Natali crafts Appenninica’s leaders jerseys

For the third edition in a row, the Tuscan company will be technical sponsor of the Italian MTB stage race and design all the leaders’ jerseys

The partnership continues to florish between Appenninica MTB Stage Race and Natali Sports Wear, a company from Pistoia, Italy, founded in 1968, that in recent years has been experiencing a moment of growth and relaunch alongside prestigious events. As technical sponsor, Natali will dress all the leaders of Appenninica 2021, from September 12 to 18.

Natali has embraced the project of Appenninica since its debut in 2019, grasping its potential of growth on a national and international scale, confident that the format of mountain bike stage races is trending upwards in popularity and prominence.

We believe in the project and the people behind it, and we are convinced that this event will become one of the most important on the Italian scene, and not just for off-road racing – says Marino Palandri, director of Natali Sports Wear -. Appenninica is undoubtedly an event that leaves a positive mark on those who take part in it, and we want to do the same, offering our top range models”.

The leaders of the different categories competing at Appenninica will wear the Top21Rudi model, the most popular Natali jersey in 2020 and 2021, appreciated for its versatility and innovative materials. With micro-perforated stretch front and back guaranteeing high transpirability, the garment is 100% Made in Italy, entirely produced within the Natali factory in Pistoia.

The leader of the men’s general classification will wear the blue jersey, while the leader of the women’s classification will don the red jersey. Furthermore, for the first time this year, there will be leader’s jerseys also for the grand master (orange) and master (green) categories.

Saitta and Steinburg crowned champions of Appenninica 2026

History is made as an Italian wins the Elite men’s race at Appenninica for the first time. The final stage goes to Hans Becking, who climbs to second overall ahead of Marek Sülzle. Among the women, Lola Bakker takes the stage win but the overall title belongs to Steinburg.

Steinburg: queen of stage and standings

Among the women, Steinburg further cements her lead ahead of tomorrow’s finale

Chiarini: from heartbreak to the biggest win

After seeing victory slip through his fingers in Riolunato, Riccardo Chiarini got his revenge in the finest possible way on the 91km and 2900m ending in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Behind overall leader Saitta, the podium battle is wide open.

Steinburg wins and pulls clear

Among the women, Greete Steinburg made her move. Having pulled on the leader’s jersey yesterday, the Estonian took her first stage win of this edition, increasing her margin over Lola Bakker. Mara Parisi remains in contention, sitting third in the overall standings.

Saitta storms in Riolunato

The script for Stage 3 of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race was already written: short, explosive and full of plot twists. That is exactly what unfolded across the 38 km and 1,500 metres of elevation of the Monte Cimone Challenge, a loop around Riolunato held...

Schulz strikes back, Steinburg takes pink

Schulz had slipped more than 21 minutes behind after the opening stage. The American showed resilience and determination to respond immediately, taking victory in Riolunato. The general classification may now be a long shot, but she has firmly re-established herself as one of the riders to watch over the remaining stages.

Win for Becking, Jersey for Spica

Becking had finished third in Vidiciatico, disappointed after failing to hold the wheel of Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica in the finale. On the 65-kilometre route featuring 2,600 metres of elevation gain, however, the Dutchman matched the pace of the Rolling Bike Team duo throughout the day and eventually took advantage of misfortune for the race leader to claim both the stage win and a valuable leap up the standings.

De Souza overcomes adversity

De Souza overcomes a crash to beat Lola Bakker and Greete Steinburg in the women’s race

Sicilian dominance in the Apennines

Saitta leads home teammate Spica and Becking

Appenninica MTB Stage Race gets underway tomorrow in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

The 2026 edition of Italy’s premier MTB stage race starts tomorrow, Monday, June 22. Nearly two hundred competitors will contest five exacting stages across the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, culminating in a grand finale at Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Friday, June 26

Appenninica 2026: the partners behind the race

The Emilia-Romagna’s stage race confirms a comprehensive partner ecosystem, positioning the event as a flagship platform for regional excellence and outdoor tourism. The 2026 edition will take place from June 22 to 26

Brazil’s rising MTB star eyes Appenninica crown on debut

At 23, Luiza Euzebio De Souza makes her Appenninica debut with quiet confidence, returning from injury and leading a record Brazilian contingent