After its debut last year, the town in the province of Bologna will host the conclusion of the 2022 edition on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September. Appenninica MTB Stage Race returns to the Corno alle Scale area, where Alberto Tomba built his greatest successes
People always return where they have had a good time. This is true in life as it is for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, which will conclude its 2022 edition (4-10 September) in Lizzano in Belvedere. After making its debut in last year’s edition, the mountain resort in the Province of Bologna returns as the venue for the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
A great comeback for the town whose name is linked to the Corno alle Scale ski area, where Alberto Tomba used to train. On Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September, Lizzano in Belvedere will decide the 2022 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the last two stage finishes that will define the overall classification.
The athletes will arrive in Lizzano on Friday 9 September, after the start from Porretta Terme, having faced a route of 63 km and 2700 meters of total elevation gain. The stage “Il Corno” will see an initial part of the route on forest paths immersed in the woods, without human settlements, before Km 37 when the athletes face the demanding climb towards the Passo dello Strofinatoio, with the last 500 meters of portage. From there, we will tackle the ridge towards Scaffaiolo Lake before the final slope through trails and single tracks towards the finish.
The seventh and final stage “Monte Pizzo” measures 37 kilometers with 1550 meters of elevation gain. Scheduled on Saturday 10 September, this stage may appear to be the classic final parade, but pitfalls are just around the corner. Starting and finishing from Piazza XXVII Settembre in Vidiciatico, much of the route is set in the natural bike park in a loop that will take the athletes through the “Cuplina” trail twice and the “Albaré” trail once. The grand finale will then take place at the Conca del Sole swimming pool in Vidiciatico.
“Our town strongly believes in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race project, and we are happy to host a stage here again this year. This commitment was also shared with the Metropolitan City of Bologna, whose support for the initiative was key. Our local stakeholders are ready to host athletes and staff to promote the beauty of Corno alle Scale”, said Sergio Polmonari, Mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere.
LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, BETWEEN NATURE, HISTORY, AND SPORTS
The name of Lizzano in Belvedere recalls the Corno alle Scale Natural Park, which from its highest point, at an altitude of 1945 meters asl, offers a stunning view toward North and the Alps, East and West and the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas. In the area, the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acero, which with its monumental trees and nature’s silence, is the ideal place for meditation.
Lizzano in Belvedere was also home to the well-known Italian journalist Enzo Biagi, one of Rai’s most famous characters with his “Il Fatto” program. Italian ski legend Alberto Tomba also used to train in the Corno alle Scale area, where he built his greatest successes: a winning alchemy with this magical territory.