The municipalities hosting the Appenninica Race Village are middle-mountain towns, spas and medieval villages. Each town is unique in its own way and unforgettable, surrounded by the beauty of national parks, mountains, and lakes.
“Without the support and active participation of these communities, the Appenninica would not have a home and a chance to become a race of reference in the international MTB scene.
Milena Bettocchi – Organizer Appenninica MTB Stage Race
These areas are still to be discovered by the international mountain bike community. Thanks to all participants and supporters, this event will have a positive and direct economic impact on local businesses.
Three Emilian provinces are crossed by Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race: the start is in Porretta Terme (Bologna), before moving to Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna), Fanano (Modena); then, Cerreto Laghi in the municipality of Ventasso and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, both in the province of Reggio Emilia.
PORRETTA TERME (BOLOGNA)
It is the most populous village of the Alto Reno Terme municipality. It is renowned for its thermal waters, the green of the woods, and the picturesque villages nestled in the mountains. The EDEN project has awarded it as an “excellence” destination for sustainable tourism. Porretta Terme, in particular, is the home to some remarkable musical events such as the Porretta Soul Festival and several others. The local gastronomy is wealthy of typical products and is positively contaminated by Emilia and Tuscany’s culinary traditions. Also, there is a suggestive network of mountain biking or trekking trails in an unspoiled environment.
LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE (BOLOGNA)
Lizzano in Belvedere is a little town situated on the border among three provinces: Bologna, Modena e Pistoia. On its territory stands the summit of famous ski resort of Corno alle Scale (1945 mt.). Thanks to the perfect combination of nature and traditions, Lizzano in Belvedere is a small mountain oasis, an ideal place for mountain biking or walking. Just 19 kilometres from the town centre, a wonderful view over the Apennines and Apuan Alps can be enjoyed from the banks of the scenic Scaffaiolo Lake. Lizzano in Belvedere gave birth to renowned Italian journalist and writer Enzo Biagi (1920-2007).
FANANO (MODENA)
It is a mountain municipality, surrounded by the nature of the Parco dell’Alto Appennino Modenese and located at the foot of Mount Cimone, which is the highest point touched by the race with 2165-metre-altitude. Trekking and orienteering are typical sports in Fanano, since there are many trails for the more experienced but also no less fascinating paths for families. There are also Mountain Bike routes that create links with other municipalities on the slopes of Cimone, such as the demanding 45-km-long track called “Ring of Cimone” through the territories of Fanano, Sestola, Montecreto and Riolunato.
CERRETO LAGHI (REGGIO EMILIA)
Cerreto Laghi is a village of the Ventasso municipality. It is a renowned ski resort in the middle of Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, on the Cerreto Pass slopes. Cerreto Laghi lies around one of several glacial lakes in the area, formed the melting of ancient glaciers. Easily accessible from both Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, the ski resort was built in the 1950s, and today offers facilities for both alpine and cross-country skiing. During summer, Cerreto Laghi is a perfect place for hiking and trekking.
CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI (REGGIO EMILIA)
Castelnovo ne’ Monti sits between the valleys of Secchia and Enza, Reggio Emilia, and the Cerreto Pass. It is nestled in the green of three conifers, including the famous Pineta di Monte Castello, where a Matildic era’s tower and support walls can be found. The heart of the entire landscape is the Bismantova Stone, a superb grey sandstone rocky emergency that stretches on the top in a flat plateau. Many sports disciplines can be practiced, from trekking to jogging, passing through horse riding and cycling trails around the Bismantova Stone, which is also a perfect place for those who love climbing on the rock.