They say you always return to places where you’ve found joy and success, and that’s certainly true for Martino Tronconi and Diego Arias Cuervo. Having previously experienced the Emilia-Romagna Apennine trails, they had no doubt in committing to the 2025 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

Martino Tronconi’s Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team will field a competitive four-rider squad for the June 23-27, 2025, event. Leading the charge is Diego Arias Cuervo, who claimed victory at Appenninica in 2022. The Colombian star aims to challenge back to back defending champion Hans Becking, supported by a strong lineup featuring Jacopo Billi, Massimo Rosa, and Andrea Candeago.

“The Appenninica MTB Stage Race truly deserves high praise,” notes Martino Tronconi, who raced in 2023 and is now the manager of the Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team. “We couldn’t fit it into our packed schedule last year, but this year’s June date works perfectly—right after the Hero Südtirol Dolomites and World Cup events, and before the Italian Championship. We’re coming to perform well and build form for the remainder of the season.”

The Metallurgica Veneta MTB Pro Team kicked off its 2025 campaign at the Andalucia Bike Race (February 24-March 1), with Diego Arias’s arrival generating significant buzz around Tronconi’s team.

“Diego Arias will help elevate our international standing. He’s extremely motivated about returning to Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and I expect him and Hans Becking to be the riders to watch. Having teammates at his disposal gives Diego an extra tactical advantage, though I suspect Jacopo Billi will be targeting a stage win”, Tronconi explains.

Following his 2022 victory, Diego Arias Cuervo had to withdraw at the last minute in 2023, but now returns with clear ambitions. He’s expected to battle with Hans Becking across all five stages, covering the full 320 km course with its 12,200 meters of elevation gain.

“I’m thrilled to be heading back to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, which gave me such incredible memories when I won in 2022. My goal is to surpass my previous performance and fight for the podium. This edition looks technically demanding, and I’m ready to push my limits. Appenninica ranks among the most beautiful and challenging races out there, and I’m eager to test myself against the competition again. I’m bringing full motivation and determination to continue my success story”, says Diego Arias Cuervo.

Three host venues, including one new addition, five stages, 320 kilometres, and 12,200 meters of elevation gain are the key figures for the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The Italian mountain bike stage race has announced its challenging 2025 route, connecting the mountain towns of Lizzano in Belvedere and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with the newly added Riolunato in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

Set for June 23-27, the 2025 edition marks a strategic shift from previous years, moving earlier in the calendar and condensing the race from six stages to an intense five-day format. The organizers from A.S.D Happy Trail MTB have designed a route that revisits the most beautiful and acclaimed stages from previous editions, treating athletes to spectacular views of the Emilia-Romagna Apennine ridge from the very first kilometers.

The race will start from Lizzano in Belvedere, a location featured in previous editions but hosting the grand départ for the first time, while Riolunato in the Modena province makes its debut appearance. The race’s finish location, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, further emphasizes Appenninica’s significance in Italy’s cycling landscape, as it will also host a stage finish of the 2025 Giro d’Italia. This connection to cycling’s Grand Tours continues Appenninica’s tradition of sharing venues with prestigious road cycling events, following Bologna’s hosting of both the 2024 race start and a historic Tour de France stage.

Race organizers A.S.D Happy Trail MTB have crafted a route that combines fan-favorite sections from previous editions with new challenges. “We’ve designed this year’s course to be intense from day one,” said race co-organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno. “By incorporating the most acclaimed segments from our 2023 edition – widely considered our best yet – and adding the exciting new venue of Riolunato in Modena Province, we’re confident this will be an unforgettable experience for every rider.”

THE STAGES: FIVE DAYS OF HIGH INTENSITY

The battle begins immediately with a demanding opener around Lizzano in Belvedere on Monday, June 23, 2025. The 58 km route with 2,300 meters of elevation gain explores the Corno alle Scale area, a mountain beloved by Bologna residents.

The second stage is another loop around Lizzano in Belvedere, this time offering more flow with 49 km and 2,200 meters of climbing within the Monte Pizzo area, featuring some of Appenninica’s most technical and beloved trails.

Wednesday’s stage (June 25, 2025) takes the race to Riolunato over 64 km and 2,750 meters of elevation gain. The route partially follows the 2024 stage that finished in Fiumalbo, crossing the Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone areas with the addition of Passo del Lupo.

The fourth stage from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti is the highly anticipated High Mountain Queen Stage, covering 89 km with 3,100 meters of climbing. Riders will tackle the Via Vandelli immediately before climbing to altitude and crossing some of Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ most beautiful ridges, enjoying unique panoramas.

The final stage follows the traditional loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, through Matilde di Canossa’s lands at the foot of the Bismantova Rock. At 58 km with 1,850 meters of elevation gain, this stage is far from easy and provides the perfect terrain for final standings shake-ups or decisive moves.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Regular Registration remains open until March 31, 2025, with prices increasing from April 1. As in recent editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and a cap of 150 participants – a choice aimed at preventing trail overcrowding and ensuring high-quality race support for all participants.

THE ROUTE

Stage 1 – Corno alle Scale – 58 km and 2,300 m elevation gain

Monday, June 23: Lizzano in Belvedere – Lizzano in Belvedere

Stage 2 – Monte Pizzo Trails – 49 km and 2,200 m elevation gain

Tuesday, June 24: Lizzano in Belvedere – Lizzano in Belvedere

Stage 3 – Emilia Romagna Peaks – 64 km and 2,750 m elevation gain

Wednesday, June 25: Lizzano in Belvedere – Riolunato

Stage 4 – High Mountain Queen Stage – 89 km and 3,100 m elevation gain

Thursday, June 26: Riolunato – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Stage 5 – La Matildica – 58 km and 1,850 m elevation gain

Friday, June 27: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Appenninica MTB Stage Race announces significant changes for 2025, set to deliver an even more intense and exciting racing experience. After four years in early September, Italy’s premier mountain bike stage race shifts to early summer, with the next edition scheduled for June 23-27, 2025.

The race format sees the second major update. Appenninica MTB Stage Race will now feature five stages, aligning with Europe’s leading events while maintaining its identity as one of international mountain biking’s most challenging stage races. Riders will tackle 330 kilometers and 12,000 meters of climbing through the stunning Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

“Our calendar move responds to increasingly crowded September scheduling, particularly with the 2025 MTB Marathon World Championships which would have overlapped with our second weekend,” explain race co-organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

“The shift to five days reflects direct feedback from current and potential participants, bringing us in line with major events in our sector. What remains unchanged is our unique ‘Appenninica Family’ atmosphere and our commitment to showcasing extraordinary, undiscovered trails,” the organizers added.

With 2025 dates now confirmed, registration is set to open. The Early Bird phase offers 50 entries at a special rate of €990, available from Sunday, December 1st to December 31st, or until sold out. Appenninica MTB Stage Race provides full-service racing, with entry fees covering accommodation, feed zones and meals, medical support, bike washing, stage transfers, and additional services (complete details at appenninica-mtb.com).

The event maintains its 150-rider cap to preserve trail conditions and ensure premium service standards. While riders compete individually, Appenninica’s essence lies in shared experiences – from start lines to host towns and communal dinners. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have witnessed countless lasting friendships, with more connections waiting to be forged.

Fresh from the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 2-7), memories of this epic six-day mountain bike adventure remain vivid for all participants. The story of one of Europe’s premier stage races now comes to YouTube as a six-episode series, launching Thursday, November 7th.

Produced by The Outdoor Lab, the series takes viewers to the heart of the action. New episodes will be released every Thursday at 18:30 CET on Appenninica’s YouTube channel, starting November 7th, with each installment focusing on one stage of the race. The series follows the intense competition through Nina Brenn and Hans Becking‘s victories in the women’s and men’s categories.

The race traversed the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, beginning with Bologna’s iconic San Luca climb and winding through Loiano, Lizzano in Belvedere, and Fiumalbo before its finale in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Beyond the competition itself, the series captures personal triumphs and emotional journeys, showcasing the determination of every participant in this formidable challenge.

In line with the event’s Stage Analysis tradition, the series emphasizes the human stories that have defined Appenninica since its 2019 debut. While showcasing the race’s challenges, each episode celebrates the participants’ spirit and determination. The series also highlights the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ distinctive charm, from its landscapes and local cuisine to its characteristic villages and warm hospitality.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race, one of Emilia-Romagna’s major sporting events, continues its longstanding partnership with the Region to promote the Apennine territory, an area whose beauty and potential remain largely unexplored by the wider public.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race concluded today, September 7th, capping off a week brimming with emotion, physical challenges, Italian hospitality, and newfound friendships. The 400 km and 13,000 m of elevation gain from Bologna to Castelnovo ne’ Monti left a deep mark on the 125 riders at the start.

From 20-year-old German Peat Weinberg to 68-year-old Polish rider Piotr Sozansky, from overall winner Hans Becking to Canada’s Warren Poon, forced off the bike due to an early injury but back riding in the rear of the peloton at the end of the week, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines fulfilled and went beyond athletes’ expectations. And that’s a major accomplishment, given the 24 countries represented.

Day after day, from the majestic Bologna to the highest peaks of the Apennines, the bunch gave full praise to the race organized by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB, to its familiar atmosphere and the quality of the routes.

“Appenninica is like a great family, every year you ride on wonderful trails and among great people from every corner of the world,” said US rider Nate Rex, at his second participation. “Wonderful views, technical trails and friendly atmosphere: that’s why I keep coming back,” echoed Northern Ireland’s Clive Caldwell, third-time finisher and thus new member of the “Hall of Family.”

Together with Caldwell, this special “Hall of Family” award went as well to Hans Becking, Federico Arcidiacono, Tobias Guggemos, Deer Jan Van Putten, Adam Batuna, Dick Van Loon, Emiliano Amalberti, Matts Asplund, Andreas Derblom, Francesco Gaffuri and Toby Leyland.

In the final stage, 58 km and 1,600 m elevation gain around Castelnovo ne’ Monti and its iconic Bismantova Rock, the win went to Italian Luca Cacchi (2:32:43), the first rider to earn the finisher’s medal. Behind him, fellow countryman Federico Mandelli (54″ behind) and GC winner Hans Becking (1’07”). In the women’s category, Nina Brenn (3:14:34) took all stages, like Esther Süss and Naima Diesner.

BACK TO… BECKING: SECOND CONSECUTIVE TITLE FOR THE DUTCH CHAMPION

Hans Becking, at 38, etched his name deeper into Appenninica’s history books. After becoming in 2023 the first male rider to win twice the race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, the Dutchman is now the only athlete to triumph three times: 2020, 2023 and 2024.

“It’s always nice to race at Appenninica: the trails, the atmosphere and the people make it a great event. I had a lot of fun competing with these young guys!” said Becking on the finish line in Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

The Dutchman, national Cross-Country Marathon champion, completed the 400 km and 13,000 m of elevation gain in 16:56:11. Silver medal went to home rider and today’s stage winner Luca Cacchi, just 12’23” behind, while Germany’s Peat Weinberg took third place with a gap of 20:51.

“It was my last chance after several days on the podium,” said Cacchi at the end. “We gave it all, Hans was really fast in the flat section but I managed to take over in the very final part and get my first win at Appenninica.“

This edition’s unofficial ‘Rising Star’ is undoubtedly Peat Weinberg, the peloton’s sole teenager who turns 20 in October. The achievements of the German athlete at Appenninica include a stage win, the overall bronze medal and a new level of self-confidence.

The Masters‘ category saw another Dutch triumph, with Juul Van Loon securing his second consecutive win. Van Loon matched Miguel Martinez‘s feat of three stage victories. However, Van Loon kept the race under control and put a gap of 17:56 on the French, former XC Olympic champion. Third place in the GC for Sebastian Jenschatz, 42:50 behind the winner.

Francesco Gaffuri, after two years as runner-up, finally went the distance in the Grand Masters‘ category, clinching the overall victory. The Italian got ahead of fellow countryman Emiliano Amalberti by over one and a half hours, while Francis Sevenoo outplaced Erik Vrang in the last day and earned the bronze.

The Great Grand Masters podium reflected the race’s international flavor, with Austria’s Maximilian Zdouc claiming his second consecutive title. Silver medal for Poland’s Piotr Sozanski, the most experienced rider of the peloton, and Netherlands’ Erik Van den Boogert.

BRENN DOMINATION IN THE WOMEN’S CATEGORY

Nina Brenn‘s trajectory at Appenninica has been nothing short of meteoric. After securing bronze in 2023, she returned this year to dominate the race, clinching victory in every single stage. Not only did she win the General Classification, but she also took all six stages from Bologna to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with a total time of 22:39:40. Thanks to this feat, Nina Brenn joins another Swiss rider, Esther Süss, and Germany’s Naima Diesner, among the only athletes to take all the stages in a single edition.

Rounding up the podium are Spain’s Ada Xinxó Morera, silver medal with a gap of 9:59, and Netherlands’ Lola Bakker. The youngest female rider of the bunch, just 22 years old, finished in third place, 14:05 behind the leader.

“This win wasn’t planned,” commented a smiling Nina Brenn on the finish line. “I’m glad I enjoyed the journey and had fun along the way.“

THE ORGANIZATION’S POINT OF VIEW

The sixth edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race got nothing but full appreciation from the peloton. Thus, the great satisfaction of the organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB: “Starting from Bologna was a major highlight for us, and enhanced our idea of a journey from the city to the Apennines, involving the entire region,” said the organizers.

“We’re thrilled that Appenninica has become more than just a race—it’s an adventure that allows riders from across the globe to explore our region, experience our trails, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Most of them are coming back year after year, and they share their experience with fellow bikers, friends and families. That’s how we can promote the Emilia-Romagna Apennines on the international scenario, and we will keep working in this direction.“

As the dust settles on this year’s event, anticipation is already building for the next challenging and exciting Appenninica MTB Stage Race.