Third time’s the charm: Hans Becking returns to Appenninica for the hat trick

by | Mar 12, 2024 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2024)

In the few years of history of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, several riders have reported a similar experience: they first came to the Apennines out of curiosity, for the challenge, to discover something new, and eventually could not do without it anymore. And even the first Elite Men’s rider to claim two editions in the history of Italy’s most important MTB stage race makes no exception.

The first official contender for success in the 2024 edition, from September 2 to 7, boasts a well-known name: it’s reigning champion Hans Becking. The Dutchman of BUFF-Megamo is currently preparing for his adventure at the Cape Epic, where he will compete with Wout Alleman, but has the third crown at Appenninica among his top goals for the season. Before winning in 2023, Becking had claimed his first win in 2020, both times seeing off former Marathon MTB World Champion Tiago Ferreira in second place.

“I am happy to announce that I will be at the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. It’s a race that’s close to my heart and where you breathe a very familir atmosphere”, said the 37-year-old Dutchman.

The BUFF-Megamo rider has just finished second in the Andalucia Bike Race paired with European Champion Wout Alleman. It’s not by chance that Becking is considered one of the strongest riders in the world in the MTB stage races scenario, and the fact that he has won the GC on both his occasions in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines speaks volumes about the feeling he has found with this territory.

“I have participated in Appenninica on two occasions, and I am very proud that I was able to win in both cases,” Becking said. “But I am looking forward to many strong riders coming to contest me for the win in 2024. This race deserves a high level of participation, and I hope to experience a very high-profile challenge”.

While waiting to know the names of his rivals, Becking can set another record in the history of the race: in case of another overall win, he would move past Naima Diesner (2, like him) to become the sole Elite rider to have won three editions of the race.

“Appenninica comes in the thick of the season, in a pressure-filled period, and participating means experiencing a week in contact with the essence of mountain biking. Then it is positioned a few weeks before the World Championships. The routes are a perfect mix to sharpen preparation, with challenging climbs, very technical trails, and the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines“, says the Dutchman.

The atmosphere outside the race is among the elements that have clicked with Becking. The Emilia-Romagna hospitality and the family atmosphere make the Appenninica MTB Stage Race a perfect setting for experiencing a challenging 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation gain.

“Thanks to the Appenninica staff, you can focus only on the race without stress. They call you by name and develop a personal relationship with those who share the experience, you can taste excellent Italian food and you are pampered like in a big family. Even though the level of competition is very high, at Appenninica, you have fun and experience a fantastic atmosphere”, explains Becking.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration is open in the “Regular Registration” phase until May 31, 2024. As for the last five editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and the closed number of up to 150 participants: a choice aimed at avoiding overcrowding of the trails and ensuring all participants a high-quality standard in race support.

 

THE ROUTE OVERVIEW

 

Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of elevation gain

Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano

 

Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of elevation gain

Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere

 

Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of elevation gain

Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of elevation gain

Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of elevation gain

Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

 

Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of elevation gain

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

 

The Appenninica 2024 route: kicking off in Bologna with 14,000 meters of elevation gain

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2024)

From the city to the province, through the ridge of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. It could be the byline of a local tourism campaign, instead it is he core concept chosen by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB for designing the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route.

As per the tradition established in recent years, the edition scheduled from September 2 to 7, 2024, promises a demanding challenge. The race will cover 400 km and 14,000 meters of total elevation gain, guiding participants through the enchanting landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, with its captivating ridges and villages.

The race will commence in Bologna and end in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with the iconic Bismantova Rock serving as the final arbiter. The route will feature again Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo, the latter after making its debut in 2023. The new stage venue for 2024 will be Loiano , in the Province of Bologna, finishing town of stage 1.

“The 2024 edition continues in the vein of the work done in recent years, yet introduces some new elements,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, the event’s organizers. “ The kick-off from Bologna and the introduction of Loiano reflect the growing interest in this competition. Additionally, moving the Mountain Queen Stage to the penultimate day may introduce a thrilling dynamic to the finale.“

DEPARTURE FROM BOLOGNA, GRAND FINALE IN CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI

The 2024 edition embarks from Bologna on Monday, September 2, ascending towards the Sanctuary of San Luca. Upon reaching the sanctuary’s vicinity, competitors will navigate the trails of the renowned “Via degli Dei“, connecting Bologna to Florence. The journey covers 48 km and 1500 meters of elevation gain, concluding in Loiano.

The challenge intensifies on Tuesday, September 3, with the “Gothic Line” stage, featuring 63 km and 2250 meters of elevation gain . Starting from Loiano, the race will traverse the Apennines, parallel to the ridge line, facing four demanding climbs, the last exceeding 10 km in length, before the finish line in Lizzano in Belvedere. 

Wednesday, September 4, presents the “Monte Cimone Challenge XL,” a 65 km journey with 2850 meters of elevation gain. This stage, noted for its technical demands and significant elevation, will take riders across iconic trails, including those of Corno alle Scale and Cimone, between Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo.

On Thursday, September 5, Fiumalbo stages the “Tuscan Borderline,” offering a 69 km route with 2500 meters of elevation gain, showcasing the scenic trails and landscapes of Abetone.

The penultimate day, Friday, September 6 , features the “Mountain Queen Stage,” spanning 95 km and 3200 meters of elevation gain from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Competitors will navigate breathtaking ridges and extensive forest trails, with new challenges distinguishing this stage from previous editions.

The event concludes on Saturday, September 7, with a 56 km loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti in the Monte Ventasso area, boasting 1750 meters of elevation gain.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for the “Regular Registration” phase is open until May 31, 2024, with prices increasing after March 1. As in the previous editions, the organizers maintain the individual participation format and limit entries to 150 participants. This strategy aims to prevent overcrowding on the trails and ensure comprehensive support for all racers throughout the event.

THE ROUTE OVERVIEW

Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of elevation gain

Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano

 

Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of elevation gain

Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere

 

Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of elevation gain

Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of elevation gain

Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of elevation gain

Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

 

Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of elevation gain

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

The Appenninici – An Olympic champion discovers Appenninica

by | Feb 9, 2024 | Highlights

Never stop learning and discovering new things, even if you are an Olympic and World Cross Country champion, thus rightfully included in the list of mountain bike legends. Despite his professional career ending a few years ago, Miguel Martinez still enjoys pinning a bib on his back: racing continues to be part of his life, and in 2023 he couldn’t resist the temptation called Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

“Cycling and mountain biking represent freedom for me, a balanced way of living. It’s a chance to do something completely different from, for example, sitting in front of a computer. To me, the bike is everything. I need it, like air“, explains the French champion, Miguel Martinez.

The gold medallist in Cross Country at the Sydney 2000 Olympics participated in Appenninica 2023 with the Piraz Coaching Academy’s Mirko Pirazzoli team. The Frenchman has already raced in Italy in the past, and he knows Emilia-Romagna also for his past as road cyclist with Mapei. However, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines trails have been a pleasant discovery to him.

“Appenninica is a challenging race, being on the bike every day for a week is not easy, but mentally, it’s a panacea. Every day, you see a different route and spectacular landscapes. It can start with an asphalt climb before entering the woods, followed by a technical descent. It keeps changing”, says Miguel Martinez.

After the experience of Appenninica in 2023, Miguel Martinez was officially charmed by the mountain bike stage race routes, the familiar atmosphere and the optimal organization of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB.

“It was the first time in Appenninica. I’ve been following it for a couple of years, and Mirko Pirazzoli (Team manager, ed.) has recommended it to me several times, telling me it was worth experiencing it. September is the right time: the weather and temperatures here are perfect. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone because it’s a real surprise. In terms of organization, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has nothing to envy to Cape Epic: everything is designed to make you feel good and just think about having fun on the bike. It’s a family that works to the fullest to make you feel as comfortable as possible“, says Miguel Martinez.

And if a World and Olympic champion says so, you can trust it.

From Tour the France to the MTB: Appenninica 2024 to kick off in Bologna

by | Feb 5, 2024 | Highlights, Press Releases (2024)

2024 will be a magical year for Bologna as the capital of Emilia-Romagna gears up for 12 months of major sporting events, with cycling taking the spotlight.

After the much-anticipated Tour de France stage finish on June 30th, the fat wheels of Mountain Biking will also have their moment under the Two Towers. Indeed, on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, the official start of the sixth edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the most important Italian MTB stage race, will be given in Bologna, where the event’s maiden edition had already taken the start back in 2019.

The Madonna di San Luca hill, the iconic setting of the Appenninica time trial in 2019 and of this year’s Tour de France finish, is set to welcome Italy’s most prestigious MTB stage event opening act once again in 2024.

On Monday, September 2nd, the stage race on the the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trails will kick off from the Meloncello Arch, facing the famous San Luca ascent. Curiously, the Giro d’Italia opening time trial had taken place on this climb in 2019, few months before the Appenninica’s debut: this time, it will be the Tour de France paving the way to the Sanctuary for the MTB stage race.

On the eve day, September 1st, will see Bologna brimming with the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s essence as the city center becomes the hub for the pre-race fervor. Right after the start of stage 1, the race will head towards the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines through the famous “ Via degli Dei”, the historic hiking trail connecting Bologna to Florence, crossed by thousands of trekking enthusiasts every year.

“In a year that will go down in history for the Tour de France passing, we are proud to welcome the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, an event that brings athletes and fans from around the world to our Apennines, and on a consistent growing curve. Not only does the city host a significant sporting event, but this symbolically strengthens the bond with the surrounding territory, reinforcing our commitment to a tourism strategy that benefits the broader metropolitan landscape,” says Mattia Santori, President of the Bologna-Modena Tourism Territory.

“Another significant sporting event will spotlight Bologna in this milestone year for cycling and cycle-tourism in 2024, with numerous biking initiatives, several of them related to the Tour de France’s passage. As usual, the city and the whole area will be ready to welcome the riders and everybody who will seize this opportunity to explore our region”, says Roberta Li Calzi, Bologna’s Councilor for Sport and Budget.

“Returning  to Bologna for the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race start is a privilege. The city, a symbol of Emilia-Romagna’s heart, reaffirms its affinity for cycling and elite sporting events. For us, featuring in a program that includes the Tour de France is a further reason for pride”, say the organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race Adventure Returns from September 2 to 7, 2024

by | Nov 24, 2023 | Highlights, Press Releases (2024)

After a very successful 2023 edition, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is set to return. In its first five editions, this stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines has established itself as the premier Italian event in multi-day mountain bike racing and has become one of the most anticipated events at the European level. The next adventure is scheduled for September 2-7, 2024.

Similar to last year, the sixth edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race will unfold over six stages, a format that was well-received for its logistical efficiency and for enhancing the spectacle of one of the most challenging competitions in the mountain bike stage racing scene.

“The essential elements will all be back, with the course as the central feature: it’s as demanding as true mountain biking should be, with the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna always in the starring role. We aim to grow step by step, and for 2024 we are already considering some innovative ideas that will make the experience and beauty of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines even more captivating,” said Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the race.

REGISTRATION COMMENCES ON DECEMBER 1

The announcement of the 2024 dates coincides with the opening of registration. The “Early Bird” phase is set to begin on Friday, December 1, offering a maximum of 50 registrations at a discounted rate of 1,350€ until December 31 or until all spots are taken.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a full-service event, with the entry fee covering not just the race bib but also accommodation, meals and refreshments, medical care, bike wash, transfers between stages, and other services (full details at appenninica-mtb.com).

To maintain the quality of the experience, registration is capped at 150 participants, preventing trail overcrowding and ensuring high standards of race support for everyone. The 2024 edition will also continue the individual race format, adding to the intensity and excitement of the challenge.