Hans Becking secured the victory with Tiago Ferreira finishing as the runner-up, just like in 2020. However, on this 4th of September, the former teammates challenged each other in the opening stage of the 2023 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, which started and finished in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia). Becking and Ferreira were expected to be the primary contenders for the overall prize, and they demonstrated their intentions right from the start on the opening effort, “La Matildica“.

The battle was intense for almost 50 kilometers on the 57-kilometer route with an elevation gain of 1850 meters during the opening stage. Italian rider Martino Tronconi managed to keep pace with the leading duo until the final stretch of the race, where he was ultimately dropped and finished in third place. Five riders had set the pace at the start, with Dutchmen Bart Classens and Tim Smeenge briefly joining the frontrunners. However, around the 20-kilometer mark, the two Dutch riders lost ground and couldn’t regain the wake of the leaders.

Becking gradually built his lead over the last few kilometers. Following a daring descent just before the end, he put in a final surge on the last climb and crossed the finish line alone. In the men’s rankings, Becking leads with a time of 2:31:17, holding a 2’20” advantage over Ferreira and a 3’45” lead over Tronconi. 

Behind the podium, Classens and Smeenge maintained their positions as dark horses, with gaps of 11’27” and 12’34”, respectively. Lukas Kauffman (12’58”), Felix Fritzsch (15’34”), Holger Schaarschmidt (22’43”), Juul Van Loon (23’34”), and Lionel Poletti (23’43”) round out the top ten.

“I’m delighted to return to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and all the memories of my previous experiences and the breathtaking landscapes rushed back. I cherish this race with its challenging terrain and the high level of technical skill among the riders. It will be a demanding week, and tomorrow we already face the Queen Stage, a pivotal moment. Today, three of us set the pace, and I managed to launch an attack on a lengthy descent to secure the win,” said Hans Becking at the conclusion of the stage.

ILINA TAKES CENTER STAGE, PIANA CLOSE BEHIND

In the women’s category, Russian rider Kristina Ilina left her mark on the opening stage, finishing with a 36-second lead over Italian rider Debora Piana. Riding for the DMT Racing Team, Ilina kept up with the men’s peloton’s pace early on, and maintained her advantage until the finish line, crossing it after 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 12 seconds. Piana made an effort to catch up in the latter part of the stage but couldn’t completely bridge the gap with the leader, settling for the runner-up spot on the day.

Further behind this duo, Swiss cyclist Nina Brenn secured the third spot on the podium, trailing by 28 minutes and 59 seconds. Australian rider Imogen Smith (32’16”) and German cyclist Naima Diesner (35’02”), the winner of the past two editions of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, rounded out the top five.

“I’m extremely satisfied with my start. I could immediately tell that this is a challenging race, especially with those highly technical descents, but it’s also incredibly enjoyable to ride. I didn’t want to fall behind, so I tried to keep pace with the men’s group, and I succeeded in breaking away. I’m curious about what lies ahead, as I’ve never raced in such a long stage race, and I don’t really know what to expect. I’ll give it my all,” said the victorious Kristina Ilina.

QUEEN STAGE: HERE WE GO

If today’s opening stage served as a warm-up, tomorrow, September 5th, marks the longest day of the week. The Mountain Queen Stage boasts a challenging 90 kilometers with an elevation gain of 3200 meters, covering the entire route at high altitude. The finish line in Fiumalbo will provide a clearer picture of the riders’ skills and aspirations in the overall standings. For those with big overall goals, the time for hiding is already over.

Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) has established over the years as a must-be location for Appenninica MTB Stage Race. From the base of its majestic Bismantova Rock, the MTB Marathon stage race (4th – 9th September, 2023) will kick off its fifth edition.

A total of 150 athletes from 24 nations are prepared to take on the Appenninica challenge in its renewed 6-stage format, aiming to secure the coveted finisher’s medal and possibly the overall victory. Among the favorites in the men’s field are 2020 winner Hans Becking and Portuguese rider Tiago Ferreira, who benefits from a strong teammate in Andreas Miltiadis, ready to contend for the title. Another potential contender is Martino Tronconi, although his teammate Nicola Taffarel was a late scratch from the race due to a last-minute injury.

Other riders with top ambitions include Felix Fritzsch and Lukas Kaufmann, winners of the Appenninica in 2021 and 2019, as well as Dutchmen Tim Smeenge (XCM National champion) and Bart Classens, who was among the leading riders in 2021.

In the women’s category, back-to-back champion Naima Diesner is the clear favorite for the overall victory. Her main rival is expected to be Russian MTB Marathon champion Kristina Ilina, with growing attention on Swiss rider Nina Brenn, who recently showcased excellent form at the Swiss Epic. Italian hopes rest with Deborah Piana, who secured second place at the 2023 National Marathon championships.

Today, September 3rd, the Appenninca MTB Stage Race program was opened by “Appenninica Lovers”, a non-competitive MTB and e-MTB gathering on the route of stage 1. Organized by MTB Vetto, the event acted as a true mountain bike festival and a fitting warm-up for the atmosphere in Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

THE ROUTE

Appenninica 2023 covers approximately 400 km and includes a challenging 14,000 meters of elevation gain from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Lizzano in Belvedere, passing through new locations like Fiumalbo and another long-standing host, Fanano.

This edition marks the introduction of a new 6-stage format, as opposed to the previous 7. This decision by the Happy Trail MTB organization aims to simplify logistics for the athletes while preserving the route’s remarkable difficulty, which has earned the Appenninica MTB Stage Race global recognition over the past five years.

The journey begins on Monday, September 4th, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti, covering 57 km with an altitude difference of 1,850 meters. It commences from the foot of the Bismantova Rock and traverses the lands of Matilda di Canossa.

Only one stage into the race, and the Queen Stage awaits on Tuesday, September 5th. While shorter (90 km) than previous editions, it remains a demanding stage with a 3200-meter altitude difference to conquer before reaching the finish line in Fiumalbo.

There’s no time to rest, as on Wednesday, September 6th, riders will face a circuit around Fiumalbo that will once again test their ambitions. The “Tuscany Incipit” is a highlight of the 2023 edition, taking the race across the border into Tuscany at the Abetone ski resort, featuring a 79 km course with 2550 meters of altitude difference.

Thursday, September 7th, brings Stage 4, with Mount Cimone as the focal point. The “Cimone Challenge” route starts from Fiumalbo and concludes in Fanano, covering 62 km with a 2350-meter elevation gain.

The subsequent stage on Friday, September 8th, from Fanano to Vidiciatico, embodies the true spirit of Appenninica. “Appenninica Distilled” encompasses 61 km and 2500 meters of altitude difference, offering a mix of the race’s best elements: long but manageable climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking landscapes.

The grand finale is set for Saturday, September 9th, in the “Monte Pizzo” stage. This 36 km loop with 1500 meters of elevation gain starts and finishes in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere, serving as the ultimate judge of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, much like in 2022.

In July 2019, the world of mountain bike stage races welcomed a new event in Italy – a challenging race nestled in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, a wild territory relatively unexplored by mountain biking enthusiasts. The declared goal was to unveil a different side of the Apennines to both national and, particularly, international audiences – similar to the most significant off-road stage events, from the Cape Epic downwards.

As it approaches its fifth edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has won its bet. Year after year, the number of participants has grown, luring an international contingent and athletes from various countries to take part in the stage race through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, drawn by the opportunity to discover enchanting landscapes and test themselves on high-level technical MTB routes.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is set to continue along the same path, evident from the sold-out status reached two months before the official start. A total of 150 athletes from 24 Nations, representing 6 continents, will be at the starting line. Organized by ASD Happy Trail MTB, the race will cover over 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation across six stages – from the departure in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (RE) to the arrival in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere (BO).

The largest contingent comes from the Oranje team, with an impressive 33 athletes from the Netherlands. Following closely are Italians with 22 participants, and other nations with strong cycling traditions are also well represented: Belgium (19), Germany (9), the United Kingdom (8), the United States (7), and Denmark (6).

However, the fame of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has reached far and wide, with athletes from Guatemala, South Africa, Israel, Argentina, Canada, and Australia also taking their places at the starting line of the next edition. This achievement certifies that the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines are becoming increasingly attractive in the panorama of mountain bike stage races.

“Once again this year, the figures confirm the international nature of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with participants coming from all over the world,” state Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the event. “New Nations join us every year, while others expand their presence, and we are also very pleased to have a substantial group of Italian athletes at the start.“

APPENNINICA TEEN CAMP

From September 4th to 9th, alongside the stage race, a new project called Appenninica Teen Camp will also take place. This initiative is intended to involve young adolescents in an international and competitive sports environment characterized by the typical sports solidarity of stage races. A group of youngsters will experience the Appenninica MTB Stage Race from the inside, sleeping in tents supplied by Decathlon Italia, a sponsor of the initiative.

Every day, the young participants will wear different jerseys made by Respect Me, featuring awareness messages in support of cyclist safety. The Appenninica Teen Camp will provide an opportunity for them to engage in volunteer work, interact with formidable athletes and riders pushing their limits, while assisting the organization and providing support to everyone within the friendly atmosphere that characterizes the race.

The motivations behind individuals’ decisions to take on a challenge like the Appenninica MTB Stage Race are diverse and plentiful. Some engage for personal growth, some for enjoyment, and others to bear witness. Among them are “The Appenninici,” athletes who aren’t necessarily driven by achieving top results but for whom success means conquering the finish line day after day.

From September 4 to 9, 2023, out of the 150 participants at the starting line, many will embrace the spirit of this challenge as they navigate the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Leading this group of athletes will be a true mountain biking legend: Miguel Martinez. The Frenchman, a former gold medalist in Cross Country at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has also clinched victory at the Cape Epic within the Master category, paired with Mirko Pirazzoli.

At 47 years old, Martinez is an authentic mountain biking legend and a pioneer of racing across various cycling disciplines, including road and cyclocross. During the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, he will encounter another mountain biking great, Mark Anolik, who aims to complete the race for the third time, officially joining the “Hall of Family” of Appenninica – an exclusive group of individuals who have finished the stage race at least three times.

Tobias Guggemos and Patrik Nespor also aspire to join the ranks of the three-time finishers’ club. Among those who have already achieved this milestone are Peter Wouters, Anton Tieleman, Stefan Kiene, and Zbig Mossoczy, all of whom will be present at the start line.

Also marking their return to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is Mirko Pirazzoli, who will lead his Piraz Coaching Academy Team, featuring Federico Mandelli – the best-placed Italian rider in the 2022 edition – and Federico Arcidiacono. Representing Italy is also Gabriele Verzella, who, at the age of 67, continues to relish mountain biking challenges. Joining him is Riccardo Giulio Acuto, recently crowned champion of the Swiss Epic in the Great Grand Master category and a previous victor at Appenninica within his age group. In this category, some participants have chosen the Appenninica MTB Stage Race as a way to celebrate their 70th birthday, such as Lorenzo Lelli.

Among the athletes at the starting line are those who prefer to tackle the challenges of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines in pairs, such as Tim and Louise Ferreira, who are making a return after last year’s experience. Another eagerly awaited comeback is from the American duo of Gordon Wadsworth and Emily Hairfield. Meanwhile, Ori Leonzini will journey from Israel alongside his father, Sharon.

The starters’ group includes those who are drawn to Appenninica due to their fascination with Italy, its history, and its beauty. Canadian participant Trent Basarsky is a prime example; he plans to explore the enchanting country before and after the race. On a different note, Argentine rider Lino Arboit is making his way to Italy to reunite with his family during the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

Among the returning friends of the race is Mark Leeper, who is excited to revisit Castelnovo ne’ Monti after spending a few additional weeks there in 2021 before heading back to Hong Kong.

Lionel Poletti will also make a return to Lizzano in Belvedere, where he discovered the roots of  the triumphs of his childhood’s idol, Alberto Tomba. Similarly, Sophie Halhead, a distinguished member of the England women’s national rugby team with 71 caps, will once again grace the starting line. Another noteworthy returnee is the 2019 champion, Lukas Kaufmann, who not only savored the beauty of the Apennines that year but also developed a fondness for Parmigiano Reggiano di Montagna. Since then, every time he comes back to Appenninica, he ensures to carry back home at least one wheel of this cherished cheese.