Debora Piana and Kristina Ilina challenge Naima Diesner for Appenninica throne

After being the outright ruler of the last two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, you can’t escape the role of big favourite. From September 4th to 9th, 2023Naima Madlen Diesner will try to win the overall standings for the third time in a row, but she’d better be ready to face some tough competition on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trails.

Debora Piana and Kristina Ilina are expected to be the top rivals in the way of Diesner’s hat-trick. The Italian rider from Team Cingolani Specialized will be at the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race for the first time, after crowning the first half of the season with second place at the Italian Marathon National Championships in Telve Valsugana. It will be the first time for her in a solo stage race, but in 2022 she already demonstrated her ability to handle herself over multiple racing days, finishing second in the Swiss Epic paired with Janina Wüst.

I’ve been curious about the Appenninica MTB Stage Race for several years because it’s raced in an area I’ve rarely been to. I’m ready to take on this challenge and test myself on a six-day stage race, tackling it alone. Plus, you are racing in Italy, so the motivation will be greater”, says Debora Piana.

Kristina Ilina will also try to test herself on a six-day stage race. The Russian comes from the Cross Country discipline, but she has become MTB Marathon national champion this year, and she is coming to the starting ribbons of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the ambition of learning and growing fast, supported by the DMT Racing Team.

MTB Marathon stage races are a new world for me, but I’m learning fast, and I know that the DMT Racing Team staff will be able to teach me a lot. The goal is to try to win a stage. I come from XCO, so I will try to live the race day by day, listening to every word of Andrea Marconi, who will help me to get into the reality of this type of races. I know that with him and his decade-long experience I am in good hands”, explains the Russian riders.

While these three athletes should be regarded as arguably the top contenders for the Women’s race, right behind them are other competitors with a shot to squeeze into the top positions. Swiss Nina Brenn, recent winner of the Swiss Epic with Simone Stroll in the Masters Women category, stands out, while Imogen Smith arrives from Australia with an extensive background. To hold on to the Apennine sceptre, Naima Diesner must keep her eyes wide open.

Arias and Bakker crowned champions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Colombian Diego Arias secures his second overall title after 2022, while Dutch rider Lola Bakker prevails in the women’s race after a week-long battle with Syd Schulz. Spica wins final stage and climbs to third overall.

Bakker delivers standout Queen Stage performance

Another dramatic turnaround in the women’s race as Lola Bakker claims her third stage win, building a commanding advantage

Arias moves closer to Appenninica 2025 victory

Diego Arias wins High Mountain Queen Stage, extending his lead in Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025. Saitta remains second, with Massimo Rosa taking third on the day.

Bakker rebounds, Schulz stays calm

Lola Bakker responds after Tuesday’s setback, while Syd Schulz manages to limit the damage

Candeago bounce back in Riolunato

Third different winner in as many stages at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025: Andrea Candeago claims victory in Riolunato, outsprinting Vincenzo Saitta and teammate Diego Arias to secure the win that eluded him in Vidiciatico.

Schulz seizes the Pink Jersey

In the women’s race, Syd Schulz snatches the leader’s jersey from Lola Bakker

Saitta triumphs in Vidiciatico as Arias holds firm

After a strong debut, Sicilian rider Vincenzo Saitta wins Stage 2 of Appenninica, outsprinting Diego Arias and Andrea Candeago in Vidiciatico

Arias strikes first at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Diego Arias drops Saitta, and finishes ahead of Becking and the Italian

Bakker powers clear, Schulz hangs tough

Lola Bakker edges Schulz in a heated women’s contest

Appenninica 2025 kicks off: five days of pure MTB

Tomorrow, Monday June 23rd, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere. Through Friday June 27th, 117 riders will battle across 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking and Diego Arias are the men to watch, while the women’s field is wide open with no clear favorite.

Twenty-Two Nations line up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

From June 23-27, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will collect the attention of international MTB lovers with 118 participants from 22 different Countries. The Netherlands and Italy lead the field, while South America is getting more represented year after year

Young and bold: Italian prospects ready to make their mark at Appenninica 2025

After Luca Cacchi’s surprising third-place finish in 2024, the 2025 edition of the Emilia-Romagna Apennine stage race will once again showcase Italian talent hunting for the spotlight against international stars from June 23-27