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.”

There are events that race through a region — and then there are events that belong to it. Appenninica MTB Stage Race has never been just about trails and profiles. It’s about terrain and identity. From the first edition, it has been deeply rooted in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines — and every year, that bond grows stronger.

More than a race, it’s become a ritual. A gathering where competition and connection go hand in hand. The “Appenninica Family” isn’t just a phrase — it’s what keeps riders, staff, and locals coming back.

Tomorrow, from the slopes of Corno alle Scale in Lizzano in Belvedere, 117 athletes will embark on a five-stage journey: 315 kilometers, 12,000 meters of elevation, and one goal — to conquer one of Europe’s most authentic and demanding mountain bike stage races.

On Friday June 27th, beneath the cliffs of Pietra di Bismantova, we’ll know the names of the 2025 winners across all categories: Men Elite, Women Elite, Master, Grand Master, and Great Grand Master.

Among the starters are curious newcomers discovering these mountains for the first time — and returning faces who’ve seen the race evolve year after year. Some are back for their second or third attempt. Others, their fifth. They know the names. They know the stories. And above all, they know what Appenninica means.

This year, they’ll face a twist. For the first time, the event runs in late June — a deliberate move by ASD Happy Trail MTB. The change in calendar adds a layer of unpredictability: late-spring form, heat management, and trail conditions could all play a crucial role in deciding the outcome.

BECKING VS ARIAS, BUT THE PACK IS DEEP

If you’ve already won Appenninica, you don’t sneak under the radar. If you’ve won it three times — as Hans Becking has in 2020, 2023, and 2024 — you carry a target on your back. But the Dutchman thrives under pressure and knows these trails like few others.

Standing in his way is 2022 winner Diego Arias. A pure climber with serious pedigree, Arias lines up with strong team support from Massimo Rosa and Andrea Candeago — and with a clear objective: to take back the crown.

The front row might be familiar, but there’s danger all around. Federico Mandelli showed his potential with a stage win last year and returns with more confidence. Bad Team’s young duo Davide Magnani and Peter Menghetti are here to disrupt the status quo, as are the Rolling Bike Team’s Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica. Local hope Lorenzo Dallarosta, born in 2001, will be racing on home soil and could be one to watch.

Missing from the action is Luca Cacchi, one of 2024’s big names, forced to withdraw last-minute after a knee injury at Dolomiti Hero.

The Master category also promises fireworks. Two-time defending champion Juul Van Loon is chasing a rare triple, but legends like Karl Platt — six-time Cape Epic winner — and former road pro Oscar Pujol are here to make sure it doesn’t come easy.

WOMEN’S RACE WIDE OPEN — AND FULL OF VARIABLES

With no reigning champion on the start list, the women’s race is up for grabs. Lola Bakker, third last year, returns with unfinished business, though her season has been complicated by injuries. American Syd Schulz, Dutch road convert Linda Van Vliet, and the ever-consistent Elena Novikova are among those with podium potential. What’s certain is that no single name dominates the start sheet — and that sets the stage for one of the most unpredictable editions yet.

VIDICIATICO WELCOMES THE RIDERS

The first chapter of Appenninica 2025 unfolded today in Vidiciatico, where riders gathered for accreditation and the official presentation. Local authorities — including Lizzano in Belvedere’s Mayor Barbara Franchi and Corno alle Scale Park President Tiberio Rabboni — welcomed the field under the warm Apennine sun, with President of the Emilia-Romagna’s Italian Olympic Commitee Andrea Dondi. 

Andrea Dondi (President of Emilia-Romagna’s Italian Olympic Committee):  “Appenninica is a remarkable showcase for our region. Tourism, fine food, and sport make the perfect blend, and Emilia-Romagna’s sporting community proudly supports this race, wishing all the athletes the very best.”

Barbara Franchi (Mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere):  “We are thrilled to welcome the Appenninica MTB Stage Race back to our town, and I wish all the athletes an unforgettable week in our beautiful territory.”

Tiberio Rabboni (President of the Corno alle Scale Regional Park): “Cycling is a sport that aligns with the values of biodiversity and environmental respect. We are pleased to host such an internationally recognized event in our Park and hope all athletes will discover, appreciate, and fall in love with our land.”

Now, the countdown is over. The adventure begins. Five stages. Big climbs. Tight margins. Real mountain biking.