Faenza-born athlete Martino Tronconi and Nicola Taffarel from the Cannondale MTB Professional Team will be participating in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 4-9, 2023) for the first time, aiming to make their mark by focusing on stage victories while also keeping an eye on the overall standings
After years of anticipation, the time has finally come. Martino Tronconi and the Appenninica MTB Stage Race have been acquainted since 2020, but the athlete’s scheduling conflicts had prevented him from participating in the stage race located so close to his home in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. However, 2023 presents the perfect opportunity for Tronconi to embark on this adventure, not only as an athlete but also as the Team Manager of the newly formed Cannondale MTB Professional Team.
From September 4 to 9, 2023, Martino Tronconi, alongside Nicola Taffarel, will show up at Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the ambition to challenge their competitors every step of the way.
“The Appenninica MTB Stage Race has always enticed me, partly due to its proximity to my home, but mainly because previous participants have spoken highly of its organization and the stunning route. After a long pursuit, we have finally secured our presence this year,” says the Team Manager of the Cannondale MTB Professional Team.
Tronconi and Taffarel certainly won’t be mere bystanders but will look to make their mark on the race, which covers 400 km and boasts a total elevation gain of 14,000 meters across six stages.
“Our minimum goal is to secure a stage victory. After the initial 2-3 stages, we will assess our position in the general classification and, if favorable, aim for a prestigious placement,” expresses a determined Martino Tronconi.
The duo from the Cannondale MTB Professional Team possesses the ideal blend of experience and a hunger for success. Previously, 27-year-old Martino Tronconi has performed admirably in similar races, achieving third place at the Swiss Epic 2022 alongside Dario Cherchi and third place at the Andorra MTB Classic 2021 with Johnny Cattaneo.
“The Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s route is one of the most challenging in the world of stage races, particularly due to the unique demands of tackling altitude differences in the Apennines compared to the Alps or Dolomites, making the stages significantly more demanding. I believe that reigning champion Diego Arias will be the athlete to beat. On cards, he has something extra, but we will strive to make it difficult for him, working together as a team,” analyzes Tronconi.
The team will approach the Appenninica MTB Stage Race as an opportunity to fine-tune their condition for the end of the season. After the World Championships in Glasgow, in which they hope to participate in the Italian national team jersey, Tronconi and Taffarel will resume training in mid-August and arrive at the start line in Castelnovo ne’ Monti after the Kronplatz King Marathon.
“Appenninica MTB Stage Race will be a significant fixture in our second half of the season, providing valuable preparation for our upcoming competitions. I believe that tackling a race like this individually, rather than as a duo, brings about substantial tactical changes, with different race dynamics that we must smartly exploit,” explains the Team Manager of the Cannondale MTB Professional Team.
Undoubtedly, after years of anticipation, Martino Tronconi will give his all to ensure that his encounter with the Appenninica MTB Stage Race becomes an unforgettable one.