One of the new highlights of the 2023 edition, Fiumalbo has been confirmed as stage venue in the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 2-7), the most important Italian mountain bike stage race. This picturesque town in the Province of Modena, located near the Tuscany border, will be home of the race’s mid-stages, hosting the finish of the third stage, the start and finish of the fourth, and the start of the fifth stage.
On Wednesday, September 4, stage 3 will challenge the riders with a 59 km route featuring 2600 meters of elevation gain from Lizzano in Belvedere to Fiumalbo, traversing some of the most iconic ridgelines of the Apennines. From the Corno alle Scale area to Monte Cimone (with a much cherished KOM at Lago Scaffaiolo), this stage could offer crucial insights into the race’s final outcome. Despite the relatively short distance, the elevation profile rivals only the Queen Stage, making it the first litmus test for those aiming for the overall victory.
On Thursday, September 5, Fiumalbo will be the absolute protagonist of the day, hosting both the start and finish of the 55 km “Tuscan Borderline” stage with 1950 meters of elevation gain. As in 2023, this stage crosses into Tuscany, featuring sections through Sant’Anna Pelago and along the historic Via Vandelli, an 18th-century route between Mantua and Lucca, leading to the Alpe di San Pellegrino pass at 1600 meters above sea level. Here, a new ridgeline will fill the hearts and eyes of the athletes with breathtaking views of the entire Apennines, the Apuan Alps, and the Pisa Mountains—a perfect respite before descending and recovering in preparation for the Queen Stage.
On Friday, September 6, Fiumalbo will bid farewell to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race as it hosts the start of the much-anticipated Mountain Queen Stage. This most feared stage, with its 87 km distance and 2850 meters of total elevation gain, will lead the peloton to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, home of the race’s grand finale.
“It is a great pleasure for Fiumalbo to be a stage venue for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. Our village will be involved in three stages (two finishes and two starts), and we are delighted to be part of this internationally growing project. This will be an extraordinary showcase for our area, an opportunity to be remembered not only for our natural beauty but also for the hospitality and warmth of our residents“, said Alessio Nizzi, Mayor of Fiumalbo.
FIUMALBO: NATURE AND BEAUTY
Listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy and awarded with the Italian Touring Club’s orange flag for its tourist-environmental qualities for 23 consecutive years, Fiumalbo is part of the Frignano Park, straddling the Monte Cimone and Abetone areas. It’s no coincidence that the third stage, starting from Lizzano in Belvedere, is named “Monte Cimone Challenge XL,” and the fourth stage, looping around Fiumalbo, is called “Tuscan Borderline.”
Known as the “Celtic Village,” Fiumalbo features a varied landscape ranging from 800 meters above sea level along the Scoltenna stream to 2165 meters at the summit of Monte Cimone. This geographic diversity makes it a coveted destination for other outdoor activities throughout the year, such as trekking and ski mountaineering. Food lovers should not miss the typical borlenghi with lard and cured meats.
