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.
by Appenninica MTB | Oct 30, 2020 | Highlights, Press Releases (2021)
After the excellent outcome of this year, the event will remain in September. Registrations will open on November 15th
Photo by Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
Less than a month removed from a beautiful 2020 edition, the organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race are already working for 2021, and there is already the first significant news.
After pushing the 2020 edition from Summer to Fall because of the epidemiological emergency, the excellent feedback received from athletes and insiders convinced the organizers to confirm September as the month of the challenging stage race in the Emilian Apennines.
Appenninica’s third edition will take place from Sunday 12th to Saturday, September 18th, 2021, over seven days of competition. The September fixture should ensure the ideal climate for the competition, away from the peaks of summer heat and the early autumn cold.
Mid-September is also perfect for seizing the views of the Apennines and enjoying the real MTB on its unique ridges: “After this year’s success, despite all the hurdles, – explains Beppe Salerno, co-organizer of the race together with Milena Bettocchi, – we decided to confirm our calendar slot in September, two weeks earlier than this year. We expect to find slightly warmer temperatures and an even more eager welcoming since our venues’ summer season will still be open. Also, the international calendar offers us an interesting opportunity, as we aim to bring a group of top riders on the Apennines next year too”.
HOW TO REGISTER
As in 2020, the organizing committee chose to allow only individual participation without the pairs format, following an increasing trend worldwide.
It will be possible to register for 2021 Appenninica from November 15th, when the “Early Bird” phase will open: until January 31st, a maximum of 55 athletes can register for a reduced price.
With Appenninica’s trails riding through regional and national parks, in order not to overcrowd the course and ensure the utter level of enjoyment, the organizers opted to set a maximum number of 150 registered athletes.
by Appenninica MTB | Oct 3, 2020 | Press Releases (2020)
A loop course around the Giarola Court brought Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race to an end. Hans Becking won the Men’s event ahead of teammate Tiago Ferreira and Lorenzo Samparisi in third, with Dutchman Rob Van der Werf claiming the final stage ahead of Joseph De Poortere. Esther Süss completed her perfect week in the Women’s race
He tamed the Emilian Apennine’s trickiest trails, ruled over the ridges, and even cruised in the heavy mud. On Saturday, October 3rd, Hans Becking conquered the second edition of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race, at the end of a week in which he proved the clear strongest among participants from all over Europe. The DMT Racing Team Dutchman saw off his fellow teammate, XCM European Champion Tiago Ferreira, and Lorenzo Samparisi (KTM Alchemist Dama).
Becking also claimed three stages in this Appenninica’s edition, in Porretta Terme, in Castelnovo ne’ Monti’s Queen Stage, and in Collecchio, leaving his closest rival over 20 minutes behind. “I am proud to add this race to my list of achievements,” Becking said. “I had so much fun. I found courses for real bikers, beautiful and technical. And what about the sights? Amazing. It was my first time in the Apennines; it won’t be the last.”
The 34-year-old Dutchman also seized the familiar atmosphere at Appenninica. “Big credit goes to the event’s staff, as people don’t realize how much effort there is behind such an event. I was able to realize it in full this week, and I wish to thank all the people of the staff.”
His teammate Ferreira echoed his feelings: after taking part in the biggest stage races in the World, he discovered the Apennine as a new frontier, a territory born for mountain biking: “It was real mountain biking every day here at Appenninica. We had no chance to get bored for a minute. It was a good experience, both the race and the typical Italian atmosphere that has welcomed us.” The Portuguese will now turn his attention to the XCM World Championships in Turkey in late October.
Samparisi stepped on the lowest step of the podium, after battling with the DMT Racing Team duo throughout the week: “I am very satisfied. I won a stage and was in contention in every other one. To be on this podium along with champions like Becking and Ferreira makes me proud.”
The final stage, a fast 32 km course inside the Carrega Woods, Collecchio, was won by Rob Van der Werf (Twe Het Snelle Viat). The Dutchman edged Frenchman Joseph De Poortere (Rockrider Decathlon) with Ferreira and Becking, in third and fourth place, respectively.
“There was no better way to clinch this experience – Van der Werf said -. I did not expect to win, but a short and fast course like this was perfectly suited for my characteristics. I will return home knowing to have discovered a new MTB heaven. I will be back here, for sure.”
ESTHER SÜSS MAKES THE EN-PLEIN
Esther Süss could hardly ask for more to this Appenninica: seven stage wins in seven stages. Even on a short and fast course like the one in the Carrega Woods, while preferring longer and more intense stages, the former XCM World Champion managed to beat all her rivals.
“I am happy to have won this final stage, the least suited to my characteristics,” the Swiss said. “I beat many younger athletes, which means my condition is very good. What did I like about the race? Everything! The trails, the sights, but also the human touch of the organizational team. I hope to be back soon.”
Italian Gaia Ravaioli (KTM Alchemist Dama) closed in second place, surrendering only to the strongest of rivals. “It was my first time in a stage race, and I learned a lot. I hope more and more participants can come to this race, also to reward the effort of these brave organizers that gave us a chance to race, even in this challenging year.”
THE HEART OF APPENNINICA
The second time of Appenninica came to a close in the Giarola Court, in Collecchio, with the awarding ceremonies and the final dinner with the World-famous tastes of Emilia-Romagna, starting with Parmigiano Reggiano.
Crowning the 2020 Appenninica winners were the Mountain Assessor of Emilia Romagna, Barbara Lori, the Parco dei Ducati President Agostino Maggiali, the majors of three hosting towns – Maristella Galli for Collecchio, Enrico Bini for Castelnovo ne’ Monti and Stefano Muzzarelli for Fanano, and the President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium Nicola Bertinelli.
Only six months ago, organizing a sports event like Appenninica seemed impossible. The organizing Committee led by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno opted to hold on and move the event from Summer to Fall: a daring choice, but one that definitely paid off.
“In a year like this, organizing the event was a major feat in itself – the organizers explained. “We have had plenty of great feedback, and that makes us proud. Appenninica’s mission is to share our passion for MTB and promote our territory, the Emilia’s Appennine, still unknown and unexplored by most bikers. We believe that our mountains have won the heart of all our participants, giving us confidence for the future and making us more ambitious for the future. We wish to thank the whole Appenninica staff, whose huge effort over long months helped us to achieve this remarkable goal.”
