From 5 continents to the Apennines: Appenninica 2024 welcomes the world

Just days after the historic Grand Départ in Italy and the Tour de France’s arrival in Bologna, the 2024 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Italy’s most prestigious mountain bike stage race, was officially unveiled on Thursday, July 18 in the main city of the Emilia-Romagna region.

The very first stage of the Appenninica history was held on July 20, 2019, in Bologna, rising up the same Madonna di San Luca climb that will feature prominently again in the opener of the 2024 edition. This event will once again showcase the stunning landscapes and unique experiences of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines to the world. Participants from all five continents will ride, challenge themselves, and explore the beauty, flavors, and warm hospitality of these regions.

Officially unveiled in the Sala Tassinari of Palazzo D’Accursio in Bologna, the 2024 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race scheduled for September 2-7, will consist of six stages in a well-established format, guiding athletes from Bologna to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, at the foot of the iconic Bismantova Rock.

At the presentation of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Digital Innovation and Communication Councilor of the Municipality of Bologna, Massimo Bugani, hosted the event, together with the Delegate Councilor for Tourism of the Municipality of Bologna, with the coordination of the Metropolitan Tourist Destination, Mattia Santori, and the Chief Political Secretary of the Presidency of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Giammaria Manghi. Co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno also spoke, along with the Delegate of the CONI Emilia-Romagna Board, Cesare Mattei.

ATHLETES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE AND REGISTRATIONS NEARLY SOLD OUT

Over the years, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has solidified its reputation as one of the toughest and most regarded mountain bike stage races on the international scene, becoming a major draw for tourism in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. This is evidenced by the consistently high number of international participants who each year tackle the 400 km course with its 13,000 meters of elevation gain, organized by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB.

This year, over 130 athletes have already registered out of a maximum of 150 participants, representing all five continents. Twenty-three nations will be at the start, led by Italy (22), followed by the Netherlands (20) and Belgium (16), with strong contingents from Germany (9), Poland (7), and Sweden (6).

The strength of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race lies right in its ability to attract participants from across the globe, with athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Canada, the United States, Israel, and South Africa joining the race in Bologna on September 2.

Thanks to its technical and challenging format, combined with the warm hospitality of Emilia-Romagna, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race wins the hearts of its participants, many of whom return for subsequent editions or extend their stays in the regions touched by the race.

Additionally, the partnership between the organizers and #InEmiliaRomagna, the brand of the Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board, has successfully promoted the heart of the Apennines over the years, encouraging sports tourism both locally and internationally. This long-term project aims to establish a true territorial brand for the Apennines.

THE ROUTE

Following feedback from the many athletes who have participated in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race over the years, the organizers of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB have reduced the total elevation gain to 400 km and 13,000 meters of total elevation gain.

In addition to hosting the start of the mountain bike stage race as in 2019, Bologna will welcome all participants from Sunday, September 1. In the heart of the city, in Sala Borsa, all preliminary athlete accreditation operations will take place, with interviews with the main protagonists of the race and a presentation of the stages awaiting the athletes over the next six days.

From Bologna to Loiano on Monday, September 2, most of the stage will follow the Via degli Dei. A stage of 43 km and 1,500 meters of elevation gain provides a perfect taste of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

Starting from the second stage on Tuesday, September 3, the race will climb into the true Apennine ridge from Loiano to Lizzano in Belvedere, arriving in the village of Vidiciatico. Covering 73 km and 2,350 meters of elevation gain, following the Gothic Line, the scene of resistance during World War II.

On Wednesday, September 4, the Monte Cimone area will be the main feature, starting in Lizzano in Belvedere at the foot of Corno alle Scale and reaching Fiumalbo. Covering 59 km and 2,600 meters of elevation gain, this stage will be a crucial turning point for the general classification, crossing some of the most iconic trails of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

The following day brings the fast and technical loop around Fiumalbo, with a crossing into Tuscany in the Abetone area. Covering 55 km and 1,950 meters of elevation gain, this stage will offer pure fun ahead of the Queen Stage.

On Friday, September 6, the Mountain Queen Stage from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti promises to be the decisive test for the general classification. With its 87 km and 2,850 meters of total elevation gain, the Queen Stage on the penultimate day is likely to create significant gaps or lead to possible final turnarounds.

On Saturday, September 7, the race will conclude beautifully in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock with a 56 km loop and 1,650 meters of elevation gain within the Monte Ventasso area.

The 2024 route remains tough and demanding for all athletes, with long and challenging climbs, technical sections where excellent riding skills will be crucial, and postcard landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

THE SIX STAGES

Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 43 km and 1550 m elevation gain

Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano

Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 73 km and 2350 m elevation gain

Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere

Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 59 km and 2600 m elevation gain

Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo

Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 55 km and 1950 m elevation gain

Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 87 km and 2850 m elevation gain

Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1650 m elevation gain

Saturday, September 7: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

THE JERSEYS

The leader jerseys of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race are once again designed by Natali Sports Wear, continuing a six-year partnership. The blue jersey will be worn by the overall men’s leader, while the pink jersey will go to the top woman. Additionally, three other jerseys are awarded to category leaders: green for the Masters, orange for the Grand Masters, and purple for the Great Grand Masters

QUOTES

Giammaria Manghi, Chief of Political Secretariat of the Presidency of the Emilia-Romagna Region: “Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a competition that promotes the territory of the Apennines in Emilia-Romagna, highlighting its identity and beauty while offering participants the opportunity to experience unique adventures. Events like these are an integral part of the strategy implemented by the Region to promote the Apennines, aiming to contribute to the revival of a territory with great potential.”

Massimo Bugani, Councillor for Digital Innovation of the Municipality of Bologna: “We are proud and pleased to host Appenninica MTB Stage Race, an extraordinary and important event. Right after the Tour de France, Appenninica is the icing on the cake to showcase the beauty of our hills and Apennines, with our city and the San Luca portico once again taking center stage.”

Mattia Santori, Delegate Councilor for Tourism of the Municipality of Bologna, with the coordination of the Metropolitan Tourist Destination: “After hosting the Tour de France, Bologna will also be home to the start of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, another international event that highlights the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. From the city to the mountains, this event promotes outdoor mountain bike tourism, allowing athletes and enthusiasts to discover and enjoy the beauty of our territory.”

Cesare Mattei, Delegate of the CONI Emilia-Romagna Board: “The figures related to cycling sports are continually growing, and the MTB discipline allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the scenic beauty. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race not only enriches the region’s sporting initiatives but also promotes the territory, showcasing our beautiful Apennines and ensuring significant economic benefits.”

Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race:

“The start from Bologna, two months after the historic Grand Départ of the Tour de France, is a great source of pride for us, propelling the Appenninica MTB Stage Race to new heights. This year, our international focus is confirmed with athletes from all over the world, motivated to experience a challenging but fascinating and authentic journey through the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.”

Loiano to Crown the First Leader of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2024

The start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2024 (September 2-7) will be in the name of “La Via degli Dei.” The inaugural stage of the Italian MTB stage race, scheduled for Monday, September 2, will take athletes from Bologna to Loiano, through the famous trails of one of the most popular slow tourism routes in Italy.

After the preliminary operations on Sunday, September 1st, Bologna will kick off the Appenninica MTB Stage Race the next day with the climb of San Luca, just over two months after the historical Tour de France stage finish on Sunday, June 30th.

The start of the first stage is placed exactly under the Arco del Meloncello, as the riders will immediately tackle the 2 km and 200 meters of elevation gain of the iconic climb that was crossed by the World’s top road riders only a few days ago. Upon reaching the summit, riders will enter the Via degli Dei route, the historic path that connects Bologna to Florence, designed along the ancient traces of the Flaminia Militare way.

About halfway along the route, there will be a small diversion from the traditional path to climb Monte Mario before returning to the Via degli Dei and following it almost to Monzuno. From there, riders will tackle the final descent towards the Savena River valley, with the last 5 kilometers climbing forest roads for nearly 400 meters of elevation gain, which will determine the first winner and the first leader’s jersey of Appenninica 2024.

The 42 km and 1550 meters of elevation gain of the first stage will be the perfect introduction for the protagonists of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Furthermore, the route designed almost entirely along the Via degli Dei will be a further international showcase for this area devoted to outdoor tourism.

“Appenninica MTB Stage Race is an excellent opportunity for our region to showcase our beautiful trails and paths. From September 2nd to 7th, 150 athletes, men and women, will ride along the Apennine ridge between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. The Municipality of Loiano, the finish of stage 1, looks forward to collaborating with the organizers to make the best of this opportunity while enhancing and protecting our environment,” said the Mayor of Loiano, Roberto Serafini.

LOIANO: BETWEEN MOUNTAIN BIKING AND TREKKING

Located along the Strada della Futa, 35 km from Bologna, Loiano is a town in the Bolognese Apennines making its debut this year as stage town for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The municipality of Loiano is home to the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Bologna, where studies of the celestial vault are carried out using high-quality technology.

Loiano is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to the trails of Bologna Montana Bike Area and the ArtTrail of Bologna Montana, which connects the town to Monghidoro, Monzuno, and San Benedetto in Val di Sandro.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is still open in the “Late Registration” window, until July 31, 2024. As in the last five editions, organizers have confirmed the individual formula and a limited number of 150 participants: a choice aimed at avoiding overcrowding on the trails and ensuring high-quality support during the race for all participants.

Rider’s Bulletin n.1/2024

This is the first rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. The bulletins will answer most questions about the race and logistics, including transfers. Please wait for the bulletins and email us only if you have an unusual situation to discuss. 

 

Basics and Updates:

  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • The riders’ bulletins will be saved on the website so you won’t have to dig them out of your inbox. Make sure you read them all.
  • What is included in your race entry is listed under What you get.  
  • Extra packages such as hotels are listed on the website and you’ll be able to book them from your ENDU account. 
  • If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages; click here.

 

Reminders and To Do:

  • Spread the word. Do you know of anyone that could join you? Have them register soon because we have only a few spots left (after that we will open a waiting list). Also, follow our social media channels and use #AppenninicaMTB and #Appenninicafamily on your posts. Thank you!
  • Rules. The race rules are published here (you can also download a pdf with the latest and approved race rules). Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions. 

 

Pre-race hotel options 

The first stage of Appenninica 2024 is on Monday, September 2nd, starting in Bologna and following in the footsteps of the 2024 Italian Grand Départ of the Tour de France! The partner hotel is The Social Hub Bologna

 

We have secured more rooms in Bologna for Sunday the 1st including single/private rooms, which were sold out. 

 

You can book the following:

  • Shared room for two (twin beds or one double bed; specify); contact us to indicate your roommates (Euro 205)
  • Private room for one rider (Euro 145)

 The cost includes all taxes and fees, breakfast, and a fixed menu dinner (drinks are not included). 

 

Arriving even earlier? 

Some of you have also requested to book the night of August 31st (or even the 30th). Contact us if you need those nights as well. 

The Appenninici – Lillo Lenzi, in love with the Apennines

Who said that at 70, you’re too old to take part in a six-day stage race with over 14,000 meters of elevation gain? Lillo Lenzi is the demonstration that limits are just relative, even in a technically and physically challenging sport like mountain biking.

At 70, Lillo was the oldest rider at the start of Appenninica 2024. Since it was the last opportunity for him, as 70 is the age limit for participation to the event, Lillo Lenzi made the most of it, thoroughly enjoying the experience on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna’s Apennines that he knows like the back of his hand.

“For my 70th birthday, I gifted myself Appenninica, thinking ‘now or never’,” Lillo Lenzi says. “It’s an experience that is impossible to explain, because they offer exceptional service, taking care of every aspect and leaving you only the pleasure of riding and enjoying the landscape.”

Lillo knows the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ landscapes very well. He hails from Gaggio Montano, in the province of Bologna, and has ridden up and down the ridges many times. Yet, despite knowing the trails and routes, he keeps being impressed by all their beauty.

“I’ve always enjoyed biking, discovering new paths, even randomly,” Lillo told. “In 70 years of life, I’ve ridden a lot in these mountains, but every day you discover that something has changed. When we were on the ridge, sometimes it was cloudy, and then suddenly the sky cleared up and the mountains started shining with colors. You’re there in that moment, and you see one thing; you go the next day and see another: the Emilia-Romagna’s Apennines are amazing.”

Lillo enjoyed such wonder with the 150 participants of the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, most of whom coming from outside of Italy.

“I challenge any of the 150 participants of the Appenninica to say they haven’t seen anything throughout the day that has left them speechless. All this happens in a race, not during a ride among friends, but it’s impossible not to stop and look at the beauty around you,” explains Lillo.

Among the adventures of his 70 years of life, Lenzi features winning a MTB stage race in Libya, a success that made him famous throughout the Bolognese Apennines and beyond. Though he has travelled the World, for Lillo Lenzi nothing can beat his home trails.

“Compared to the Alps, which are also great and beautiful, the Apennines are more familiar and cozier. Riding in the Apennines is different than doing it anywhere else.”

After riding here for 70 years, we’d better believe him.

The Appenninici – From rugby to mountain biking: the unique journey of Sophie Halhead

All athletes, whatever sport they practice, dreams of reaching the pinnacle of their discipline. Savouring success is the ultimate fulfilment for those who dedicate hours and hours of training, effort, and sacrifice to rise to the top of the world. After retirement, many athletes feel the urge to continue experiencing that adrenaline, possibly by taking on the challenge of a new discipline.

That’s what happened to Sophie Halhead, an athlete competing in the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race. On August 17, 2014, the Englishwoman climbed to the highest point of her sport, becoming World Rugby Champion with her national team. After 71 caps representing her Country, she decided to retire from professional rugby. From there, a new adventure began, where the oval ball gave way to a mountain bike.

I represented my Country 71 times, the last against Canada in the 2014 World Championship final. It was an indelible chapter of my life because I had the privilege of playing in two World Championship finals, experiencing the taste of defeat against New Zealand and the apotheosis of victory in 2014. After retiring from rugby, I chose mountain biking to share a sport with my husband. I started by joining him in training until I participated in a race: it’s a stimulus to stay fit and experience different adventures.”, recalls Sophie Halhead.

The 2023 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race was not Sophie Halhead’s first time, as she had already participated in the event’s first edition in 2019. Five years later, the stage race organised by A.S.D Happy Trail MTB had changed much, but the 43-year-old Englishwoman couldn’t wait to return.

I participated for the first time in 2019 and would have come in 2020 if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. It’s an event I wanted to come back to, and I’m delighted to have done so to meet new people and see old friends again. I love Italy because it has so many things to love: the landscape, the views, the ice cream, the pizza, and its people. At Appenninica, the organisers are fantastic, always smiling; it would be worth participating just for the chats with others. It’s an incredible race!” says Sophie.

Returning after five years allowed Sophie Halhead to see a grown reality and appreciate this evolution.

“In 2019 I think there were 40-45 athletes, but I immediately understood it was a special event. Since then, it has weathered the pandemic period and grown while maintaining a limit of 150 participants, keeping its charm and identity. The fact that we all dine together during the awards, the fantastic videos and photos of the course, it’s all special”, says Sophie.

Thanks to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Sophie Halhead has strengthened her bond with Italy and the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, to which she is also emotionally connected.

My husband’s parents lived in Emilia-Romagna, so when I discovered the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, I immediately thought it would be a great opportunity to participate. I knew the area was beautiful and the trails were fantastic, and then seeing the teaser video got me even more excited, so we signed up. Emilia-Romagna is an incredible region, and I don’t think many people fully realise how beautiful it is to mountain bike here“, says Sophie Halhead.