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.

Since its inception, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has often crossed paths with the Giro d’Italia. From Bologna’s San Luca climb in 2019 to the peaks of the Modena Apennines, and now Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

On Wednesday, May 21, the town will host the finish of Stage 11 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, the Viareggio–Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Just one month later, the town will also set the stage for the grand finale of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The challenging MTB stage race across the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna returns to the Province of Reggio Emilia for its final two stages, on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, where the 2025 champion will be crowned.

This marks a memorable end of spring and start of summer for Castelnovo ne’ Monti, reinforcing the town’s growing reputation as a sporting hub in Emilia-Romagna. Among the many events hosted here, Appenninica MTB Stage Race holds a special place, as Castelnovo is the only venue featured in every edition of the event to date.

Thursday, June 26 brings the toughest test of the week – the High Mountain Queen Stage. Spanning 89 km with 3,100 metres of elevation gain, it’s the ultimate challenge for athletes and a must-see for fans.

Starting from Riolunato, the stage immediately climbs to the Apennine ridges and high-altitude forests. The initial ascent, partially paved and partially forest road, is moderate until Monte Saltello. From there, relentless climbs and technical descents stretch to km 45, wearing down even the strongest riders.

The course then plunges into highly technical trails leading to Ligonchio, demanding focus and top-tier handling skills. In the final kilometres, riders cross the Secchia River before climbing toward the Bismantova Rock and tackling one last tricky descent into Castelnovo ne’ Monti’s town centre.

Friday, June 27 will feature the closing stage: a 58 km loop with 1,850 metres of elevation, starting and finishing in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. A mountainous finale that could shake up the general classification and decide the winner of the 2025 edition – all under the gaze of the Bismantova Rock, exactly one month after the Giro d’Italia’s Maglia Rosa passed through.

“The Appenninica MTB Race once again confirms Castelnovo Monti as a true home for sport – and showcases how sport can elevate our landscapes and natural environment, from the Bismantova Rock to the mountain ridges,” said Emanuele Ferrari, Mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti.
“This long-standing partnership highlights how sport fosters connections and promotes our territory with a positive, sustainable image. The race brings a piece of the world here, and even if it’s just for a short time, many carry these memories with them and spread the word when they return home – which is the best promotion we could ask for.”

In Castelnovo ne’ Monti, cycling is more than a sport – it’s a way to share the territory’s soul. Between the Giro d’Italia and Appenninica MTB Stage Race, 2025 promises a summer packed with unforgettable rides.