Natali supports Covid-19 fight with thousands of masks

The apparel company from Pistoia, technical sponsor of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race (19-25 July), is giving a significant support to local companies and municipalities

Those who love Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race do not step back in front of challenges, even the steepest ones. Natali Sports Wear’s sake for challenges was made evident already in the first edition of the MTB stage race, immediately stepping in as manufacturer of all the category leaders’ jerseys.

Waiting for the second edition scheduled from July 19th to 25th, the company from Uzzano (Pistoia) is facing an even more challenging battle than the steep climbs of the Emilian Apennines: like many other Made-In-Italy clothing companies, not only of sports, Natali chose to convert its production into sewing sanitary masks.

Since the reconversion, the Tuscan company has already produced 10 thousand masks, delivering them to private companies and local authorities, waiting to complete the certification process in order to supply them also to hospitals and civil protection.

“In this difficult situation we chose to contribute to contain the emergency – Natali Sports Wear Director, Marino Palandri, explained -. We are happy of supporting many companies and organizations in our territory, and soon we hope to help protecting also those who work on the front line against the virus, in hospitals and in civil protection”.

At Appenninica, Natali’s garments have a much different role and scope. “It’s a project we believed in right from the start – Palandri continued -. It is something new for Italy, and we are happy to be alongside the organizers. It is technically one of the most demanding races of this kind in the World, and that’s exactly the kind of challenges we can’t wait to face again”.

Natali’s brand was born in 1968 thanks to the idea of Bruno Natali and Licia Convalle, who opened a knitwear workshop in the basement of their house. Since the early years they have focused on a winning combination of product’s quality and Made in Italy, leading them to celebrate 50 years of life in 2018. Cycling clothing is the core business sector for Natali, but they also operate in other disciplines such as athletics, and wherever there is a challenge to win. Starting from the most important ones.

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