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.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 21, 2021 | r
The MTB stage race scheduled from September 12th to 18th, 2021, has started a partnership with the French leading brand, choosing the Apennines as a playground for the new X-Track pedal dedicated to the world of mountain bike
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the MTB stage race on the Italian Apennines in Emilia Romagna, whose third edition will take place from September 12th to 18th, 2021, is proud to announce a new partnership with French bicycle and accessories brand Look, the world pioneer of clipless pedals.
A leading player at the top level of professional cycling – both on and off-road – the partnership with Appenninica underlines the brands’ recent growth in the mountain bike world. Look is partner to mountain bike racing teams including Team Santa Cruz-FSA and Team KTM Alchemist powered by Brenta Brakes, and supports top-class athletes like French star Loana Lecomte.
“We are pleased to have reached a partnership with one of the most innovative brands in cycling. For Appenninica, being part of Look’s strategy means we are heading in the right direction. We will enact a shared communication plan, and Look will feature on field at the event with the athletes and the public,” said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s co-organizers.
At the official start of Porretta Terme and in the final stage in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Look will be present with its official stand, offering the opportunity to discover its latest innovations, such as the innovative X-Track pedal, Look’s top-performance model for mountain biking. X-Track provides a wider surface to bikers, allowing them to push more effectively and guaranteeing excellent reliability even in the most extreme racing conditions, just like those faced at Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
“This partnership is another step in the world of mountain biking, to show our passion and commitment to the off-road segment and make our product known to the most exigent bikers. Whatever the discipline, Look can deliver the best performance pedals for any racing condition”, said Alberto Fumagalli, Look Italia’s marketing and communication manager.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 15, 2021 | Founders Blog
MTB stage races used to suit few athletes, their settings were wild and usually remote, and the organizers often relied on the adventurousness of the participants and on their own luck. Over the time, mountain bike competitions on long distances and over many days have been evolving, with few exceptions of some hard-core races.
The long established races can be counted on the fingers of one hand: Transalp, TransRockies, Iron Bike and the most recent one but also undisputed queen Cape Epic. Over the last 10 years a bunch of new races have born, some of them shorter and faster. Besides distance and number of stages, no-one has yet figured out one of the organizers’ most challenging dilemma: two people team or SOLO.
Tiago Ferreira and Hans Backing of DMT Marconi (second and first in 2020)
The team formula adopted in the first races was based on safety reasons. In case of any issue or accident one of the team mates would be able to take care of first aid or call the rescue team. Again, and I witnessed it, some races take place in remote and wild environment, incredibly stunning but difficult to access in case of accident. Thus the team would give the best guarantee of safety. Not to mention the wonderful chance to share a magnificent experience with the right mate. At the opposite pole, a non close-knit team turns the race into a nightmare one can’t wait to cut short.
From a rider:
I love that Appenninica is raced as individuals rather than teams of two+. This way I am responsible for my fitness and ability rather than waiting for, or holding-back another rider.
GPS technology gave us trackers that allow the organizers and the supporters to follow an athlete on the tracks but most importantly to call for help and rescue just pushing the SOS button.
The calendar is actually offering races with team formula and SOLO formula. Which one is better?
We like the team formula a lot but it comes with some problems for the participants who need to find the soul team mate with the same athletic ability, same availability of time for training and for the race week, same budget. It’s a stressful and complicated jig-saw. Long term and tight-knit teams are lucky.
The SOLO formula is smoother. You decide, enroll, only your ability counts and you decide your own tactic. As Gordon Wadworth puts it “The solo effort is tremendously pure”.
The GPS tracker, when provided by the organizers – Appenninica is among them – grants your safety. Last but not least, nothing forbids two friends to stay close and ride together.
What about the Elite Team?
The Elite teams base their decisions not on the format but on UCI points, prize-pool, etc. They aim to win and get on the podium and thus I think they will organize themselves with captains and wingmen ready to help in case they have problems.
by Appenninica MTB | Jun 25, 2021 | Highlights
Appenninica MTB Stage Race backs the new project of the Unione Montana dell’Appennino Reggiano to promote the use of the bike through the Italian mountain region
37 tracks, 15 high-mountain trails, and 785 km of forest roads and paths: these are the figures of Appennino Reggiano Bike, the project launched by the Unione Montana dell’Appennino Reggiano to promote the use of the bike through the Italian mountain area. Officially presented in June 2021, the initiative benefits from the contribution and consultancy of A.S.D. Happy Trail, the organizers of Appenninnica MTB Stage Race whose 3rd edition will take place from September 12th to 18th, 2021.
The goal is to create an organic and structured tourist offer, of which Appenninica MTB Stage Race looks destined to be one of the main showcases, thanks to its visibility and communication at the international level. With the support of many professionals, local associations, technicians, Apennines’ tourism boards and enthusiasts, the project has started with an off-road focus, but there are plans to expand it in the coming months.
Over the last few months, 37 routes have been mapped out in the municipalities of Carpineti, Casina, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Ventasso, Vetto, Villa Minozzo and Toano, already known by the Apenninnica’s bikers and which will also be crossed by the 2021 edition of the MTB stage race. The 785 km of the forest road and trails are divided into six areas of tourist interest: Monte Cusna and Alto Crinale, Vette Laghi and Sorgenti, Guadi and Mulini between Enza and Tassobbio, Bismantova and Gessi Triassici, Matilde di Canossa Land and Monte Duro.
In addition to the routes, all the information on bikers’ services can be found on the www.appenninoreggianobike.it website: bike rentals, accommodation facilities, guides and tour leaders and e-bike charging stations. An already wide range of services aims to expand further in the coming months to make the tourist experience even more unique, and help visitors to fall in love with the beautiful landscapes of the Emilian Apennines.
by Appenninica MTB | May 27, 2021 | r
After claiming the 24-hour indoor world record in 2017, the Ukrainian ultracyclist will take part in the third edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th: “Can’t wait to fall in love with this race”
The Outdoor Lab
Elena Novikova has achieved many records in her career, but her desire for new challenge does not seem to vanish. From September 12th to 18th, 2021, Appenninica MTB Stage Race will offer the perfect terrain to test herself along the 420km and 16,000 km of elevation gain from Porretta Terme to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. After her recent success at the 2021 Race Across Italy, the Ukrainian ultracyclist looks to Appeninica as an experience to enjoy the race atmosphere, surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
“I have always raced in long-distance road and mountain bike events, facing plenty of challenging competitions. I heard about Appenninica MTB Stage Race from my friends and have been willing to participate since. I’m always looking for races where I can fall in love with the routes, the race atmosphere, and find new friends. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have wonderful landscapes. I can’t wait to take part in this adventure”, Elena Novikova said.
In 2016, the Ukrainian ultracyclist showed her skills in this type of competition, winning the Iron Bike. However, her most important achievement is the 24-hour Indoor World Record, marked in 2017: 781,64 km.
“Appenninica MTB Stage Race should be harder than Iron Bike, especially based on my own skills. I’m usually good in the portage sections, but at Appenninica, you have to ride above all. My experience in ultracycling could certainly help me because I know how to manage the energies and to use different positions on the bike, which is useful when you feel some muscle discomfort”, analysed the 37-year-old athlete.
After Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Elena Novikova will go for two major goals of her season: the 24-hourWorld Time Trials Championships in Borrego Springs and the World 24-hour Solo Mountain Bike Championships. “For me, every race is important, and I always do my best, but Appenninica is something new for me, and I want to be surprised by the experience, without being obsessed by the result. I don’t fear altitude and the efforts because I know how to face my limits. I hope to do my best at Appenninica”, explains Elena Novikova.
