Who will be crowned the new queen of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race? In 2024, Swiss rider Nina Brenn ruled the Elite Women’s field. This year, from June 23 to 27, the race through the rugged terrain of Emilia-Romagna promises one of the most open and unpredictable editions yet.

The rider tipped as the early favourite is Dutch talent Lola Bakker. After finishing third last year, the KMC Mountainbike Team rider returns for her third Appenninica, having recently secured second place at the Bike Marathon in Willingen, Germany, behind Belgian champion Julia Grégoire.

Among the Netherlands’ field, keep an eye on Linda Van Vliet — a former professional road cyclist who placed fourth at the 2021 4 Islands MTB — as well as the Loomans sisters, Janneke and Jeltje, who round out the “orange” presence.

Ukraine’s Elena Novikova, who narrowly missed the podium in 2022 and has extensive experience in endurance MTB, could spring a surprise. So too could Syd Schulz – well known from the US-based YouTube channel Syd and Macky – who impressed with a runner-up finish at the Volcanic Epic in New Zealand earlier this year.

From South America, Argentina’s Betiana Iglesias Canay returns after her 2023 appearance, while all eyes will be on Uruguayan Syomara Facchin, who has shown strong domestic form, and Peru’s Gina Torres, eager to make her mark.

Also returning is Germany’s Regina Marunde, a veteran of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, who will find a familiar face in Miguel Martinez, another Olympian racing this year’s edition.

Adding to the international flair are Spain’s Gemma Rossell – a 2024 finisher of the grueling Titan Desert in Morocco – and fellow Spaniard Maria Lopez de Arméntia, both of whom boast a strong social media following and are set to inspire on and off the bike.

It will be a contest of legs, tactics, and courage – with the crown of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025 up for grabs.

Once you experience the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, you simply can’t stay away. Many athletes have fallen in love with this stage race through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, making it a fixed appointment on their racing calendar year after year.

This feeling extends beyond amateurs to include elite professionals like Hans Becking. The Dutchman has competed in three editions (2020, 2023, and 2024), emerging victorious each time. For the 2025 edition, scheduled for June 23-27, Becking will once again start as the favorite in Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna), hunting for his fourth consecutive title.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become like family to Becking – an annual reunion with friends that creates unforgettable memories. The staff, excellent food, and stunning landscapes of Emilia-Romagna create a complete experience for all athletes, who enjoy a challenging yet emotionally rewarding adventure.

“Returning to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race feels like coming home – it would be strange to imagine my racing calendar without this event. It’s always wonderful to reconnect with people I’ve known for many years. Everywhere you look at Appenninica, you find smiling faces, good vibes, and positive energy. There’s a truly unique family atmosphere in the racing scene – and the food is another major highlight!“, explains Hans Becking.

On his path toward a possible fourth victory at Appenninica, the Buff-Megamo Team rider will face Colombian Diego Arias, who returns after his 2022 victory. The battle between them promises to be thrilling and hard-fought, right down to the final pedal stroke.

“Diego Arias is an incredible athlete. He’s not only extremely strong, but also an extraordinary person – it’s always electrifying to race against him. He’s stronger than me on the climbs, so I’ll need to find a way to drop him. I think it’s going to be a great race. I can’t wait. Anything can happen over five days,” states Becking.

Becking’s course knowledge from three previous participations gives him a distinct advantage.

“Knowing the area and the routes well will definitely be an advantage for me – I already know what to expect, both on the descents and climbs,” analyses Hans Becking.

The race hasn’t started yet, but the hype for this epic duel is already at fever pitch.