorts, now more and more committed towards the summer and outdoor sports offer: Corno alle Scale, Monte Cimone and Cerreto Laghi.
Photo by The Outdoor Lab
On Sunday, September 12th, Porretta Terme will host the first stage once again: an individual time trial, and also a tribute to the Porretta Soul Festival, one of the most renowned music events in the area. Also starting from Porretta, the second stage will offer a first taste of the real Apennines, passing by the Lake Scaffaiolo and climbing to the Corno alle Scale. Briefly trespassing into Tuscany, the stage will finish in Lizzano in Belvedere, the hometown of the late renowned Italian journalist and writer Enzo Biagi (1920-2007).
On Tuesday, September 14th, Lizzano will give the start to a brand-new third stage, ending in Fanano. The first part of the route will ride along the Gothic Line – the battlefield of the partisan liberation battles during World War II -, while the finale will take place on fast and fun trails inside the Cimone Bike Park.
The “Pippo Yeah!” stage, charted by famous trail builder Pippo Marani, will return after last year’s success on Wednesday, September 15th, starting and finishing in Fanano. On Thursday, September 16th, the Queen Stage will also start from the mountain town in the Province of Modena: following the 2020 Queen Stage route in the first section, the stage climbs up to the highest point of the race located on the Monte Cimone (1855 mt), on the way to reach the finish in Cerreto Laghi.
On Friday, September 17th, an entertaining stage, running entirely inside the Tuscan-Emilian National Park – awarded with the MaB Unesco for its extraordinary biodiversity -, will take the riders to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the last stage venue of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021. In fact, the race will be decided on Saturday, September 18th in the shadow of the iconic Bismantova Rock, the symbol of Appenninica. Named “Purgatory stage”, the last effort pays tribute to Italian poet Dante, and who – according to the legend – drew inspiration from the Bismantova Rock to create his purgatory, on the 700th anniversary of the Sommo Poeta’s passing. The loop course will pass through Fonti di Poiano, Gessi Triassici and the Grancontessa Matilde di Canossa’s territories.
Photo by The Outdoor Lab
“For the 2021 edition, we decided to stick with the same successful formula of last year, while seeking an even better balance between shorter, more technical stages and longer, faster ones. The evocative Appennine ridge will be a standout protagonist once again, and we will touch three ski resorts that are increasingly committed to mountain biking and summer tourism – something even more significant in times like these. We are happy to welcome the new stage locations of Lizzano in Belvedere and Cerreto Laghi, which will offer new beauties and scenarios to this great adventure” said the organizers Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi.
THE COURSE
Stage 1 – Porretta Soul – Sunday, September 12th: Porretta Terme – Porretta Terme
Stage 2 – Il Corno – Monday, September 13th: Porretta Terme – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Gold Rush – Tuesday, September 14th: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fanano
Stage 4 – Pippo Yeah – Wednesday, September 15th: Fanano – Fanano
Stage 5 – High Mountain Queen – Thursday, September 16th: Fanano – Cerreto Laghi
Stage 6 – Park & Roll – Friday, September 17th: Cerreto Laghi – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 7 – The Purgatory Saturday, September 18th: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
HOW TO REGISTER
As in 2020, the organizing committee chose to allow only individual participation without the pairs format. In the “Early Bird” phase, until January 31st, a maximum of 55 athletes can register at a reduced price. From this season the organizers also offer a payment plan in three installments. For further information: https://www.appenninica-mtb.com/en/register/
With Appenninica’s trails riding through regional and national parks, in order to avoid the course’s overcrowding and provide the best possible experience, the organizers opted to set a maximum number of 150 registered athletes.
