Appenninica MTB Stage Race inaugurates its Hall of Family

by | Aug 22, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases (2022)

At the end of the 2022 edition (4-10 September), Appenninica will induct the participants who were able to complete the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines for three times as members of the Appenninica Family. An exclusive club that five athletes could join already this year

The Appeninica MTB Stage Race is a challenge to yourself. Those who have already made this experience know how demanding the route of 450 km and 16,000 metres of total elevation gain is, and how much willpower is needed to reach the finish line. Completing Appenninica is an achievement: doing it several times is a real highlander’s feat.

For this reason, the MTB stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines wishes to celebrate those riders who are able to wear the finisher’s medal for three times.

At the end of the 2022 edition, scheduled from 4 to 10 September 2022, the Appenninica “Hall of Family” will be inaugurated. The exclusive club will be reserved to those who have completed the hat-trick, defeating their limits and confirming their love and passion for Appenninica and its places year after year. Members of the Hall of Family will receive unique benefits and opportunities to feel increasingly part of what has become a true family over the years, as well as a place in the history and heart of Appenninica.

“We thought of creating this club to honor those who have decided to put their trust in us and participate in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race for several years. At the end of the 2022 edition, a special medal will be awarded to those who have completed the feat for the third time. We hope to see this community of enthusiasts grow over the years, creating a little hall of fame for our Appenninica Family,” said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, co-organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. 

Among the participants at the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on 4 September, no less than five athletes could reach the prestigious milestone. These include Peter Wouters, owner of 9th Wave Cycling, a sponsor of Appenninica since the first edition, who completed the race in 2019 and 2020, like Poland’s Zbig Mossoczy. Swiss Thomas Jauner will try to earn the triple crown after the 2019 and 2021 editions, the same challenge as Stefan Kiene and Anton Tieleman, both 2020 and 2021 finishers.

In addition to the stage finishes and the final classification, there will be an extra motivation for them: to make Appenninica MTB Stage Race history.

Riders bulletin n.5/2022

by | Aug 21, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.5 📒August 21, 2022

 

This is the fifth rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. We are 13 days out.

 

You can now read the 2022 Rider Guide! It’s at this link (you can download a pdf copy and you’ll get a hard copy when you check in). Please, read it.

 

Remember to subscribe to the Appenninica MTB Telegram channel for updates during the race, links to the stage results, and links to sharable content.

 

The starting list is on the website. Click here.

 

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

Germany’s Fritzsch and Diesner ready to defend the Appenninica crowns

by | Aug 18, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases (2022)

The two winners of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race are ready to take the start again in 2022 (4-10 September) to defend their titles. “Appenninica is a special race, and the Italian welcoming makes all the difference,” said the Germans

Giving it all and leaving nothing behind. With this spirit, Felix Fritzsch and Naima Diesner are preparing to defend the titles they earned on the finish line of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race just under a year ago. The two German riders will be back to the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the 2022 edition (4-10 September), aware that the competition might be even fiercer this time.

For Fritzsch and Diesner, the overall victory in 2021 came in different fashions, but still tasted sweet. In the men’s category, the R2 MTN CREW rider took the title by emerging over the field of the pre-race favorites, proving to be the most consistent athlete throughout the week. In the women’s field, Diesner – now a Buff-Megamo Team rider – dominated the competition, winning four of the seven available stages and distancing the runner-up, Virginia Cancellieri, by nearly an hour.

“Last year, I competed without too many expectations, and I surprised even myself by winning the final classification so I will adopt the same strategy this year. My goal is to give everything and get the best possible result at the end of the seven stages”, said Felix Fritzsch.

On the other hand, Diesner shows more confidence on the heels of last year’s eloquent performance:

“Confirming that achievement will be difficult, but I will do everything to place myself in the top positions again and try to defend the title”.

The pool of contenders promises to be even richer and fiercer in both categories, leading to a more uncertain and spectacular race until the finish line in Lizzano in Belvedere.

“I know it will be very difficult to beat Diego Arias, but anything can happen in such a demanding race with several stages. After a complicated start of the season due to various physical problems, I am also regaining my best shape ahead of the start: I will give everything day by day“, explained Fritzsch.

“Compared to last year, there will be an Olympic athlete like Maaike Polspoel, which raises the level of an already demanding race and makes it even more fascinating. So far, I have had an exciting season, and I hope to continue like this at Appenninica as well”, commented Naima Diesner.

If the build-up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race was different for the two German riders, they once again agreed on the beauty of the race along the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Lizzano in Belvedere, passing through Fanano and Porretta Terme.

“Appenninica is a very well organised race, with a special atmosphere outside the competitive moments. An event that I would definitely recommend to those looking for an exciting race that combines adventure and a breath-taking scenery“, resumed Fritzsch.

“Last year was a magical race for me, thanks to the excellent Italian hospitality and the atmosphere created by the staff. I enjoyed it so much that not only did I want to be back, but also convinced two friends to join me, from Australia and Costa Rica”, echoed Diesner.

The closing line is about the chances of a repeat for the two Germans.

 

“Sharing the podium with a friend like Felix last year was special. Together we talked about returning to Appenninica, and I think it will be great to see us competing for the top positions again”, admitted Diesner.

 

“It will be very tough, but one thing is certain: whoever wins will have deserved the title, 100%”, concluded the King of Appenninica 2021.

Appenninica comes home: Porretta Terme rocks your soul

by | Aug 16, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

On Thursday 8th and Friday 9th September, Porretta Terme will be stage finish and start of 2022 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September). The town in the Province of Bologna is home to ASD Happy Trail MTB, the organizing company of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

The Emilia-Romagna Apennines are the theatre of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and Porretta Terme is home to ASD Happy Trail MTB, the organizing company of the event. That’s why the mountain bike stage race feels at home any time it reaches Porretta Terme: in 2022, the thermal town in the Province of Bologna will be in the spotlight on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th September.

Unlike previous years, the 2022 edition will get to Porretta Terme in the second half of the race. On Thursday, September 8th, the course of the fifth stage, 67 kilometres and 2200 metres of total elevation gain, will start from Fanano (Modena) and will immediately face the ascent towards Fellicarolo, before approaching a technical descent towards the valley of the Ospitale river. From there onwards, the stage will follow the so-called “Gothic Line”, theatre of resistance clashes during the Second World War. Before reaching Porretta Terme, the athletes will engage in the ascent to the picturesque village of Monteacuto delle Alpi, and then launch themselves into two descents: a more technical one first, towards Castelluccio, and a second one, faster, that will head straight to the finish line.

On the following day, Friday September 9th, Porretta Terme will host the start of the sixth stage: Il Corno (The Horn). 63 km long and with 2700 metres of altitude difference, the main protagonist of the stage finishing in Lizzano in Belvedere will be the Corno alle Scale ski area. The stage presents a tough first section with around 30 km of uphill forest roads, to be ridden in untouched nature. At about km 37, the race will turn into a more technical challenge, facing the demanding climb of the Passo dello Stofinatoio (6 km long and 600 metres altitude difference, including a 500 metres portage stint). From there, the athletes will reach the Scaffaiolo Lake before nosediving through trails and single tracks sections towards the finish line.

“Once again, Porretta Terme will host Appenninica MTB Stage Race – commented Giuseppe Nanni, mayor of Alto Reno Terme – Appenninica is now a well-established event, whose roots are grounded in our territory. This adds an extra motivation for us to support this event, an international competition that enhances our wonderful area involving also sectorial media. I wish good luck to all the Appenninica staf and ridersf: Porretta Terme is ready to welcome you!”.

PORRETTA TERME TREATS YOUR SOUL

Among its many facets, Porretta Terme is well-known for its SPA centres and for its water, rich in mineral elements. Even today, it is still possible to visit the underground springs, discovering the secrets of the subsoil and the path of the thermal water. In addition, thanks to the recent collaboration with the Gruppo Monti Salute Più, which is an important Bologna-based company for health and wellness that is renovating the thermal centre, it will be possible for athletes to stay in the Porretta facilities at the end of the fifth stage.

“For Gruppo Monti Salute Più, Porretta Terme is an important hub,” commented Antonio Monti, the company’s Scientific Director, “as we have taken over the ancient thermal centre and we are now aiming to bring it back to the magnificence of the first half of the 20th century, when it was a real gem for the entire area. Collaborating with events like Appenninica, that share our values of sports, mobility and a healthy relationship between humans and environment trhough the Natura World project, allows us to further convey our message and give a boost to an initiative that enhances this territory”.

Furthermore, Porretta Terme can also boast an international music event, the Porretta Soul Festival. Every year since more than 30 years, this festival gathers the best soul and rhythm & blues artists on the international scene, establishing itself as a cult event for the whole town and province.

The Appenninici: from doctor to competitor, the trajectory of Debora Lana

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Highlights

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race characters have plenty of stories to tell, either about life or sports. After taking part in the first two editions as a doctor in the race village, in 2021, Debora Lana decided to face the Appenninica challenge on her bike

While the spirit behind Appenninica MTB Stage Race – the MTB stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, scheduled this year from 4 to 10 September, is to create a friendly and familiar atmosphere where everyone can feel at home, there are different ways to live and enjoy those intense moments. 

Someone who has joined the extended Appenninica family is Debora Lana, a doctor by profession but a passionate biker in her leisure time. After taking part in the first two editions as doctor at the race village, last year, Debora decided to exchange her scrub for a cycling uniform to experience the paths of the Apennines.

“After the first two editions as race doctor, I was curious to try the experience as a participant because I had never competed in mountain bike stage races. Following a specific training program, I decided to try the adventure. I was pleasantly surprised, both for being able to complete it and for the good performance,” said Debora Lana. 

Those who have experienced the Apennines know how much this event can leave an indelible mark, creating lasting memories and relationships. And even more so for those who have lived it in two guises.

“Maybe it is because I have lived the Appenninica experience on both sides that I feel deeply a part of this Appenninica Family. The staff gives you great enthusiasm, creating chances to know people from all over the world with who you can make friends. It is truly a life experience. When you live it within the staff, your commitment is to fulfil the athletes’ needs, trying to be useful for them. When you live it as an athlete, you give it all on the competitive level, to finish the stage in the best possible way”, explained Debora Lana.

Debora Lana liked last year’s experience so much that she plans to repeat it this year, though an injury keeps on the mend her hopes to be at the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on September 4th .

“I am very interested in riding the reverse route. Last year I was a beginner and definitely made some mistakes, but I think it’s important to manage nutrition and integration and to get your body used to the effort, with adequate rest and well-defined rhythms. Last year, the day after Appenninica, I took part in an Mtb Marathon race and won in the distance I had signed up for: it was my eighth Appenninica stage!”

 

Riders bulletin n.4/2022

by | Aug 1, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.4 📒July 28, 2022

 

Hey there,

 

This is the 4th rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. We are 38 days out.

 

Arriving and Parking

See you in Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Saturday, September the 3rd. Come to the accreditation desk between 14:00 and 17:00 in Piazza Gramsci here, near the City Hall. The race briefing is also there at 17:30. If you cannot do otherwise, you can also check in on Sunday morning between 9:00 and 10:00 (the stage starts at 13:00).

 

Parking options for long-term and camper vans:

– Cars and camper vans: parcheggio Piazzale Collodi

This is the long-term parking for those who are parking in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the week.

 

Transfer – Stage 7 location (pre-booked service)

The transfer from location stage 7 is planned for 10:00 on Saturday. Parking and pick-up are by the Conca d’Oro Pool in Vidiciatico. Please park in the lower parking lot.

Please have your bikes assembled – not in the bike bag – and be ready to board at the above time.

 

Transfer – Airport (pre-booked service)

Transfer from Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) is planned for 13:00 on Saturday, September 3rd.

We have a small group of riders coming on Friday and we are arranging a transfer at 20:00. Reply to this email if you are interested.

If you have not sent your flight schedule with the flight number please write to [email protected]. We must have this information (it is not enough that you have booked the transfer).

The meeting point is at the arrival terminal (ground floor). Exit from the sliding doors and gather to your right. You’ll see a staff member with an Appenninica sign.

If you arrive by train you can reach the airport via the monorail called Marconi Express.

 

Accommodation Pre-race

If you still need to find a hotel in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the night of Saturday the 3rd, you can reply to this email.

 

Note: dorms are open after stage 1 on Sunday; Race week hotel packages do not include the pre-race night.

 

Basics and Updates:

  • The starting list is online! Click here.
  • The riders’ bulletins will be saved on the website so that you won’t have to dig them out of your inbox. Make sure you read them all.
  • If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages (only companions who have a companion package can access certain areas).
  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • Read the latest Appenninica news here.
  • Volunteers: do you know anyone who could volunteer? They can do so for the whole race or for a part of it.

Reminders and To Do:

  • Racing license. If you have missed the racing license email you can find it here. If you are buying the daily licenses please have 70 Euro in cash at registration and the medical declaration.
  • Rules. The race rules are published here. Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions.

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

 

It’s always a show in Fanano with “Pippo Yeah 2.0”

by | Jul 27, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

Appenninica MTB Stage Race is ready to return to Fanano, a host town always present since the first edition. On Tuesday, 6 September, Fanano will host the arrival of the High Mountain Queen Stage, while on Wednesday, 7 September, there will be the fun of “Pippo Yeah 2.0”, whose course has been set by Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani

With Castelnovo ne’ Monti and Porretta Terme, Fanano (Modena) is the other stage venue present in every edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race so far. The resort in the Modena Apennines will host the mountain bike stage race again during the next edition, scheduled from 4 to 10 September 2022.

After the first three stages in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the finish line of the High Mountain Queen Stage, the most anticipated stage in the program, will be in Fanano on Tuesday, 6 September. 106 km and 3650 meters of total elevation gain are expected to say a lot about the outcome of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. After a first part in the Province of Reggio Emilia, through the Monte Cusna area and the climb of Monte Giovarello, the race will enter the Province of Modena, reaching the Passo Radici. From here, before the finish line in Piazza Corsini, the athletes will tackle the climb up to Pian Cavallaro, at the foot of Monte Cimone, and then head downhill towards Fanano. 

On Wednesday, 7 September, the “Pippo Yeah 2.0” will offer participants a fun-filled stage according to the style of its creator: famous trail builder Pier Paolo “Pippo” Marani. Along the 55 km and 2200 meters of elevation gain, there will be two challenging climbs to tackle. First, the athletes will ascend to the Colombino Pass (14 km and 900 meters of elevation gain), then tackle a beautiful single track to the hamlet of Ospitale. From there starts the second ascent under one of the most beautiful beech forests of the Apennines towards the Passo della Croce Arcana. In the finale, the route passes the scenic Scaffaiolo Lake and Patrignano Lake with an unmissable view over the valley to the finish in Fanano.

On Thursday, 8 September, Fanano will instead greet the Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan with the start of the stage entitled “Gothic Line“, which will end in Porretta Terme (BO) crossing the Gothic Line, a theatre of the Second World War. 67 km and 2200 meters of elevation gain that start strong by repeating the climb towards Fellicarolo and then return to the valley of the Ospitale stream through a series of technical descents, before a continuous up and down along the Gothic Line.

“Fanano is proud to host Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. This is the only sporting event of an international scale that takes place in our area, and it allows us to give great visibility to the Monte Cimone area. Athletes arrive from Europe and beyond every year to discover our trails and territory. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a fundamental moment for promoting tourism in the area”, says the Mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli.  

FANANO, BETWEEN MONTE CIMONE AND FELICE PEDRONI

Fanano is linked to the Monte Cimone ski resort, where it is possible to practice winter sports, trekking, mountain biking, and outdoor sports. Orange flagged by the Italian Touring Club since 2001, the town in the Province of Modena is also rich in history and culture with the Pieve di San Silvestro and the Church of San Giuseppe. 

However, Fanano’s name is also associated with gold prospector Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in Alaska by finding the largest gold deposit in the area. There, he founded the town of Fairbanks, where most of the population was dedicated to gold panning.

Appenninica the litmus test for Diego Arias’ rainbow dreams

by | Jul 21, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

The Marathon MTB vice-World Champion chose Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September 2022) as final dress rehearsal ahead of the World Championships in Haderslev (Denmark). The Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian looks forward to his debut on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines

Pursuing goals and turning them from dreams into reality requires lots of commitment and effort. Team Hubbers-Polimedical’s Colombian Diego Arias has chosen the challenging Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 (4-10 September 2022) as his final test before chasing his dream of becoming Marathon World Champion.

After his second place at the 2021 World Championships in Capoliveri, the strong Colombian athlete has stepped into a new dimension, and has opted for the altimetric and technical difficulties of the Italian stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines as litmus test before another rainbow charge. Hig goal will be to refine his condition for the 2022 UCI Marathon MTB World Championships, scheduled eight days after the conclusion of Appenninica, on 18 September 2022 in Haderslev, Denmark.

“I think facing the Appenninica MTB Stage Race with the right concentration and spirit can be a great preparation for the World Championships. If we do things right, I think we will arrive in Denmark in top shape. A race like Appenninica must be prepared very well, and you have to be able to manage your energy day after day. It will be crucial to arrive clear-headed at the end of the week”, says the Marathon MTB vice-World Champion.

 

Diego Arias has had a good season so far, with the highlights of the overall success at the Rally di Sardegna, the recent victory at the Assietta Legend and a remarkable second place at the Hero Südtirol Dolomites. There’s little doubt he will line up in Castelnovo ne’ Monti as one of the top favorites for the 2022 Appenninica overall crown.

“My goal is to perform well and fight for the general classification, or at least a place on the podium. I looked at the stages, and it certainly looks like a very hard race. I haven’t red circled any day in particular, we will have to think day by day”, Arias explained.

It will be the first time for the Hubbers-Polimedical team as well at Appenninica, and they hope to hit the ground running.

“We have decided to participate in the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2022 because we believe it is a well organised event, and the perfect dress rehearsal for the Marathon MTB World Championships. We will be at the start with the aim of performing well and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines”, said Hubbers-Polimedical Team Manager Gianfranco Bechis.

Riders bulletin n.3/2022

by | Jul 15, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.3 📒July 15, 2022

 

Hey there,

 

It is mandatory – per race rules and to comply with the Italian Cycling Federation FCI – that all participants have a UCI-approved racing license (UCI logo and number).

 

Therefore, you should get or renew your national cycling federation UCI valid racing license.

You no longer need a letter from your national cycling federation authorizing you to race abroad.

 

The alternative is to buy an event racing license in Italy and it will cost 70 Euro (cash).

In this case, you’ll also need a medical declaration.

 

Often, a national racing license includes additional benefits such as insurance while racing and even training.

 

All that said, we recommend that you obtain a racing license with your national cycling federation (official UCI cycling member).

 

In any case, one or the other is mandatory and if you don’t comply you won’t be able to race.

 

Best regards from the Appenninica team.

Riders bulletin n.2/2022

by | Jul 10, 2022 | Rider's Bulletin (2022)

Riders bulletin n.2 📒July 10, 2022

 

This is the second rider bulletin. These bulletins will provide useful information, news, and mandatory action reminders. We are 56 days out.

 

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

 

July 15 – Last day to add extras to your registration. Go to Active.com and select and pay for any extras (massages, hotels, etc) by that date.

 

July 31 – Last day to make any changes to your registration form. For instance, add your UCI license number.

 

Basics and Updates:

  • On the website, you can find lots of information and we add more useful info periodically. The FAQ page is updated with the questions that we get asked the most.
  • What is included in your race entry is listed under What you get.
  • Extra packages are listed on the website and you’ll be able to book them from your events area in Active.com  that you can also access from your confirmation email. If you have a companion or supporters with you, we offer specific services and packages; click here.

 

Reminders and To Do:

  • Spread the word. Do you know of anyone that could join you? They can join the waiting list on the registration page of the website. Also, follow our social media channels and use #AppenninicaMTB and #Appenninicafamily on your posts. Thank you!
  • Rules. The race rules are published here (you can also download a pdf with the latest and approved race rules). Your acceptance of those rules is implied with your registration.
  • Online registration. We’ll contact you via email If your registration is not complete or if we have questions.
  • Have a look at past editions. You can access the past racecourses on Komoot and connect with us there.

 

Ciao from the Appenninica team!

Three days in Castelnovo ne’ Monti to open Appenninica 2022

by | Jul 6, 2022 | Highlights, Press Releases, Press Releases (2022)

In 2022, the town in the province of Reggio Emilia will host the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race (4-10 September) for the first time. The athletes will kick things off with three days in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock

The story of Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. After staging the grand finale of the last two editions, the town in the Province of Reggio Emilia will hold the start of the 2022 race (September 4-10, 2022) in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock, the iconic mountain to which Dante’s Purgatory was inspired. 

Having been a stage venue of Appenninica every year since the first edition, Castelnovo ne’ Monti showed a neat commitment to the format of the mountain bike stage race on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. This time, Castelnovo will welcome the Appenninica family for no less than three days of racing. 

The first two stages will run along the popular trails of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, highlighting an area rich in history and charm. The much-anticipated third stage, the High Mountain Queen Stage, will also start from Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

On Saturday, September 3rd, the central Piazza Gramsci will already come alive with the preliminary operations and the expo area with all the local associations involved in promoting outdoor activities.

Piazza Gramsci will be the venue of the start and finish of the first stage on Sunday, September 4th, when the athletes will ride through the territories of Matilda di Canossa’s reign, among castles and ancient routes. La Matildica, with its 52 km and 1850 meters of elevation gain, will warm the athletes’ legs around the iconic Bismantova Rock, touching the Castle of Carpineti. It will be continuous hilly ups and downs alongside Monte Fosola and the long bank of the Secchia river.

The following day, Monday, September 5th, another loop stage with start and finish in Castelnovo ne’ Monti will take place. The 62 kilometers and 2350 meters of elevation gain of The Rock stage will considerably raise the bar, through the ascent to the Monte Ventasso and the passage over the scenic Calamone Lake before reaching the crest of the Monte Pastorale. Again, a sequence of ups and downs will take the athletes from the highest point of the course back to the finish line. 

On Tuesday, September 6th, Castelnovo ne’ Monti will greet the Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan before the athletes tackle the most challenging stage of the 2022 edition, the High Mountain Queen Stage (105 km and 3650 meters of elevation gain) with arrival in Fanano (Modena). On the route, Passo della Cisa, Monte Cusna, and Pian Cavallaro are just some of the difficulties that could completely overturn the general classification.  

“We are delighted to host the Appenninica MTB Stage Race in Castelnovo ne’ Monti for the fourth straight year. We believe mountain biking has the Apennines as its territory of choice, with routes in untouched natural environments, through towns and villages rich in history, art, and culture, inhabited by welcoming people. Sports are a key vehicle to the promotion of these territories: we look forward to having the participants of Appenninica MTB Stage Race back with us in September,” said Enrico Bini, mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti. 

CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI, BETWEEN HISTORY AND MAGIC

Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the surrounding territories are full of history and magic, starting with the Bismantova Rock, which, according to tradition, inspired Dante’s Purgatory during a stay of the poet in 1306, as also reported in the Canto IV of the Divine Comedy’s Purgatory. The Castelnovo area also boasts several fortresses and castles, once part of the reign of Matilda of Canossa, between 1000 and 1100 AD.

The medieval town’s historical center is definitely worth a visit. It was renovated in recent years, and it offers some truly characteristic views. Among these is the Palazzo Ducale, immersed in the green gardens of Bagnolo, built by the Este family as a symbol of their domination over the territory, and is now the venue of Castelnovo’s City Hall.

The Appenninici: from Hong Kong to Emilia-Romagna, falling in love at Appenninica

by | Jul 1, 2022 | Highlights

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race characters have plenty of stories to tell, either about life or sport. In 2021, Mark Leeper enjoyed a relaxing time in Castelnovo ne’ Monti at the end of a race week that he describes as “the best stage race I have ever done”

Cycling allows discovering places that remain stuck in the memory and heart. The purpose of Appenninica MTB Stage Race is to lift the veil on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, its landscapes and beauty, showcasing them to the many athletes who each year participate in the stage race, scheduled in 2022 from September 4th to 10th.

Among them, some couldn’t resist the allure of the Apennines, and once the efforts of Appenninica were over, they didn’t hesitate to stay a few more days to enjoy it in a more relaxed and relaxing way. This was the case of Mark Leeper, a participant of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race coming from Hong Kong, who has found his wellbeing oasis in Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

“Last year, I took the time to stay over in Castelnovo ne’ Monti after the Appenninica MTB Stage race, enjoying excellent food and convenient coffee shops for remote work with my laptop. All the riders need recovery time after such a challenging event. There’s nothing better than spending some extra few days in the final destination town rather than immediately returning home. Riding around Emilia Romagna at Appenninica showed me many different sides of this beautiful Italian region and made it worth another visit in the future”, said Mark Leeper. 

The Appenninica route crosses typical places in the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna, among villages and high-altitude ridges. After participating in several mountain bike stage races worldwide, Mark Leeper, like other participants, has fallen in love with the perfect mix of untouched landscapes and technical routes.

“At Appenninica, you find more technical trails than in the Alps or the Dolomites. Such a beautiful combination of speed, flow and technical challenge is hard to find. The tough, steep and rocky route made Appenninica MTB the best multi-day mountain bike race I have ever done. For me, it was better than the Cape Epic, Swiss Epic, TransRockies and the BC Bike Race”, explained Mark Leeper, a rider with plenty of experience all over the World. 

The Happy Trail MTB ASD organizers have always committed to the family and convivial atmosphere during the race week. Over the years, this has enabled friendships and bonds to be forged among competitors, organizers, and insiders, creating a true Appenninica Family. In his experience in the Italian stage race, Mark Leeper also perceived this atmosphere.

“The group of Appenninica MTB Stage Race starters is smaller in numbers, but the organizational team is truly excellent. These two aspects contribute to a very special atmosphere, enhanced by efficient logistics, excellent refreshments, and genuine hospitality. Every day there are many opportunities to meet up with other athletes in the race, especially over dinner. And I can’t wait to come back”, Mark Leeper commented.