The highly anticipated Mountain Queen Stage delivered a clear outcome: “Experience” emerged as the defining factor in this edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The knowledge of accomplished riders such as Hans Becking and Nina Brenn was pivotal in managing the 86 km and 2,850 m of elevation gain from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, especially on the penultimate day of a six-day stage race.
Anticipation for the Queen Stage intensified due to uncertain weather forecasts, with the possibility of low temperatures and showers along the Apennine ridges. These conditions could have added an unpredictable element to the race, which had been firmly controlled by the Dutch and Swiss riders so far.
Despite concerns, weather conditions turned out favorable. Nina Brenn remained unfazed, securing her fifth consecutive stage win. Ada Xinxó Morera finished second, 2:16 behind in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, while Lola Bakker came in third with a gap of 5:15. The same order holds in the General Classification.
“I’m really having a fun time racing at Appenninica. Compared to the Swiss Epic or the Cape Epic, it is more familiar and the landscapes are wonderful. I’ve become friends with Ada (Xinxó Morera, ed), and it’s been a pleasure to share so many kilometers together. Today I had some issues with the bike, but in the end I’m happy I could take another win,” said the Swiss rider at the finish line.
If Nina Brenn wins again tomorrow, September 7th, on the 58 km course with 1,600 m of elevation gain around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, she could become the third woman to win every stage in a single edition. Before her, this feat has been achieved by fellow Swiss rider Esther Süss and by Germany’s Naima Madlen Diesner.
“Of course it’s nice to win, but that was not the main goal of this week. This is my second time at Appenninica (she got third overall in 2023, ed): I wanted to come back and I’m glad I’m fully enjoying it. Here, the experience is what matters the most,” concluded Brenn.
BECKING SEALS THE DEAL
Any lingering hopes for an upset in the title race were quickly dispelled during the Queen Stage. Reigning champion Hans Becking, drawing on his experience after recent second and third-place finishes, decisively pulled away from young challengers Cacchi and Weinberg.
The Dutch champion won in 4:15:01, after riding most of the stage side by side with Italian Luca Cacchi. At about km 50, before tackling one of the many climbs of the day, Becking dropped Cacchi and soloed to Castelnovo ne’ Monti.
“It was a great stage with excellent trails. The new single track section is really impressive; I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said the Buff-Megamo rider at the finish line.
Italy’s Cacchi suffered a gap of 3:21, while Germany’s Weinberg finished 5:23 behind. In the GC, Becking leads with 13:30 over Cacchi, and 16:16 over Weinberg. The final stage will decide the order on the podium for the silver and bronze places.
Although Miguel Martinez clinched his third stage win out of five in the Master’s category, he still trails leader Juul Van Loon by 14:09. The Dutchman appears poised to secure his second consecutive Appenninica MTB Stage Race victory. Among the Grand Masters, Italian Francesco Gaffuri can manage over an hour lead on fellow countryman Emiliano Amalberti, and he’s cruising towards his first overall win after being runner-up for two consecutive years. A similar situation exists in the Great Grand Masters, with Austrian rider Maximilian Zdouc going for back-to-back wins following last year’s triumph.
FINAL SHOWDOWN IN CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI
The 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race concludes with a 58 km loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, featuring 1,600 m of elevation gain. The route begins at the local headquarters of the Italian National Olympic Committee and circles the iconic Bismantova Rock.
Among the highlights of this challenging route is the spot at Calamone Lake, which kicks off the final descents toward Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the much sought-after finisher’s medal.