The very first stage of the Appenninica history was held on July 20, 2019, in Bologna, rising up the same Madonna di San Luca climb that will feature prominently again in the opener of the 2024 edition. This event will once again showcase the stunning landscapes and unique experiences of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines to the world. Participants from all five continents will ride, challenge themselves, and explore the beauty, flavors, and warm hospitality of these regions.
Officially unveiled in the Sala Tassinari of Palazzo D’Accursio in Bologna, the 2024 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race scheduled for September 2-7, will consist of six stages in a well-established format, guiding athletes from Bologna to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, at the foot of the iconic Bismantova Rock.
At the presentation of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Digital Innovation and Communication Councilor of the Municipality of Bologna, Massimo Bugani, hosted the event, together with the Delegate Councilor for Tourism of the Municipality of Bologna, with the coordination of the Metropolitan Tourist Destination, Mattia Santori, and the Chief Political Secretary of the Presidency of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Giammaria Manghi. Co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno also spoke, along with the Delegate of the CONI Emilia-Romagna Board, Cesare Mattei.
Over the years, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has solidified its reputation as one of the toughest and most regarded mountain bike stage races on the international scene, becoming a major draw for tourism in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. This is evidenced by the consistently high number of international participants who each year tackle the 400 km course with its 13,000 meters of elevation gain, organized by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB.
This year, over 130 athletes have already registered out of a maximum of 150 participants, representing all five continents. Twenty-three nations will be at the start, led by Italy (22), followed by the Netherlands (20) and Belgium (16), with strong contingents from Germany (9), Poland (7), and Sweden (6).
The strength of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race lies right in its ability to attract participants from across the globe, with athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Canada, the United States, Israel, and South Africa joining the race in Bologna on September 2.
Thanks to its technical and challenging format, combined with the warm hospitality of Emilia-Romagna, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race wins the hearts of its participants, many of whom return for subsequent editions or extend their stays in the regions touched by the race.
Additionally, the partnership between the organizers and #InEmiliaRomagna, the brand of the Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board, has successfully promoted the heart of the Apennines over the years, encouraging sports tourism both locally and internationally. This long-term project aims to establish a true territorial brand for the Apennines.
Following feedback from the many athletes who have participated in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race over the years, the organizers of A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB have reduced the total elevation gain to 400 km and 13,000 meters of total elevation gain.
In addition to hosting the start of the mountain bike stage race as in 2019, Bologna will welcome all participants from Sunday, September 1. In the heart of the city, in Sala Borsa, all preliminary athlete accreditation operations will take place, with interviews with the main protagonists of the race and a presentation of the stages awaiting the athletes over the next six days.
From Bologna to Loiano on Monday, September 2, most of the stage will follow the Via degli Dei. A stage of 43 km and 1,500 meters of elevation gain provides a perfect taste of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
Starting from the second stage on Tuesday, September 3, the race will climb into the true Apennine ridge from Loiano to Lizzano in Belvedere, arriving in the village of Vidiciatico. Covering 73 km and 2,350 meters of elevation gain, following the Gothic Line, the scene of resistance during World War II.
On Wednesday, September 4, the Monte Cimone area will be the main feature, starting in Lizzano in Belvedere at the foot of Corno alle Scale and reaching Fiumalbo. Covering 59 km and 2,600 meters of elevation gain, this stage will be a crucial turning point for the general classification, crossing some of the most iconic trails of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
The following day brings the fast and technical loop around Fiumalbo, with a crossing into Tuscany in the Abetone area. Covering 55 km and 1,950 meters of elevation gain, this stage will offer pure fun ahead of the Queen Stage.
On Friday, September 6, the Mountain Queen Stage from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti promises to be the decisive test for the general classification. With its 87 km and 2,850 meters of total elevation gain, the Queen Stage on the penultimate day is likely to create significant gaps or lead to possible final turnarounds.
On Saturday, September 7, the race will conclude beautifully in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock with a 56 km loop and 1,650 meters of elevation gain within the Monte Ventasso area.
The 2024 route remains tough and demanding for all athletes, with long and challenging climbs, technical sections where excellent riding skills will be crucial, and postcard landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
THE SIX STAGES
Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 43 km and 1550 m elevation gain
Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano
Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 73 km and 2350 m elevation gain
Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 59 km and 2600 m elevation gain
Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo
Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 55 km and 1950 m elevation gain
Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo
Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 87 km and 2850 m elevation gain
Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1650 m elevation gain
Saturday, September 7: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
The leader jerseys of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race are once again designed by Natali Sports Wear, continuing a six-year partnership. The blue jersey will be worn by the overall men’s leader, while the pink jersey will go to the top woman. Additionally, three other jerseys are awarded to category leaders: green for the Masters, orange for the Grand Masters, and purple for the Great Grand Masters
Giammaria Manghi, Chief of Political Secretariat of the Presidency of the Emilia-Romagna Region: “Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a competition that promotes the territory of the Apennines in Emilia-Romagna, highlighting its identity and beauty while offering participants the opportunity to experience unique adventures. Events like these are an integral part of the strategy implemented by the Region to promote the Apennines, aiming to contribute to the revival of a territory with great potential.”
Massimo Bugani, Councillor for Digital Innovation of the Municipality of Bologna: “We are proud and pleased to host Appenninica MTB Stage Race, an extraordinary and important event. Right after the Tour de France, Appenninica is the icing on the cake to showcase the beauty of our hills and Apennines, with our city and the San Luca portico once again taking center stage.”
Mattia Santori, Delegate Councilor for Tourism of the Municipality of Bologna, with the coordination of the Metropolitan Tourist Destination: “After hosting the Tour de France, Bologna will also be home to the start of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, another international event that highlights the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. From the city to the mountains, this event promotes outdoor mountain bike tourism, allowing athletes and enthusiasts to discover and enjoy the beauty of our territory.”
Cesare Mattei, Delegate of the CONI Emilia-Romagna Board: “The figures related to cycling sports are continually growing, and the MTB discipline allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the scenic beauty. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race not only enriches the region’s sporting initiatives but also promotes the territory, showcasing our beautiful Apennines and ensuring significant economic benefits.”
Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race:
“The start from Bologna, two months after the historic Grand Départ of the Tour de France, is a great source of pride for us, propelling the Appenninica MTB Stage Race to new heights. This year, our international focus is confirmed with athletes from all over the world, motivated to experience a challenging but fascinating and authentic journey through the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.”