The Greek rider of DMT Racing Team won the second stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021 with a decisive attack in the descent towards Lizzano in Belvedere. German Felix Fritzsch remained atop the GC, closing 43″ behind today’s winner. Naima Diesner won the stage and took over the jersey among women
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
On the slopes of Corno alle Scale, Emilia-native former skier Alberto Tomba laid the foundations of his amazing career. On the descent towards Lizzano in Belvedere, Greek Ilias Periklis used his skills to launch the decisive attack to win the second stage of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race on Monday, September 13th. The DMT Racing Team rider completed the 55km and 2540m elevation gain stage in 3:17:36, 43 seconds ahead of stage one winner Felix Fritzsch (RSG 52 Stolberg). After surprising everyone in the opening stage, the German confirmed his good form and kept the leader’s jersey in the general classification.
As expected, it was the long 33km climb on the way to Corno alle Scale that made the difference, with Periklis setting the pace and putting his rivals on the back foot. On the second ascent to Monte Cupolino, overall leader Felix Fritzsch was able to get back to him, but on the downhill the Greek, 2012 Marathon World Champion, sprinted hard to gain the 43 seconds needed to win the second stage. On the third step of today’s podium, with a 11:09 minutes delay from the winner, was Italian Elia Taverna (Asd Bike and Fund Team).
Credits: Marius Holler / The Outdoor Lab
“It was a long stage, harder than yesterday’s, and around the halfway of the race I started to raise the pace to make a selection,” said Ilias Periklis at the finish line. “On the last climb I lost time and Fritzsch came back, so I had to work even harder to shake him off and win this stage. There are five more difficult days ahead and the terrain is very technical with several fun singletrack sections, so we’ll see what the Apennines have in store for us tomorrow”.
The challenge between Periklis and Fritzsch promises to be a fierce one over the next few days as the Greek is only 2:23 minutes behind in the overall standings and there are plenty of kilometres and difficulties to change that. Finishing the Lizzano stage more than 14 minutes behind the race leader, Dutchman Bart Classens lost further ground, but still remains third in the general classification with a delay slightly under 20 minutes. “I was close to Periklis on the final climb, but I couldn’t keep up with him on the descent” Fritzsch analysed, “anyway I’m still happy to be leading the general classification“.
The women’s race was a revolution, as Virginia Cancellieri (Orbea Factoring Team) had to give up the leader’s jersey to German Naima Diesner. The Tuspo Weemde team rider completed the second stage in 4:13:48, beating the Italian by 9:57 minutes. After having narrowly lost out to Cancellieri in the opening time trial, the German jumped to the top of the standings with an advantage of 8:51minutes thanks to her performance in “Il Corno” stage, which leaves the situation still open for the next stages. Further behind was Evelyn Sulzer, who paid 19:37 to the winner at the finish in Lizzano (third position) and has a gap of more than half an hour in the general classification.
“Today was a really tough stage with a hard climb and a very technical descent, that I really enjoyed – commented Naima Diesner after the finish -. Virginia (Cancellieri) rides really well and she’s very strong, so I think there’s all the ingredients for a tough challenge between us. I’m very happy to wear the leader’s jersey today“.
Credits: Juan J. Pestaña / The Outdoor Lab
FROM LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE TO FANANO: THE ECSTASY OF GOLD
The Appenninica MTB Stage Race family will get back in action tomorrow Tuesday, September 14th: from Lizzano in Belvedere, the athletes will face a tricky stage of 50 km and 2300 meters of total elevation gain to Fanano, with the efforts starting to pile up after three tough days on saddle.
The heart of the third stage is the ascent to Monte Cimone, with 15km of long regular ascent. From the summit, there will be several ups and downs inside the Cimone Bike Park, that could be challenging and make a selection. Before the finish line in Fanano, the race will also pass through the village of Trignano, from where the brave Felice Pedroni left seeking gold in Alaska and to whom the stage called “Gold Rush” is dedicated.
German Felix Fritzsch won the opening of Appeninica MTB Stage Race, ahead of big names such as Ilias Periklis and Bart Classens. Virginia Cancellieri was the first Italian to win an Appenninica stage in the “solo” category
Credits: Juan J. Pestaña / The Outdoor Lab
Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021 delivered a surprising opening on Sunday, September 12th, in the individual time trial in Porretta Terme (40 km and 1600 metres of elevation gain). The best time was set by German Felix Fritzsch, the only athlete to beat the 2-hour limit with a 1:58:59 time. The rider of the RSG 52 Stolberg team surprised all the most valued opponents, confirming a special feeling with the Emilia-Romagna Apennines after the victory at the Rally di Romagna in 2018, and having finished last May’s edition in fourth place.
Two riders among the favourites, Ilias Periklis (DMT Racing Team) and Bart Classens (MTB Club Licht Verzet), completed the podium with 3:05 and 3:59 delays. respectively. After last year’s crash in the second stage, which ended his experience at Appenninica, Fritzsch came back aiming at finishing the race. Fate gave him an immediate thrill: he’s the first leader of the 2021 edition.
“I’m definitely surprised, I didn’t realise I went this fast but I’m excited for the win – admitted the German rider at the finish line -. I hope I can defend the lead, but I’ll be thinking day by day. Today’s course was very demanding, with a tough climb and several singletrack sections on the descent. Definitely a good start, let’s see what happens in the next days“.
In the women’s category, the first day marked a first time. In fact, Virginia Cancellieri became the first Italian woman ever to win a stage at Appenninica MTB in the solo formula. The Orbea Factory Team rider came to the Apennine to enjoy the race and have fun in the wonderful landscapes of the area, but she started strong and she’s going play her cards until the end.
Cancellieri covered the 40-km distance of the TT opening stage in 2:31:08, with a 1:05 advantage over German Naima Diesner (Tuspo Weemde) and 12:33 over Austrian Evelyn Sulzer. This trio likely includes the final winner, also given the last-minute forfait of ultracyclist Elena Novikova, due to physical issues.
“I really liked the course, it reminded me of my home paths in Liguria – commented the Italian after the finish line – I came here to have fun after a very busy month, to set my mind off and to just enjoy the race. I will keep riding this way even aftwer today’s success, but I can’t hide I’m very proud of the result and of being able to wear the leader jersey tomorrow”.
Credits: Juan J. Pestaña / The Outdoor Lab
FROM PORRETTA TO LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE: THE RACE SPICES UP
After the “Porretta Soul” starter, Appenninica MTB Stage Race is getting to its main courses. Starting from tomorrow Monday, September 13th, the altitude will be increasing, taking the race to wonderful landscapes on the Apennines’ crests. Main feature of the second stage, starting from 9.00 am CET from Porretta and running for 55 km (2540 m elevation gain) up to Lizzano in Belvedere – birthplace of famous journalist and writer Enzo Biagi -, is the Corno alle Scale mountain, after which the stage is named (Il Corno).
The peak of 1830 m a.s.l. will be reached after an endless 33 km climb, the longest of this 2021 edition. From the breath-taking panorama of the Crinale Massimo, the riders will get to Lago Scaffaiolo and then quickly descend to the finish line in Lizzano. After this stage it will be possible to have a better picture of the favorites in the race: the time to hide is already over.
From September 12th to 18th, Appenninica MTB Stage Race will take the best of MTB world to the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Porretta Terme will host the great start, finale on the Bismantova Rock
Everything is set for the start of the third edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Tomorrow, Sunday, September 12th, 2021, the MTB stage race on the paths of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will take off from Porretta Terme. A route of 420 km and 16,000 metresof total elevation gain until the finale of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Saturday, September 18th, when the Bismantova Rock will be judging the best bikers in the world. In between, there will be seven very demanding and technical fractions that will touch five stage locations (together with the one mentioned before, there will be Lizzano in Belvedere, Fanano and Cerreto Laghi).
The Organising Committee led by Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi is aiming once again at a formula that combines a high competitive level with the adventurous spirit of a unique experience. Thanks also to the partnership with the Emilia-Romagna Region, Appenninica intends to become more and more a promotional event for the territory and tourism in the Apennines, communicating through sport the beauties of an area that is still little known.
The participants are of the highest level, with the athletes of the DMT Racing Team among the main favourites after last year’s double win. The Greek Ilias Periklis, 2012 Marathon World Champion will try to repeat what Hans Becking and Tiago Ferreira did in 2020. Among the 106 contestants, Milton Ramos is another man to watch out for, thanks to his knowledge of the race and the fact that he finished just outside the podium last year. The outsiders include American Gordon Wadsworth and Dutchman Bart Classens, who leads an “orange” patrol of 22 athletes.
In the women’s category, the 1993 born Evelyn Sulzer is favoured by the odds and will try to repeat the exploits of Esther Süss, who dominated in 2020. Among those who could challenge her, are Wadsworth’s American teammate Emily Hairfield and German Naima Diesner. On behalf of Italy, Virginia Cancellieri will try to reach the podium.
THE ROUTE
On Sunday, September 12th, 2021, Porretta Terme will host the Appenninica MTB Stage Race start with the “Porretta Soul” stage, a 45 km individual time trial (1,645 mt of elevation gain) dedicated to the Porretta Soul Festival. A symbol of Porretta Terme area, the Monte Cavallo climb will be immediately tackled by the riders while the stage will continue through the thick surrounding woodlands, enjoying high altitude views of the mountains and Reno valley.
The first real taste of Apennine ridge will be scheduled on Monday, September 13th with stage 2, 57 km and 2,340m of elevation gain from Porretta Terme to Lizzano in Belvedere. Named the “Corno”, the second stage’s protagonist is the Corno alle Scale mountain, with its wide and emotional views.
On Tuesday, September 14th, the Appenninica 2021 riders will move from Lizzano in Belvedere to Fanano with a very technical stage of 57km and 2,500m of elevation gain. The track goes continuously up and down through different terrains, with versatility required to be ready for any situation.
Designed by famous trail builder Pierpaolo “Pippo” Marani, the spectacular “Pippo Yeah” stage will return on Wednesday, September 15th. With a route of 50 km and 2,300m of elevation gain, one of the most appreciated stages of the 2020 edition will again show the beautiful landscapes around Fanano, entertaining the riders on the breathtaking single tack downhill to the town center.
From Fanano to Cerreto Laghi, the “High Mountain Queen Stage” scheduled on Thursday, September 16th, will be the real test bench for those who aspire to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race overall. The athletes will face 95km and 3,600m of elevation gain on a track wholly charted at high altitude, smooth and incredibly scenic.
After the great effort, on Friday, September 17th, the “Park&Roll” will move to Castelnovo ne’ Monti through a less challenging stage, 65km and 1,600m of elevation gain. After the first uphill part, the riders will go downhill through the trails of Cervarezza Bike Park from Lake Calamone, enjoying the Bismantova Rock view from afar.
On Saturday, September 18th, the epilogue is the “Purgatory” stage, dedicated to Dante Alighieri on the 700th anniversary of his death. The name of the stage says everything: to reach the “Paradise”, finishing (or even winning) the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, the riders have to tame the Bismantova Rock, riding in the shadow of the mountain that inspired Dante’s Purgatory before tasting the glory at Castelnovo ne’ Monti.
After the fourth place from last year, the Honduran rider returns to Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12-18). “A huge challenge immersed in a wonderful setting”
Last season, Milton Ramos had won the sympathy of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race family and fans thanks to his attitude and enthusiasm. This year, the Honduran rider had circled the Italian MTB Race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines from September 12 to 18 as a can’t-miss fixture of his season.
The 42-year-old Honduran, based in Spain, is ready to face the steep challenge of Appenninica, after the beautiful experience of the last edition. “Appenninica is a great sports event, immersed in wonderful landscapes: a perfect stage race for MTB lovers”, said Milton Ramos. – “Last year, I took part in the Appenninica for the first time in my career, and I also had the opportunity to visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello on the occasion. I was surprised by the unspoiled nature, that gave me an incredible feeling”.
Other than the landscapes and the local cuisine, there were more things standing out to the eyes of the ‘Zorro of the Desert’, like the technical level of the racecourses. “I think Appenninica could more again in the coming years, rising among the most important MTB stage races in the world”, commented Milton Ramos.
After discovering the demanding courses of Appenninica 2020, Ramos had the opportunity to see the routes of the 2021 edition thanks to Appenninica Preview, the adventurous recce ride organized by the content creators’ crew of The Outdoor Lab, joined by friends and guests from the MTB world. Ramos tested the first stages of the 420-Km course, characterized by 16.000 mt of elevation gain. “I saw a new section which I think is very attractive, in addition to the trails characterizing last year’s route”.
After grazing the podium in 2020, Milton Ramos promises to battle for more in 2021. Waiting for the Apennines verdict, one thing is certain for the Honduran biker: “Appenninica 2021 will be an amazing experience”.
The town in the Province of Reggio Emilia, renowned for the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Rock), will host the grand finale of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with the finish of the two decisive last stages
An epic race deserves a Dantesque finale. It will be Castelnovo ne’ Monti, famous for the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Rock), which is told to have inspired Dante’s Purgatory, to host the last two stages of Appenninica MTB Stage Race (12-18 September 2021). For the town in the Province of Reggio Emilia, this is the third participation in three editions of Appenninica, which by now feels at home on the hard trails of the Reggio Emilia Apennines.
After the hard work of the previous five days, the athletes will reach Castelnovo ne’ Monti on Friday September 17th, during the “Park & Roll” stage, run entirely within the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano. 65 km and 2050 meters of elevation gain with a last stretch inside the Cervarezza Bike Park with a view on the Pietra di Bismantova.
The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th, 2021, with the “Purgatory” stage: of 50 km and 1600 meters of elevation gain. Leaving the town, the route climbs up to Monte Fosola and then continues along the ridge to the Matildic Castle of Carpineti. To celebrate the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death, the stage will also tackle the climb towards the Pietra di Bismantova in the final part of the race and then experience some spectacular and unprecedented final kilometres through the narrow streets and stairways of Castelnovo’s historic centre, before the finish line in Piazza Peretti, decreeing the winners of Appenninica 2021.
“We are really pleased to host a stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race again – said the Mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Enrico Bini -. This year’s presence is particularly significant because the last stage passes in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock, a few days after the 700th anniversary of Dante’s passing on September 14th, 1421. Appenninica is part of the activities of our project, Castelnovo ne’ Monti “a town for sports”. Mountain biking is a growing trend in our area, with many hotels now equipped to suit the needs of many riders coming to seize the opportunities of the Apennine ridge.”
CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI, BETWEEN HISTORY AND DANTE
The symbol of Castelnovo ne’ Monti is the Pietra di Bismantova (Bismantova Rock) which, according to tradition, inspired Dante’s Purgatory during a visit by the poet in 1306, as also reported in a passage from Canto IV of the Purgatory of the Divine Comedy.
The town has medieval origins, which can still be found today in the archaeological remains of structures from that time. These include the Felina Castle, which in 870 became the property of a close relative of Emperor Ludovico II. Today, only the tower known as “Il salame” (the salami) remains. Here, in 1409, Michele Attendolo Sforza put the head of his Parma enemy Ottobono Terzi on a pike.
The mountain bike stage race scheduled from September 8th to 12th is an opportunity to taste the best cooking products of Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
The bond between Appenninica MTB Stage Race and its territory is not only in the wonderful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines but can also be enjoyed when you sit down for dinner, after the efforts of a stage. The cuisine and gastronomic excellence represent an added value for the mountain bike stage race, thanks to the many PDO and PGI products of one of the most prosperous areas in Italy.
The products of the great Emilia-Romagna cuisine will also be at Appenninica, thanks to the prestigious partnerships reached by the organising committee in collaboration with Emanuela Zannoni. One of the most important new entries of this edition is Barilla, which will supply the Appenninica family with its best products for the pasta parties at the end of the stages. The excellence and the quality of Made in Italy is exported by Barilla all over the worldwide, thanks to its unique heritage.
As usual, the opening of the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel will be a ritual moment at Appenninica. The Latteria Sociale Carnarola, Caseificio del Parco, Casteificio Sociale Fior di Latte and Caseificio Sociale La Querciola will supply the mountain variety of the world-famouse cheese from the Apennines, whose production area extends along the entire race route, with high mountain pastures and a processing method synonymous with quality and authenticity.
Sportspeople know how rehydration is after hours of sporting activity, which is why the Sem Group, one of the leading operators in Italy in the bottling of water and soft drinks will be alongside Appenninica. Sem produces and distributes Monte Cimone natural mineral water, oligomineral water with a low mineral component. In the stages of Fanano, Cerreto Laghi and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the athletes will quench their thirst with water flowing inside the Parco Naturale dell’Alto Appennino Modenese at over 935 metres above sea level. The Monte Cimone water is bottled with an eco-sustainable process to reduce the impact of plastic containers on the environment as much as possible.
Coop Alleanza 3.0 will supply with its Vivi Verde range those who prefer organic and natural products. The Medici Ermete winery will award the category winners with a mangum of Concerto-Lambrusco Reggiano DOC organic wine. It will be possible to taste both dry Assolo-Reggiano DOC and dry Quercioli Reggiano-Lambrusco DOC during the dinners, among the best wine products of the Apennine territory.
The traditional balsamic vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO of the G&G Acetaia is another prized product of the area to taste in the final dinner, at the end of the last stage in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. GSI Casa Modena Salumi is also a partner to Appenninica, offering participants the unique flavours of its products, and the production experience handed down from generation to generation, combining tradition and innovation.
“Healthy and safe food is synonymous with quality. Supporting events like Appenninica it’s important, because they combine sports activity and the promotion of health and healthy food in Emilia-Romagna, a land rich with great products with the PDO and PGI marks. Promoting the territory means not only enhancing the beauty of the landscape and the opportunities it offers, but also the quality of its cuisine”, explained the Italian MP Antonella Incerti, member of the Italian Parliament’s Agriculture Commission and representative of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
The famous ski resort in the municipality of Ventasso will host Appenninica MTB Stage Race for the first time, with the finish of the most challenging test, the High Mountain Queen Stage, and the start on the following day
Located in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, the famous ski resort of Cerreto Laghi is ready to make its debut at Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The hamlet of Ventasso, in the province of Reggio Emilia, is one of the five stage venues of the 2021 edition, to be held from September 12th to 18th. With its excellent facilities both for winter sports and to enjoy nature and outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain biking, the territory of Cerreto Laghi is rich in glacial lakes, as suggested by its toponymy, offering breath-taking views and water sheets to experience moments of peace and relaxation.
For its debut in the mountain bike stage race, Cerreto Laghi is ready to host, on Thursday 16 September, the finish of the most awaited effort: the High Mountain Queen Stage. After the start in Fanano, the athletes will face 95 km and 3,600 metres of elevation gain, touching the two highest peaks of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, Mount Cimone (2,165 m) and Mount Cusna (2,121 m), while enjoying the scenery of a wild territory. Approaching Cerreto Laghi, there will also be room for several fun stretches of single track, which is ideal after so many kilometres.
On Friday, September 17th, the caravan of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will start again from Cerreto Laghi to face the “Park & Roll“, fully located in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, fraction up to Castelnovo ne’ Monti: 65 Km and 1900 meters of elevation gain, with a challenging early section around Monte Cavalbianco.
“As the Municipality of Ventasso, we are very pleased of having Cerreto Laghi in the Appenninica MTB route, as our territory sees tourism as a crucial asset“, explained the Mayor of Ventasso, Antonio Manari. “Cerreto Laghi is well known and established for winter tourism, but I think it is essential to invest in another type of outdoor tourism such as mountain biking, which is rapidly growing in our territory. This important opportunity will help us to strengthen our destination, which we would like to qualify more and more as an ideal location for cycling lovers.”
BETWEEN WATER SOURCES AND MUSHROOMS COMPETITIONS
Immersing oneself in nature and landscapes is a must during a stay in Cerreto Laghi, enjoying enchanting places such as the Sorgenti del Secchia, a large basin of glacial water. There are about ten water areas in the surroundings, all easily walkable through hiking trails such as the Valle del Riarbero, where the water erosion has created an enchanting landscape.
Every year, Cerreto Laghi hosts the World Mushroom Championship, an event dedicated to the typical product that grows abundantly in the woods of these territories. The contest, whose 9th edition will take place in 2021, is a mushroom picking competition organised by the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park.
Winner last year with Hans Becking, Andrea Marconi’s team will be at the start of the 2021 edition (September 12th-18th, 2021) with 2012 UCI MTB Marathon World Champion Ilias Periklis and German Vinzent Dorn
If winning is hard, repeating is even harder. Andrea Marconi’s DMT Racing Team is ready to defend the title won last year by Hans Becking on the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. From September 12th to 18th, 2021, the Italian team will take part in the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, with a duo formed by experienced Greek Ilias Periklis and 24-year-old German Vinzent Dorn.
“By just checking the route, it’s hard to claim our ambitions. Appenninica will offer a great chance to test ourselves on challenging routes and prepare for the UCI MTB Marathon World Championships on Elba Island, taking place a few weeks later on October 2nd, 2021. Being at Appenninica is also a way to support a growing and ambitious event, and we are pleased of the opportunity to join an all-Italian MTB stage race”, explained Andrea Marconi.
After the positive experience of last year, when DMT Racing took the first and second overall spots with Hans Becking and the 2016 UCI MTB Marathon World Champion, Tiago Ferreira, Andrea Marconi made a call ahead of the 2021 edition: “Appenninica is a growing event that showcases semi-unknown gems and locations to the whole World. I would like all Italian teams to take part in this kind of events, as this would be a boost for the Italian MTB movement as a whole.”
On September 12th, 2021, at the start of Porretta Terme, the DMT Racing Team title defense will be started by Ilias Periklis, 2012 UCI MTB Marathon World Champion in Ornanas (France), and German Vinzent Dorn, a duo that combines experience and willingness to emerge. “Periklis is an established and successful rider, who has the experience and knows how to handle himself over the course. Dorn is a young rider with a great desire to show himself and achieve important goals”, explained Marconi.
The 420 km and 16,000 metres of elevation gain will test Marconi’s team ambitions for an encore: for sure, the Emilia-Romagna Apennine is an uncompromising judge.
The performance beer created for sportspeople by Simone Bertin is sponsor of Appenninica’s 2021 edition: a balanced product that restores energy without glycaemic spikes
Is there any better than a cold beer after an Appenninica stage? For the 2021 edition (September 12th– 18th, 2021), the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s organising committee will delight its riders with a special and balanced product, developed specifically for them by La Orange.
DeQou Action Beer is the first handcrafted performance beer with an alcohol content of only 3,5% vol., rich in magnesium and potassium with a double ratio of maltodextrin. This beer releases energy without causing a glycaemic spike, thanks to an innovative production brewing method based on university research and development.
“Thanks to its wealth in elements, beer has been used for thousands of years to integrate and replenish minerals and energy in a pleasant way. DeQou Action Beer is the first performance beer specifically developed and brewed in Italy to combine taste, emotion and nutrition. The low alcohol combined with the high maltodextrin level makes it the perfect beer for recovery after a long sports session. We are sure that even the tireless participants of Appenninica will enjoy a sip of energy and “beerness” at the end of their efforts”, said Simone Bertin, CEO of La Orange.
DeQou Action Beer will be present at every stage of Appenninica with a special can, customized for the mountain bike stage race. La Orange returns to Appenninica’s family after having been a sponsor in the first edition.
The sportive town in the Province of Modena renews its bound with Appenninica MTB Stage races, hosting two starts and two finishes of the upcoming 2021 edition
The special relationship between Fanano and Appenninica MTB Stage Race continues for the 2021 edition (September 12th-18th, 2021), when the town in the province of Modena will host three stages of the mountain bike stage race. Fanano is a small mountain municipality at the foot of Monte Cimone, located in the Alto Appennino Modenese Natural Park. Orange flag of the Italian Touring Club since 2001 for its environment, this municipality is renewed as hometown of the Italian gold miner Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in the United States at the beginning of the last century during the gold rush.
Appenninica MTB Stage Race will reach Fanano on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021, at the end of stage 3, “Gold Rush”, with 57 km and 2500 metres of elevation gain, starting from Lizzano in Belvedere. Before the arrival, the bikers will face the ascent of Monte Cimone, passing through the village of Trignano, birthplace of Felice Pedroni. This stage is characterized by exhausting ups and downs where athletes will have to be ready to face any scenario.
The following day, Wednesday, September 15th, 2021, the “Pippo Yeah!” stage returns to Appenninica after last year’s success. Entirely charted by famous trail builder Pippo Marani, the stage of 50 km and 2300 metres of elevation gain is byword of pure fun with two ascents towards the Passo Colombino and Passo Croce Arcana, although the 15 km of downhill on a single track will be decisive.
Fanano will say goodbye to Appenninica on Thursday, September 16th, 2021, hosting the start of the “High Mountain Queen Stage”, 95 km and 3600 metres of elevation gain with finish in Cerreto Laghi. The athletes will immediately face the challenging ascent towards the summit of Monte Cimone (17 km of climb for an elevation gain of over 1000 metres).
“We believed in the Appenninica project from the start because it is a worldwide platform for us to promote our territory. Here in Fanano we have about 300 km of trails of different difficulties that we keep clean with effort and dedication, but thanks to Appenninica, we can give a touristic boost to this offer and commitment. This is the moment of the Apennines, an ideal area to enjoy nature and breathe fresh air”, explained the Mayor of Fanano, Stefano Muzzarelli.
FANANO, BETWEEN SPORTS AND GOLD RUSH
Fanano is a small mountain municipality with a strong sport tradition, related to the winter ski resort of Monte Cimone, where it is possible to practice downhill skiing, ski mountaineering, as well as figure skating and hockey thanks to the presence of an ice rink. In summer, the network of trails is ideal for trekking, mountain biking and outdoor sports.
The beating heart of the town is Piazza Corsini, where the three most important access roads converge. In the village of Trignano, it’s also possible to visit the native home of Felice Pedroni, Fanano’s most illustrious citizen, who founded the town of Fairbanks, in Alaska, after discovering the largest gold deposit in the region.
For the first time, the village in the province of Bologna, the birthplace of journalist Enzo Biagi, will be among the venues of Appenninica MTB on Monday, September 13th and Tuesday, September 14th
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Located in the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, Lizzano in Belvedere is ready to make its debut at Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12th-18th, 2021). Famous for its stunning natural landscapes, the town in the province ofBologna is also the birthplace of the late Italian journalist and writer Enzo Biagi, as well as a scene of fierce fighting along the Gothic Defensive Line during World War II.
The Appenninica MTB Stage Race caravan will get to Lizzano in Belvedere on Monday, September 13th for the finish of stage two, “Il Corno“, 55 km and 2540 meters of elevation gain after the start from Porretta Terme. The undisputed protagonist of the stage will be the Corno alle Scale mountain, whose top offers a breathtaking view, extending from the Tyrrhenian Sea, westbound, to the Adriatic Sea, eastbound. Before reaching the finish line, the riders will also enjoy the scenery of the Crinale Massimo up to Lake Scaffaiolo, already reached in the past editions.
Furthermore, on Tuesday, September 14th, Lizzano in Belvedere will host the start of stage 3, with the race heading to Fanano through a 57 km and 2500 meters of elevation gain route, in the stage called “Gold Rush“.
“We joined the project of Appenninica MTB Stage Race with great enthusiasm and we are confident that this event will help people to discover the beauty of the Corno alle Scale area – explained the mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere, Sergio Polmonari -. For some years now, we have been working to create a wide network of trails suited for mountain biking within the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, with routes both near the villages and at high altitudes. Appenninica will be the opportunity for people to discover this network of trails, and represents a further step in this project of development and promotion“.
LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, THROUGH NATURE AND HISTORY
The landscapes around Lizzano in Belvedere make this village a perfect tourist destination for those looking to immerse in the nature and breathe clean air. Here, a soulful place for meditation, surrounded by monumental trees and silence, is the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero (Maple’s Virgin): the legend says that the maples rising on the sides of the sanctuary have hosted a resting Virgin Mary.
During World War II, these areas were the scene of clashes between the partisan forces and the German army, that built the Gothic Line in 1944 . Today, a suggestive path through those paths tells the story of those terrible years. In addition, in the hamlet of Pianaccio there is a museum dedicated to Enzo Biagi, who started from here a long and remarkable career in journalism, going on to work for Italy’s major newspapers, Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, as well as curating his own prime-time show on Rai Uno.
The tourist resort in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme, known for its SPA and the Porretta Soul Festival, will host the great start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th and 13th
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
As already happened for the successful 2020 edition, the 2021 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will start from Porretta Terme, in the municipality of Alto Reno Terme, in the Province of Bologna. Renowned for the quality of life and its favorable geographic location, Porretta Terme is a pole of attraction for thermal tourism and various health activities, enhanced over the years by an increasingly widespread culture of hospitality.
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the 2021 edition of Appenninica will start from Piazza Della Libertà with an individual time trial of 40 km and 1600mof elevationgain, that will allow competitors to enter immediately in the competitive mood. With its route passing through villages, mountain retreats and roads, the “Porretta Soul” stage will pay homage to the Porretta Soul Festival, an event that has attracted the biggest names in soul music for over 30 years.
The route of the opening stage winds through the mountains around Porretta Terme, through the many trails that surround the town in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, such as the ring of Monte Cavallo, 43 kilometers and 1500 meters of elevation gain among the beech forests and the most beautiful forest roads of the Upper Reno area.
Credits: IAT Alto Reno Terme
The first taste of the Apennine ridge will be on the following day, Monday, September 13, in the stage from Porretta Terme to Lizzano in Belvedere, 57 kilometers and 2340 metersof elevationgain. The absolute protagonist of the second stage is the Corno alle Scale mountain, from which the fraction “Il Corno” takes its name, with its wide views ready to provide emotions.
“There are many reasons why Alto Reno Terme has chosen to believe in cycling – commented the Mayor Giuseppe Nanni -. First of all, our desire to team up with all the municipalities of Emilia-Romagna to promote the Apennines and the Alta Via dei Parchi, combined with the possibility to diversify our tourism offer with sports and eco-sustainable proposals.”
“Appenninica MTB Stage Race has risen to international prominence – continued the Mayor – and contributes to a new image and positioning of Alto Reno Terme, related to thermal water and top-quality spa treatments, wellness, nature, sports and leisure, combined with high-quality food and wine”.
Credits: IAT Alto Reno Terme
PORRETTA TERME BETWEEN MUSIC, MOVIES AND WELLBEING
The thermal baths of Porretta, renowned for their mineral waters, have a thousand-year-long tradition and have been a source of opportunities and tourism for the town. One of the main tourist attractions are the underground springs, where the secrets of the subsoil and the path of thermal water can be discovered.
The name of Porretta Terme is also linked to two prestigious festivals of the international level. The Porretta Soul Festival, celebrating its 30th edition in 2021, has brought true legends of international music to the town, while in early December takes place the Film Festival, which over the years has hosted famous directors such as Giuseppe Tornatore, Ferzan Ozpetek and Ken Loach.
