Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2026 set for a record-breaking eighth edition

Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2026 set for a record-breaking eighth edition

Nearly 200 riders from 30 Countries will tackle Italy’s premier MTB stage race from June 22-26. Lizzano in Belvedere, Riolunato and Castelnovo ne’ Monti will host the eighth edition, presented today at the Emilia-Romagna Region headquarters in Bologna. “Appenninica is a major opportunity to tell the story of Emilia-Romagna through its landscapes, nature and local communities,” says Regional Sports and Tourism Minister Roberta Frisoni

Race today, itinerary tomorrow: how Appenninica MTB is opening Emilia-Romagna’s undiscovered Apennines to global cyclo-tourism

Race today, itinerary tomorrow: how Appenninica MTB is opening Emilia-Romagna’s undiscovered Apennines to global cyclo-tourism

The Emilia-Romagna Apennines are betting on summer outdoor tourism to breathe new life into local economies and counter depopulation. Appenninica MTB Stage Race (June 22–26, 2026) is already pulling in foreign tour operators, with a German agency set to follow in the tracks of a Polish group that made the trip in 2025.

Steinburg wins and pulls clear

Among the women, Greete Steinburg made her move. Having pulled on the leader’s jersey yesterday, the Estonian took her first stage win of this edition, increasing her margin over Lola Bakker. Mara Parisi remains in contention, sitting third in the overall standings.

Saitta storms in Riolunato

The script for Stage 3 of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race was already written: short, explosive and full of plot twists. That is exactly what unfolded across the 38 km and 1,500 metres of elevation of the Monte Cimone Challenge, a loop around Riolunato held...

Schulz strikes back, Steinburg takes pink

Schulz had slipped more than 21 minutes behind after the opening stage. The American showed resilience and determination to respond immediately, taking victory in Riolunato. The general classification may now be a long shot, but she has firmly re-established herself as one of the riders to watch over the remaining stages.

Win for Becking, Jersey for Spica

Becking had finished third in Vidiciatico, disappointed after failing to hold the wheel of Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica in the finale. On the 65-kilometre route featuring 2,600 metres of elevation gain, however, the Dutchman matched the pace of the Rolling Bike Team duo throughout the day and eventually took advantage of misfortune for the race leader to claim both the stage win and a valuable leap up the standings.