by Appenninica MTB | Jul 29, 2021 | Highlights
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.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 27, 2021 | r
Gordon Wadsworth and his wife Emily Hairfield will be at the start of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th, combining a sporting challenge with a holiday in Italy to discover the Apennines.
Appenninica MTB Stage Race could not happen anywhere else than on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: the bind between the race and its territory goes far beyond its name. So, while many get to know the area while taking in the Appenninica challenge, it also happens that some people come to the race to make an exciting combination of adventure and a holiday. That’s the case of Gordon Wadsworth and Emily Hairfield from the United States, coming to Appenninica’s third edition from September 12th to 18th.
“We love events that match the local spirit and world-class riding and hospitality, and from what we have learned the Appenninica MTB has both in great measure. A sports event like Appenninica shows the heart and spirit of a territory, showcasing the culture and the history. When you see and experience a place, you also learn about people and their lives in a very special way. We may not leave Italians, but we will leave with a love of Italy. I am sure!” said Gordon Wadsworth.
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Gordon Wadsworth took up mountain biking in his teenage and transferred his passion to his wife Emily. As a three-time winner of the US National Championships and five-time winner of the National Ultra Endurance Series Championships, Gordon competed in several international events. In recent years, his wife Emily and him have created the “race-cations” formula, combining the challenge of a stage race with a holiday.
“We love crafting “race-cations” with epic events as a starting point, where we get to experience the location at a very close level. The bike is a tremendous medium for the experience because we can hear, feel, smell, and taste things like no other way. After having completed the Appenninica, we hope to feel a little closer to the people and culture of Emilia Romagna and the areas we plan to travel through,” explained Gordon Wadsworth.
The US couple has already begun the build-up to a demanding stage race like Appenninica, with a training plan that includes long rides repeated for several days in a row. Over the past spring, Wadsworth also took part in the Trans-Sylvania Epic and Unbound XL, finishing both races in the top ten and confirming that he can be with the best at the Appenninica.
“Emily and I both love the stage race format because every day it has to be the “best day ever”. They are hard, of course, and that’s part of the appeal. By digging extremely deep, we learn about ourselves, challenge ourselves, and emerge the other side as different and better people. The community that an event like Appenninica builds is second to none. After the race, we both love sharing the experiences of the day, and sometimes those friendships grow across time and borders,” said Wadsworth.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 21, 2021 | r
The MTB stage race scheduled from September 12th to 18th, 2021, has started a partnership with the French leading brand, choosing the Apennines as a playground for the new X-Track pedal dedicated to the world of mountain bike
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the MTB stage race on the Italian Apennines in Emilia Romagna, whose third edition will take place from September 12th to 18th, 2021, is proud to announce a new partnership with French bicycle and accessories brand Look, the world pioneer of clipless pedals.
A leading player at the top level of professional cycling – both on and off-road – the partnership with Appenninica underlines the brands’ recent growth in the mountain bike world. Look is partner to mountain bike racing teams including Team Santa Cruz-FSA and Team KTM Alchemist powered by Brenta Brakes, and supports top-class athletes like French star Loana Lecomte.
“We are pleased to have reached a partnership with one of the most innovative brands in cycling. For Appenninica, being part of Look’s strategy means we are heading in the right direction. We will enact a shared communication plan, and Look will feature on field at the event with the athletes and the public,” said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s co-organizers.
At the official start of Porretta Terme and in the final stage in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Look will be present with its official stand, offering the opportunity to discover its latest innovations, such as the innovative X-Track pedal, Look’s top-performance model for mountain biking. X-Track provides a wider surface to bikers, allowing them to push more effectively and guaranteeing excellent reliability even in the most extreme racing conditions, just like those faced at Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
“This partnership is another step in the world of mountain biking, to show our passion and commitment to the off-road segment and make our product known to the most exigent bikers. Whatever the discipline, Look can deliver the best performance pedals for any racing condition”, said Alberto Fumagalli, Look Italia’s marketing and communication manager.
by Appenninica MTB | Jul 15, 2021 | Founders Blog
MTB stage races used to suit few athletes, their settings were wild and usually remote, and the organizers often relied on the adventurousness of the participants and on their own luck. Over the time, mountain bike competitions on long distances and over many days have been evolving, with few exceptions of some hard-core races.
The long established races can be counted on the fingers of one hand: Transalp, TransRockies, Iron Bike and the most recent one but also undisputed queen Cape Epic. Over the last 10 years a bunch of new races have born, some of them shorter and faster. Besides distance and number of stages, no-one has yet figured out one of the organizers’ most challenging dilemma: two people team or SOLO.
Tiago Ferreira and Hans Backing of DMT Marconi (second and first in 2020)
The team formula adopted in the first races was based on safety reasons. In case of any issue or accident one of the team mates would be able to take care of first aid or call the rescue team. Again, and I witnessed it, some races take place in remote and wild environment, incredibly stunning but difficult to access in case of accident. Thus the team would give the best guarantee of safety. Not to mention the wonderful chance to share a magnificent experience with the right mate. At the opposite pole, a non close-knit team turns the race into a nightmare one can’t wait to cut short.
From a rider:
I love that Appenninica is raced as individuals rather than teams of two+. This way I am responsible for my fitness and ability rather than waiting for, or holding-back another rider.
GPS technology gave us trackers that allow the organizers and the supporters to follow an athlete on the tracks but most importantly to call for help and rescue just pushing the SOS button.
The calendar is actually offering races with team formula and SOLO formula. Which one is better?
We like the team formula a lot but it comes with some problems for the participants who need to find the soul team mate with the same athletic ability, same availability of time for training and for the race week, same budget. It’s a stressful and complicated jig-saw. Long term and tight-knit teams are lucky.
The SOLO formula is smoother. You decide, enroll, only your ability counts and you decide your own tactic. As Gordon Wadworth puts it “The solo effort is tremendously pure”.
The GPS tracker, when provided by the organizers – Appenninica is among them – grants your safety. Last but not least, nothing forbids two friends to stay close and ride together.
What about the Elite Team?
The Elite teams base their decisions not on the format but on UCI points, prize-pool, etc. They aim to win and get on the podium and thus I think they will organize themselves with captains and wingmen ready to help in case they have problems.
by Appenninica MTB | Jun 25, 2021 | Highlights
Appenninica MTB Stage Race backs the new project of the Unione Montana dell’Appennino Reggiano to promote the use of the bike through the Italian mountain region
37 tracks, 15 high-mountain trails, and 785 km of forest roads and paths: these are the figures of Appennino Reggiano Bike, the project launched by the Unione Montana dell’Appennino Reggiano to promote the use of the bike through the Italian mountain area. Officially presented in June 2021, the initiative benefits from the contribution and consultancy of A.S.D. Happy Trail, the organizers of Appenninnica MTB Stage Race whose 3rd edition will take place from September 12th to 18th, 2021.
The goal is to create an organic and structured tourist offer, of which Appenninica MTB Stage Race looks destined to be one of the main showcases, thanks to its visibility and communication at the international level. With the support of many professionals, local associations, technicians, Apennines’ tourism boards and enthusiasts, the project has started with an off-road focus, but there are plans to expand it in the coming months.
Over the last few months, 37 routes have been mapped out in the municipalities of Carpineti, Casina, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Ventasso, Vetto, Villa Minozzo and Toano, already known by the Apenninnica’s bikers and which will also be crossed by the 2021 edition of the MTB stage race. The 785 km of the forest road and trails are divided into six areas of tourist interest: Monte Cusna and Alto Crinale, Vette Laghi and Sorgenti, Guadi and Mulini between Enza and Tassobbio, Bismantova and Gessi Triassici, Matilde di Canossa Land and Monte Duro.
In addition to the routes, all the information on bikers’ services can be found on the www.appenninoreggianobike.it website: bike rentals, accommodation facilities, guides and tour leaders and e-bike charging stations. An already wide range of services aims to expand further in the coming months to make the tourist experience even more unique, and help visitors to fall in love with the beautiful landscapes of the Emilian Apennines.
by Appenninica MTB | May 27, 2021 | r
After claiming the 24-hour indoor world record in 2017, the Ukrainian ultracyclist will take part in the third edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race on September 12th: “Can’t wait to fall in love with this race”
The Outdoor Lab
Elena Novikova has achieved many records in her career, but her desire for new challenge does not seem to vanish. From September 12th to 18th, 2021, Appenninica MTB Stage Race will offer the perfect terrain to test herself along the 420km and 16,000 km of elevation gain from Porretta Terme to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. After her recent success at the 2021 Race Across Italy, the Ukrainian ultracyclist looks to Appeninica as an experience to enjoy the race atmosphere, surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
“I have always raced in long-distance road and mountain bike events, facing plenty of challenging competitions. I heard about Appenninica MTB Stage Race from my friends and have been willing to participate since. I’m always looking for races where I can fall in love with the routes, the race atmosphere, and find new friends. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have wonderful landscapes. I can’t wait to take part in this adventure”, Elena Novikova said.
In 2016, the Ukrainian ultracyclist showed her skills in this type of competition, winning the Iron Bike. However, her most important achievement is the 24-hour Indoor World Record, marked in 2017: 781,64 km.
“Appenninica MTB Stage Race should be harder than Iron Bike, especially based on my own skills. I’m usually good in the portage sections, but at Appenninica, you have to ride above all. My experience in ultracycling could certainly help me because I know how to manage the energies and to use different positions on the bike, which is useful when you feel some muscle discomfort”, analysed the 37-year-old athlete.
After Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Elena Novikova will go for two major goals of her season: the 24-hourWorld Time Trials Championships in Borrego Springs and the World 24-hour Solo Mountain Bike Championships. “For me, every race is important, and I always do my best, but Appenninica is something new for me, and I want to be surprised by the experience, without being obsessed by the result. I don’t fear altitude and the efforts because I know how to face my limits. I hope to do my best at Appenninica”, explains Elena Novikova.
by Appenninica MTB | Apr 30, 2021 | r
The 2021 High Mountain Queen Stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12-18) promises to be a thrilling and challenging experience, with 95 km and 3,600 metres of elevation gain
Credits: The Outdoor Lab
From September 12th to 18th, 2021, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race will offer an epic show across 420 kilometres and 16,000 metres of elevation gain, and managing energies throughout the week will be no small part to each rider’s success. As in past editions, though, the Queen Stage will represent possibly the biggest hurdle on the way of the participants, both those racing for the overall honors and those willing to win their own personal challenge.
On Thursday, September 16th, 2021, the High Mountain Queen Stage will take the riders from Fanano to Cerreto Laghi through 95 kilometres and 3,600 metres of elevation gain. Despite a slightly lower distance than the 2020 edition, the stage has a very demanding profile, with climbs not overly challenging and flowing sections, mixing forest roads with beech woods and dirt roads with sparse vegetation.
In the first part, the 2021 queen stage follows the route of last year’s one, with the 17 km climb and 1,000 metres of elevation gain from Fanano to the Monte Cimone summit, where the riders can enjoy wide views, and possibly see the wild horses that live in Pian Cavallaro. After a 10 km downhill to Pievepelago through a long single track, the second ascent will be a more regular climb on asphalt or dirt road to Bassa del Saltello (1599 mt). From there, the bikers will face 40 km of ups and downs, keeping an altitude between 1400 and 1750 m, through the Lama Lite Pass and the Monte Cusna.
After a series of fun and not too technical single tracks, the athletes will arrive in Cerreto Laghi, a renowned ski resort in the municipality of Ventasso. With its 1,344 mt, Cerreto Laghi will host the highest stage finish of Appenninica MTB Stage Race in three editions. Before reaching the finish line, the race will trespass to Tuscany a couple of times through the Passo del Cerreto, in the charming scenario of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, awarded by Unesco as MAB Reserve for its extraordinary biodiversity.
“Compared to the last edition we have slightly reduced the distance, but once again Appenninica offers a legitimate Queen stage, posing a real challenge for the riders. The course is flowing and runs through the wildest areas of the Apennines, offering breathtaking views between the two highest peaks of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, Monte Cimone and Monte Cusna. The riders will be immersed in the widest views of the entire week, where on the clearest days you can see both the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea”, said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
by Appenninica MTB | Apr 13, 2021 | r
The unique shape of the Emilian mountains is the heart of the new Appenninica MTB Stage Race logo, strengthening the solid relationship between the event and its territories
The Emilia-Romagna Apennines have been the beating heart of Appenninica MTB Stage Race (September 12-18) since its inception. Now, this intense bond is reaffirmed by the MTB stage race’s new logo. The Appenninica organizing committee carried out a significant rebranding, putting the Apennines at the very heart of the new coordinated image.
Part of the territorial promotion strategy developed with the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Appenninica rebranding confirms the MTB stage race’s role as a showcase for the beauty of Apennine areas and a boost for summer tourism, enhancing the trails network and the authenticity of the hospitality.
In the new logo, the Apennines’ lines stand out inside a frame, like a medal, with the renewed lettering of Appenninica surrounded by the green of the woods and pastures of the Emilian mountains.
Designed by the Kipo Studio agency of Reggio Emilia, the new Appenninica coordinated image confirmed the original and distinctive colours of the event, adding an epic touch that suits the over 420 km of length and 16,000 metres of elevation gain of the 2021 edition.
“The new logo enhances the Appenninica DNA and its bond with the area it crosses and promotes. This new image also reinforces the partnership with Emilia-Romagna Region: we are confident of giving a significant contribution in promoting the richness and peculiarities of the Apennines worldwide”, said Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race
by Appenninica MTB | Mar 26, 2021 | r
The Italian mountain bike stage race signed a partnership with the outdoors planning and navigation platform to make the best MTB routes in the Apennines open and accessible, starting with those included in the 2021 edition.
The Outdoor Lab
One of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race key missions is to inspire bikers worldwide to immerse themselves in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ incredible routes, promoting the area’s trails network. This objective is now enhanced thanks to the partnership with Komoot, the popular outdoor route planning and navigation platform.
Thanks to a community of 17 million users worldwide, Komoot is one of the leading outdoor platforms and apps globally. Rather than performance, Komoot focuses on the experience’s value, allowing the users to find inspiration and share their adventures.
From this edition, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race challenges will be available among the Komoot adventures: a key support in strengthening the event’s role in promoting active tourism in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. After signing the partnership with the Emilia-Romagna Region, Appenninica will find a perfect target audience within Komoot.
On the Appenninica official profile inside the Komoot app (https://www.komoot.it/user/appenninicamtb) it’s possible to browse and download the courses of the last two edition, and follow the tracks of the route’s recon for the 2021 edition, that will take place from September 12th to 18th. The past editions are gathered in collections with a complete description of the stages, a brief presentation and the downloadable route maps. On top of that, users will be able to look for points of interest, marked as highlights, enriched by videos and photos. Thanks to Komoot, everybody now has the opportunity to test themselves on the MTB Appenninica Stage Race routes, on a solo or shared adventure, with a simple and intuitive tool.
The Appenninica 2021 riders will receive a special link to register to the platform and unlock the maps’ area involved by the event for free. Komoot tracks can be synchronized via Bluetooth with Garmin devices, as well as exported from the platform to be used on every device offline.
“The partnership with Komoot holds a strong territorial value as it allows us to expose and enhance Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trail network. Through our international partner, we want to make Appenninica experience more enjoyable for users, inspiring the bikers with our routes,” explained Beppe Salerno and Milena Bettocchi, organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race.
“We are glad to support the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and to have been chosen as the ideal platform for the regional development. We want to foster the growth of this event, and thanks to Komoot and the territorial knowledge of the organizers, riders from all over the world will be able to ride safely, enjoying a fun and accessible experience at all levels” said the Komoot Italian Community Manager, Andrea Girlanda.
by Appenninica MTB | Mar 24, 2021 | Highlights
Star of the final “Purgatory” stage of the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, the Bismantova Rock inspired the Purgatory of Dante, whose National Day is celebrated on March 25th
The Outdoor Lab
During the last stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2021, on Saturday, September 18th, the bikers will face the Bismantova Rock before reaching the “Paradise” of sporting glory, putting on the cherished and hard-earned finisher’s medal.
A symbol of Appenninica, the Bismantova Rock has also become an icon thanks to the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, the Florentine poet whose 700th anniversary of death will be celebrated in 2021. Through the Italian Ministry of Culture’s initiative, on Thursday, March 25th, 2021, the whole Country will celebrate the DanteDì, the National Day dedicated to Dante, recognized as the father of the Italian language. After his exile from Florence, the “Sommo Poeta” crossed the paths and trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines several times on his pilgrimage, seeking inspiration and inner peace. According to the tradition, the Bismantova Rock, with its imposing figure, inspired him to imagine his Purgatory.
The historical data confirm the legend, since Dante visited the area surrounding Castelnovo ne’ Monti in 1306, during his journey from Lunigiana to Padua. In addition to this historical evidence, Dante mentioned the Bismantova Rock in Canto IV of the Purgatory:
«Vassi in Sanleo e discendesi in Noli,
montasi su Bismantova e ‘n Cacume
con esso i piè; ma qui convien ch’om voli;
dico con l’ale snelle e con le piume
del gran disio, di retro a quel condotto
che speranza mi dava e facea lume»
(Dante, Purgatorio, canto IV, vv. 25-30)
Dante’s presence in Emilia-Romagna is also testified by the Sommo Poeta’s grave in Ravenna, where he took refuge in his elderly years. With a trail network of around 370-380 km, also accessible by mountain bike, the Cammino di Dante (Dante’s path) connects Ravenna to Florence while immersing in the Apennines beauty in a cultural, historical and natural journey full of emotions. The same as the Appenninica route, a perfect synthesis of Dante’s journey through the Apennines’ obscure woods, the challenging climbs of its peaks and the uncontaminated paradises of high-altitude landscapes.
by Appenninica MTB | Mar 15, 2021 | r
The Italian MTB stage race unveils the course of its seven stages for the 2021 edition (12-18 September). Great expectations for the new “High Mountain Queen Stage,” with 95km and 3,600 meters of elevation gain.
With less than six months to go, the countdown is on for the third edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, and the organizing team is in full activity. From September 12th to 18th, 2021, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will be the location for an epic challenge between the world’s best long-distance riders.
As in the past, the organizers have charted a challenging course for the 2021 edition, enhancing the Apennine ridge’s beauty and the unspoiled nature of Alta Via dei Parchi, the feather in the cap for the tourist promotion of the Emilia-Romagna Region. The extreme challenge will take place over seven stages with almost 16,000 meters of elevation gain and a total distance of over 420 kilometers through five-stage venues. For the 2021 edition, new stage towns Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna) and Cerreto Laghi (Reggio Emilia) have joined the confirmed Porretta Terme (Bologna), Fanano (Modena) and Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia).
As in the first two editions, the 2021 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route will alternate long and demanding stages with fast, technical and fun courses. A perfect mix to ensure entertainment, keeping the high technical level of the race.
SEVEN STAGES AND THE GRAND FINALE ON THE BISMANTOVA ROCK
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 50km 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 1,900m 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.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration for the 2021 edition is open on the official website: www.appenninica-mtb.com.
As in 2020, the organizing committee chose to allow only individual participation, without the pairs format. Riders can register at Appenninica MTB Stage Race in the “Regular Registration” phase until June 30th, 2021. A three-installment payment plan is also available for the 2021 edition. For further information: https://www.appenninica-mtb.com/en/register.
With Appenninica’s trails riding through regional and national parks, to avoid the course’s overcrowding and provide the best possible experience, the organizers opted to set a maximum number of 150 registered athletes.
THE COURSE
Stage 1 – Porretta Soul – 45 km and 1,645m elevation gain
Sunday, September 12th: Porretta Terme – Porretta Terme
Stage 2 – Il Corno – 57 km and 2,340 mt elevation gain
Monday, September 13th: Porretta Terme – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Gold Rush – 50 km and 2,500 mt elevation gain
Tuesday, September 14th: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fanano
Stage 4 – Pippo Yeah – 50 km and 2,300 mt elevation gain
Wednesday, September 15th: Fanano – Fanano
Stage 5 – High Mountain Queen – 95 km and 3,600 mt elevation gain
Thursday, September 16th: Fanano – Cerreto Laghi
Stage 6 – Park & Roll – 65 km and 1,900 mt elevation gain
Friday, September 17th: Cerreto Laghi – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 7 – The Purgatory – 50 km and 1,400 mt elevation gain
Saturday, September 18th: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
by Appenninica MTB | Mar 1, 2021 | Highlights
Monte Cimone will be crossed by the fourth stage of the 2021 Giro d’Italia, covering a section of the 2021 Appenninica course that will be proposed also in 2021.
Old loves are never forgotten. The early-days Appenninica MTB Stage Race fans will remember when the MTB stage race made its debut in 2019 on the slope of the San Luca climb in Bologna, where the opening time trial of the Giro d’Italia had taken place just a couple of months earlier. From the beginning, a bond was there between Appenninica and Giro, and now we are about to see a new episode of that.
Fanano and the surrounding Apennine area will shine in 2021 Giro d’Italia stage 4, 186 kilometres from Piacenza to Sestola. On May 11th, 2021, the great names of road cycling will face the Ca’ dei Frati climb reaching the Colle Passerino before the finish in Sestola: a well-known route to the Appenninica riders, after riding it downhill during the “Pippo Yeah” stage in 2020, a course that will be proposed again in the 2021 edition, on September 15th. After the San Luca climb in Bologna in 2019, Appenninica and Giro d’Italia will cross their roads again, this time to show the Apennines’ beauties.
The Giro will shine a light on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and their courses network, both on the road and the over 300 km of off-road trails, promoting bike and outdoor tourism in these areas. The Appenninica MTB Stage Race OC has the same goal, as highlighted by the territorial partnership recently signed with the Emilia-Romagna Region.
The relationship between Appenninica and the Giro d’Italia is also enhanced by the more and more frequent connection between MTB and road cycling, with an increasing number of riders performing at the highest level in both disciplines. Mathieu Van der Poel might be one of the most outstanding examples, but two of the best riders expected at the Giro also started their careers offroad before establishing as legitimate road cycling stars: 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal and the multiple World Champion Peter Sagan. Furthermore, someone has tagged Appenninica as the “Giro d’Italia on MTB” due to its nature as a stage race. An overwhelming comparison, but certainly an inspiring one for the young Apennine event, which celebrates only its third edition in 2021.
Either in May or September, top cycling will be waiting for you on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: why not taking advantage of this opportunity?
