Another double for the DMT Racing Team duo in stage 2, 65 km from Porretta Terme to Fanano. The Portuguese won the stage; the Dutchman held the race lead: “The Apennine is stunning!” Esther Süss keeps dominating among women
Ph. The Outdoor Lab. Tiago Ferreira in action on the Apennines’ ridges
Only two days have passed from the start of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race‘s second edition, and “stunning” is the word you keep hearing in the village of the MTB stage race on the Italian Apennines. They clearly were not talking about the race outcome, at least so far: favorites Tiago Ferreira and Hans Becking, among men, and Esther Süss, among women, are obviously living up to the expectations.
On Monday, September 28th, the second stage took the field from Porretta Terme (Bologna) to Fanano (Modena) over 65 km and over 3.000 meters of elevation gain. It was different than the opening effort, and arguably more challenging: there’s little wondering why the stage was named “the technical.” Nevertheless, the outcome eloquently remarked what the first stage had already suggested.
Once again, Tiago Ferreira and Hans Becking of DMT Racing Team have celebrated together on the finish line, strengthening their role as favorites for Appenninica’s second edition. This time it was the Portuguese, reigning European and former World MTB Marathon Champion, to precede his teammate, who smiles in the blue of his Natali-branded leader’s jersey that he claimed yesterday and defended today.
“We accelerated right at the beginning of the climb to the Sboccata dei Bagnadori, around the Rifugio della Segavecchia,” Ferreira said, “and Hans and I paced from there, managing our gap.” “It’s a long week, so we need to manage our effort,” echoed Becking, “and this also allowed us to enjoy the sight a little bit, and it was definitely deserving. We saw incredible places on the course, and the second half of it was so much fun. I have been in many places, including the Alps and the Dolomites, of course, but I am discovering that the Apennines are beautiful in their very own way.”
After warming up the engine in the opening effort, Honduran Milton Ramos (Rockrider-Decathlon) displayed the quality that made him a serial winner of the Iron Bike: he was third on the day, a mere 32 seconds behind the DMT duo. Anyway, his first comment after the finish wasn’t about the overall standings: “Can’t believe the things I saw today. After traveling the World, you assume you pretty much know what to expect. And you’re mistaken: the climbs, the descents, the Apennine ridge we faced today are something incredible. I feel lucky to be here because I didn’t expect Appenninica to be like this: the places, the courses, and the special care they have for each rider like I had never seen before. Amazing.”
The first Italian rider, Lorenzo Samparisi (Team KTM-Alchemist), came in fourth place at 7’04”. Samparisi now occupies the same position in the overall standings behind Becking, Ferreira e Ramos.
Ph. The Outdoor Lab. Esther Süss celebrating in Fanano finish line
ESTHER SÜSS’ CLASS ON DISPLAY AGAIN
The women’s race also confirmed what Esther Süss had started showing on Sunday. The Swiss rider claimed another neat success, with the challenging Apennines’ trails enhancing the huge value of the former XCM World Champion and three-time Cape Epic winner.
“Another great course today, and such hard climbs! We went through really tough sections, and I think we will find plenty of those over the week. But my legs are spinning good, and I am enjoying my time here. There’s still a lot to ride, and that’s good news”.
Gaia Ravaioli (KTM-Alchemist) came in second at 18’48”, keeping her runner-up spot in the GC behind Süss and ahead of Sarah Reiners.
STAGE 3 ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2020: FANANO-FANANO (50 km)
The stage 3 will be raced mostly on the natural trails in the area of Fanano and Sestola. The stage is named “Pippo Yeah” after Pier Paolo “Pippo” Marani, the famous trail builder of Val di Sole’s “Black Snake” downhill course, who contributed to charting 2020 Appenninica’s third effort.
After the start on the tarmac, the path to the Colombino Pass will bring the race through chestnut woods to the Capanno Tassoni. From there, the view will open on the singletracks on the ridge between the Passo Croce Arcana, Lago Scaffaiolo and Passo del Lupo. Some portage will be needed before unleashing the speed on the technical tracks that are sure to give the riders a real adrenaline rush, all the way to the finish in Fanano.
Ph. The Outdoor Lab. Milton Ramos finishes third today’s stage
The DMT Racing Team Dutchman has earned the leader’s jersey after the opening time trial in Porretta, won ahead of teammate Ferreira. The Swiss former World Champion set the tone in the Women’s race
Photo by Alyona Blagikh – The Outdoor Lab
They were the most expected riders, and they did not disappoint. Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race’s 2nd edition has opened in the name of DMT Racing Team’s Hans Becking and Tiago Ferreira, who dropped the hammer in the opening stage, a 45 km individual time trial starting and finishing in Porretta Terme.
Porretta warmly welcomed the start of the only MTB stage race in Italy, in an amazing weekend for cycling in the Province of Bologna: just an hour and a half away from Porretta, in Imola, the Elite Men’s Road World Championship took place. The sun warmed up the early starts from central Piazza della Libertà, being later shaded by clouds as forecast, but no rain characterized the riders’ opening effort.
The stage 1 menu offered a varied course, pointing mostly up until beyond the halfway mark, with the ascents to Castelluccio and Manservisi Castle Park, and then up to the 1.428 meters of the Monte Cavallo. A very technical descent called the rider’s technical skills to the fore, before another challenging way up to the Monte Piella, where some portage stints were required to reach the top and the panoramic view on the Reno Valley, and the final path down to Porretta.
Photo by Marius Holler – The Outdoor Lab
Having started with a minute distance from each other, Ferreira and Becking rejoined along the course and consistently increased their margin over the stage. The duo got to the finish together, which meant Becking would take the stage and the Men leader’s jersey, having started one minute after the Portuguese. “A lot can happen over a week in this kind of race – Becking told at the finish – but we have started on the right foot. We were a little surprised by how technical the course was today: we’ll be more than ready tomorrow, as there’s still a very long way to go.”
Third at the finish was Italian Lorenzo Samparisi (+8’35”), ahead of Dutchman Rob Van der Werf (+11.49) and veteran Milton Ramos (+12.42). The defending champion, Austrian Lukas Kaufmann, was just 13th on the day.
Esther Süss rides into early lead
Photo by Marius Holler – The Outdoor Lab
Many expectations also surrounded the Women’s race, with several athletes in a position to compete for the big prize. The first round went to Esther Süss: intensely focused before the start, the experienced Swiss put distance between her and the rivals, finishing 6’36” ahead of Italian Gaia Ravaioli.
“Starting first means racing with no benchmarks, but when you see nobody closing in, then you know it worked out pretty well,” told the former World Champion and three-time Cape Epic winner. “I was astonished by the views from the course today: if that’s an indication of what expects us over this week, I can’t wait to take in the following stages.”
Tomorrow, Monday, September 28th, the riders will line up in Porretta Terme at 8.00 AM for their second effort at Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race: Porretta Terme – Fanano, 65 km from Bologna’s to Modena’s province, sporting a 3.300 mt elevation gain. The stage’s title, “The Technical”, is telling of what there’s in store for the athletes.
After the first 15 km on flat, the long ascent in the woods to the Sboccata dei Bagnadori is expected to make a selection, taking the riders to the Apennine’s ridge, opening an incredible view: the Emilia-Romagna on the right, with the Alps in the background, the Tuscany and the Apuane Alps on the left.
Through another climb to the Corno alle Scale and the tough Passo dello Strofinatoio, the riders will reach one of the most charming points of the whole course: 1.900 mt-high Lago Scaffaiolo. One last climb to the Passo Croce Arcana will leave way to the technical and fun descent on the CAI 425 trail to Fanano.
From September 27th to October 3rd, from Porretta Terme to Collecchio, passing through Fanano and Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Appenninica’s second edition starts for 450 km, 16,000 meters of total elevation gain, and featuring big names of the international MTB scene
The wait was longer than initially expected, but now Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage 2020 is ready to go. Tomorrow, on Sunday, September 27th, the second edition of the unique Italian MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines will start with an individual time trial from Porretta Terme (Bologna). Trails, climbs and descents will keep the bikers busy until Saturday, October 3rd, when Collecchio (Parma) and the Giarola Court will celebrate the final winners.
Having been forced to push the event from Summer to Fall due to the epidemiological emergency, the Organizing Committee led by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno resiliently ran its initiative, and a prestigious starting list has amply rewarded it. That’s a promise of great fun over the 450 km and 16,000 meters of total elevation gain expecting the riders.
The XCM European Champion and former World Champion, Portuguese Tiago Ferreira, will be under the spotlight, making the race even more exciting along with his teammate, Dutch Hans Becking. His presence, however, will also motivate his opponents, starting with the defending champion, Austrian Lukas Kaufmann, who does not intend to give up easily despite a greater competition. As a specialist in this type of events, Spaniard-Honduran Milton Ramos will certainly try to add another race to his important palmares, while Lorenzo Samparisi is probably the top option for the Italian hopes.
Equally exciting is the challenge in the womens’ field, with a former World Champion, Swiss Esther Süss, leading a group of very competitive athletes. Lorenza Menapace, from Trentino, is back a year after winning the event in the pairs’ category (canceled this year due to health reasons), trying to repeat the feat in the individual race, while German Sarah Reiners and Italian Gaia Ravaioli will try once more to prove their talent. Finally, it will also be interesting to see at work former German Olympian Regina Marunde, who raced on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines at the 1991 World Championships in “Il Ciocco”.
In the field, there will be also many athletes and enthusiasts whose experience will be focused more on the charm of the adventure than the competition, a journey to discover their limits, to complete the race and enjoy the beauty of the Apennines and the typical Italian atmosphere.
THE COURSE
The route follows, wherever possible, the MTB trail of the Alta Via dei Parchi that leads all over to Tuscany, touching the provinces of Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma. On Sunday, September 27th, the start and the finish of the stage will be in the thermal city of Porretta Terme (Bologna), with a 45-km-long individual time trial and the climb of Mount Piella as a key point, on top of which the beautiful scenery of the Reno valley will open for the riders.
More hurdles expect the athletes on Monday, September 28th, with stage 2 from Porretta Terme to Fanano (Modena) of 60 kilometers, featuring the ascent to the Passo dello Strofinatoio, with the charming coasting of the Scaffaiolo Lake, to continue with the Passo della Croce Arcana, the Passo del Colombino and the descent along the mythical CAI 425 trail.
The third stage on Tuesday, September 29th presents 50 kilometers with start and finish line in Fanano and was charted by renowned trail builder Pippo Marani: it will offer one of the best scenery of the week, with the majestic chestnut woods to frame the first part of the race, before facing highly-entertaining trails, with technical descents, ridges with view and toboggan.
The next day, on Wednesday, September 30th, it is time for the “Queen Stage”, from Fanano to Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) for a total of 110 kilometers and over 4,000 meters of elevation gain. Passo del Saltello, Passo di San Pellegrino, Passo delle Radici, Passo del Giovarello and Passo della Cisa will be the climbs on the menu, making for an epic day.
On Thursday, October 1st, Castelnovo ne’ Monti will host the start and the finish of the fifth stage (53 kilometers), taking place by the banks of the Calamone Lake in the first part, and in the nearbies of the Pietra of Bismantova massif in the second, for a rippling race full of ups and downs.
From Castelnovo ne’ Monti the riders will go to Collecchio (Parma) and the Giarola Court for the 94-km-long sixth stage on Friday, October 2nd, and leaving behind the Apennine chain and diving into the Po Valley, with rivers and valleys that will keep company to the riders during the whole stage.
A great racing week will end with the Collecchio-Collecchio stage, on Saturday, October 3rd, with 35 kilometers in the background of the Carrega Woods park, that is sure to be remembered for the ride through the courtyards of historical villas, home to Marie Louise (duchess of Parma and Napoleon’s wife).
Sunday, September 27th: Porretta Terme – Porretta Terme (45 km) Elevation Gain: 1645 m
Monday, September 28th: Porretta Terme – Fanano (60 km) Elevation Gain: 2650 m
Tuesday, September 29th: Fanano – Fanno (50 km) Elevation Gain: 2300 m
Wednesday, September 30th: Fanano – Castelnovo ne’ Monti (110 km) Elevation Gain: 4300 m
Thursday, October 1st: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti (53 km) Elevation Gain: 1900 m
Friday, October 2nd: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Collecchio (94 km) Elevation Gain: 2500 m
Saturday, October 3rd: Collecchio – Collecchio (35 km) Elevation Gain: 650 m
The MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines (September 27th – October 3rd) will cross the Tuscan-Emilian National Park and the Regional Parks of Eastern, Central and Western Emilia: a full-immersion in the wild nature of the Apennines, including three bike parks for the bike enthusiasts
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race is an event that feels more like a fascinating adventure than merely a race. An experience that you can’t wait to finish – 16,000 mt of elevation gain aside – just to start it over again, take a different direction, and discover the new scenery beyond a junction.
From Sunday, September 27th to Saturday, October 3rd, athletes from all over Europe at the start of the only Italian MTB stage race will follow the tracks charted in the heart of the Emilian Apennines by the technical team of Appenninica. Still, the beauty of the unexplored territory for the MTB world is sure to surprise them at every turn and glimpse.
Wherever possible, the Appenninica course follows the route of the Alta Via dei Parchi: a walking trail between Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Marche, crossing two National Parks, five Regional and one Interregional Park, through about 500 kilometers.
Following the tracks of the Alta Via, the athletes and all the fans of Appenninica can discover the incredible Emilia-Romagna natural heritage. The region boasts an Italian-record 14 Regional parks, as well as countless protected areas.
Starting from the East, the riders will first find the Regional Park Corno alle Scale, five thousand hectares of park dominated by the massif grazing the 2000 meters benchmark. Then will come the Alto Appennino Modenese and the 2165-meters-high Monte Cimone, the highest peak of the northern Apennines and, of course, of Appenninica.
Subsequently, in the province of Reggio Emilia, the Appenninica family will meet the Tuscan-Emilian National Park, in which stands the massive and fascinating Bismantova Rock, but also the Monte Cusna and Monte Ventasso.
When reaching the province of Parma, the athletes will be welcomed by the “Parchi del Ducato” and the Reserve Monte Prinzera, located along the Via Francigena path, an ancient route of medieval pilgrimage. The Taro River Park, whose headquarter is located within the Giarola Court, is a magnificent fortified rural complex, home to the last two stages; the Carrega Woods, whose lakes, meadows, hedges and cultivated fields have long fascinated the Parma nobility, will stage the entire final effort.
“We are proud to host this wonderful international competition in our Protected Natural Areas. This extraordinary landscape setting will certainly fill the eyes and the heart of the athletes with sensations and indelible memories, – explained President of the Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity of Western Emilia, Agostino Maggiali – Sports in nature and outdoor activities are among the most important ways to discover and enjoy our Parks and Reserves, combining the collective need for environmental protection and sustainability with individual travel, recreation and wellness”.
Once the Appenninica race week is over, the landscapes and trails will remain available for all the MTB lovers. Indeed, three Bike Parks cover part of the race tracks, starting from the most famous, Monte Cimone, among the largest and most appreciated in Italy. Technical trails and equipped areas for enduro bikers can also be found in Febbio (Reggio Emilia) and Monte Fuso (Parma). There are plenty of ways to have fun and discover the less explored corners of the Apennines.
From Sunday, September 27th to Saturday, October 3rd, Esther Süss, Lorenza Menapace, Regina Marunde, Sarah Reiners and Gaia Ravaioli will enlight a fun and uncertain women’s competition in the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines
by Absa Cape Epic
For those who love Emilia-Romagna and cycling, the next two weeks are sure to give strong emotions. In the coming weekend in Imola, road cycling pros will fight for the world titles. At the same time, just an hour and a half away, in Porretta Terme (Bologna), the second edition of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race will start, taking place from September 27th to October 3rd.
The organizers’ choice to confirm the event, moving it from Summer to the Autumn due to the epidemiological emergency, has proved successful. Many international riders opting in the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines to test themselves in the race and enjoy the typical Italian atmosphere.
If in the men’s field, top riders like Tiago Ferreira, Milton Ramos, Lukas Kaufmann, Hans Becking and more have accepted the challenge. On the Women’s side, the competition promises to be exciting and uncertain as ever, with big names of the international off-road scene expected in the Apennines.
Leading the field is Esther Süss, XCM World Champion in 2010 in Sankt Wendel, as well as twice European Champion, in 2008 in Sankt Wendel and 2010 in Montebelluna. Standing out in her palmares are also two Cape Epic overall wins: “I’m really curious to find out what Appenninica holds for me – the Swiss athlete explains -. Looking at the stages’ profiles, it seems that it will be a really hard race, and I usually like it that way. Honestly, I don’t know my opponents very well, but I think the overall level will be high and the race fun. I hope for good weather throughout the week, so to conclude this short and special season in the best way”.
Tenacious Lorenza Menapace won’t certainly stand by after winning the first edition in pair with French Danièle Troesch, and be willing to reclaim the title in the individual race: “In this weird season, Appenninica is my debut in a stage race – said the Italian -. I do not know what to expect, so far I have “just” concluded an Everesting at a high pace, the Oztaler Marathon and the Ortler Marathon, but I’ve never raced multiple days this year. It is like leaping in the dark, but I hope to have fun and finish another stage race, without too much pressure”.
Appenninica is also a new challenge for former German international and Olympian Regina Marunde, who debuted in 1991 in the World Championship right on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, in “Il Ciocco”, where the XCO Italian Championships were held just a few days ago: “Last year in the Czech Republic, some French athletes told me that if I was looking for a beautiful MTB race with fun trails, I should have come to Appenninica – Marunde says -. That’s why I can’t wait for it to start, especially in such a particular year. Of course, you always try to be competitive, but the thing I like most is being able to share the experience with people who have my same passion”.
Rounding out the lot of favorites, 2016 Bike Transalp winner Sarah Reiners still wears the German national team jersey in XCM races, and Italian climber Gaia Ravaioli, 2017 and 2019 Endurance World Champion, also looks to factor in this enticing clash of queens at Appenninica.
Focus on the stage venues – A fascinating finale expects Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race (September 27th – October 3rd) as the town in the province of Parma and the medieval Corte are set to host the last two stages
Our journey to discover the stage venues of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, ends with Collecchio. Situated in the province of Parma, the town debuts as hosting venue of the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines. In particular, the Giarola Court will be the headquarter of the last two stages and the grand finale after a tough week of competition.
On Friday, October 2nd Collecchio and the Giarola Court will host the sixth stage’s finish, 94 km from the start in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia), after the athletes have left the Apennine massif for the first time. The protagonist of the central part of the stage will be the town of Calestano, famous for its technical and fun trails, while the valley of the Taro river will bring the riders to the final part of the stage, all the way to the Giarola Court.
The final stage of Appenninica, on Saturday, October 3rd, is a short and fun ring course with Collecchio and the Giarola Court as both start and finish. The first ten kilometers are flat and fast on dirt road and then asphalt, skirting the Taro river before entering the Carrega Woods park. From there, the bikers will have plenty to enjoy over the following 20 km, characterized by fast and technical dirt trails with rapid changes of slopes and direction. The park’s beautiful forest will always be in the background, with passages inside the ancient villas courts where Marie Louise, the Duchess of Parma and wife of Napoleon, stayed. Leaving the park, the remaining kilometers will be a long sprint on asphalt and bike paths until the well-deserved finish line, which will close Appenninica’s second edition. At the final dinner, the bikers will finally be free to taste the local delights with no more regrets.
“We have embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, not only because Appenninica can help making our territory known in Italy and abroad, but also for the sporting value that an event like this conveys – the Mayor of Collecchio, Maristella Galli, explains -. The Collecchio Administration is strongly committed to supporting sports. We believe in sports as a key vehicle of growth for the new generation, even more in this critical time when courage becomes even more of a value, and sports are a perfect benchmark for that.”
COLLECCHIO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The territory of Collecchio extends to 11 km south-west of Parma in a beautiful area located between hills and plains, where life is in a privileged relationship with the surrounding environment thanks to the presence of two historic regional parks, the Taro river, and the Carrega Woods. Artistic and natural treasures are the lovely setting of Collecchio, an urban center able to combine development with the attention to culture and territory.
Worth a visit are the Arch of the Bargello, which gives access to the town, the ancient parish church of San Prospero and Villa Soragna, a building of the early ‘800, now converted to a public library.
Then there is the Giarola Court, where the race village of the last two stages of Appenninica will be set up. From the Middle Ages until the nineteenth century, it was a Benedictine monastery of San Paolo’s nuns. Inside there is the Romanesque church of San Nicomede and, today, the Corte has been renovated for the public and houses the headquarter of the Taro Park, the Museum of tomato and pasta and a charming restaurant.
More than trails and dirt roads in the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines (September 27th-October 3rd), but also tasty local specialties to make the riders’ experience even more special
Ph. E. Melchiorri
Limiting Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race only to the competitive aspect would be overly reductive. FromSeptember 27th to October 3rd, the riders will find much more than a MTB stage race: the Appenninica family will help them into the Emilian Apennines’ culture and traditions.
The culinary tradition of the area, and of Italy as a whole, is undoubtedly one big motivation for those choosing the Appenninica adventure. Emilia-Romagna is a region of excellence in terms of cuisine, and the Appenninica organizers want to show it during the race, supported by title sponsor Parmigiano Reggiano and fellow partners Venturini Baldini, I Love Piadina, Parmonie, water supplied by Gruppo SEM and Coop Alleanza 3.0.
At Appenninica, the athletes will have to face more than 450 km and 16 thousand meters of total elevation gain, requiring a great deal of energy to be reintegrated with genuine and traditional food from the areas involved. Each stage venue will present its own specialty to make every stage unique from a gastronomic perspective.
Porretta Terme (Bologna) will present its pappardelle with meat sauce, Fanano (Modena) the tigelle combined with cold cuts, cheese and stracchino, Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia) will treat the riders with the famous “rice bomb” and Collecchio (PR) with the “torta fritta” and cold cuts. Everything will be accompanied by many other local delicacies.
The highlight will then be the grand finale dinner offered by title sponsor Parmigiano Reggiano, in which riders can plunge into the tasting of the excellences of local food and wine. The perfect finishing act of the challenging but gratifying MTB experience in the Emilian Apennines.
“The gastronomic discovery is one of the reasons why we think of Appenninica as an experience, more than just a race – co-organizer Milena Bettocchi explained – Emilia is an internationally-famous area of gastronomic excellence, and living Appenninica without diving in this reality would be like giving up to a huge piece of its cultural heritage.”
“An athlete can finish the Giro d’Italia in Milan without eating the famous cutlet, but he cannot finish Appenninica without discovering the taste of the erbazzone, the fragrance of the torta fritta and the scent of the real mountain Parmigiano Reggiano. It is part of what we are. And it is also for this reason that appetite grows with climbing at Appenninica”, Bettocchi added.
Focus on the stage venues – The town in the province of Reggio Emilia and the beautiful “Rock” in the background are set to host Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race again on September 30th and October 1st
The discovery journey through Appenninica Parmigiano Reggiano Stage 2020’s stage venues, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, continues. After Porretta Terme (Bologna) and Fanano (Modena), Castelnovo ne’ Monti also decided to replicate the 2019 experience, welcoming the Appenninica family once more. The town of the Reggio Emilia province will host two stages this year, and the start of a third one that will lead the riders to the province of Parma.
On Wednesday, September 30th, Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the “Don Bosco” oratory will be the finish area of the long-awaited Queen Stage, whose 105 km and 4300 m of total elevation gain will prove crucial for the final classification of the stage race.
Bikers will face the Passo del Saltello, Passo di San Pellegrino in Alpe, Passo delle Radici, Passo del Giovarello and Passo della Cisa before heading towards the medieval town of Sologno, from where the Bismantova Rock, an authentic symbol of Appenninica, starts to appear. The riders will continue on a technical trail from the city taking them down to the Secchia river. Once they have crossed the river, a series of switchbacks on asphalt will lead them back to the “Don Bosco” oratory to take the well-deserved rest.
But it will be especially on the following day, Thursday October 1st, when Castelnovo ne’ Monti will be in the spotlights, as stage 5 starts and finishes in the central Piazza Peretti. The first part of the route follows – in the opposite direction – a stretch of the first edition: after the first kilometers on paved road, a sequence of fast forest roads and uphill trails rise towards the Montemiscoso mountain village. A 5-km paved climb leads to the beautiful setting of the glacial-origin Lake Calamone, and from there, a long and pleasant downhill trail leads back to Cervarezza and another uphill forest road. Back to the top of the mountain, there is a short and fun downhill that anticipates some “ups and downs” on fast roads until reaching the base of the majestic Bismantova Rock, framing the last part of the course until the finish in Piazza Peretti.
The “Don Bosco” oratory will then launch the riders towards the Parma province and outside the Apennine massif on Friday, October 2nd, in the stage that will end in Collecchio. “In recent years, the practice of MTB has grown exponentially, and the territory and the ridge of the mid-Apennines offer routes appreciated by bikers from all over Italy and beyond – the Mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Enrico Bini, explained -. In Castelnovo, we are lucky enough to have extraordinary landscapes, such as the Bismantova Rock, and comfortable accommodation facilities for the bikers. The fact that Appenninica partners with Parmigiano Reggiano, the leading agri-food product of our area and excellence recognized worldwide, is another excellent vehicle for promoting the town and its agricultural sector. We look forward to welcoming the Appenninica family”.
CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Nestled in the green of three conifers, Castelnovo ne’ Monti boasts a central geographical position between the valleys of Secchia and Enza, Reggio Emilia and the Passo del Cerreto. For this reason, it is considered the capital of the Reggio Emilia mountains. The heart of the entire landscape is the Bismantova Rock, a majestic grey sandstone rocky emergency that stretches on the top of a plateau. The “Rock” is the icon of a territory that also encloses the area of the Triassic Chalks, ancient rocks that date back to the period called “Trias” (200 million years ago), and the archaeological site of Campo Pianelli.
In addition to offering an evocative scenery for trekking or jogging lovers, the territory provides a network of well-equipped trails for those who wish to pursue well being through the outdoor activity. The tracks for horses and bikes around the Bismantova Rock are also very appreciated as it is the climbing in the Rock, point of excellence of this discipline.
There’s plenty to enjoy also for the food lovers, such as the “salame fiorettino” and the mountain “zuccotto”; the first stands out for the tasty “lardelli” cut by hand while the Bismantova “zuccotto” is a typical Christmas dessert. The mountain “erbazzone” is another can’t-miss treat: a savory cake stuffed with spinach, Parmigiano Reggiano and other local specialties.
Registrations to the stage race on the Emilian Apennines (September 27th – October 3rd) are closed: an exiciting edition is in the cards with great riders at the start, such as Tiago Ferreira and Esther Süss
September is the month of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race this year: there are now only 26 days left to the start from Porretta Terme (Bologna) of the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, and the ordinary registrations for the upcoming edition have closed on Monday August 31st.
The Organizing Committee headed by Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno resiliently ran their initiative in the tough months of the epidemic emergency, moving the race from the summer to the autumn season and working to ensure the event in full safety for both athletes and insiders.
This tenacity has been largely rewarded by a prestigious list of starters: many riders have been fascinated by the general offer of the course, a very demanding challenge with its 16 thousand meters of total elevation gain, and also by the beauty and scenery of the Apennines, an area still to be discovered, not only by bike.
There is going to be a tight battle both in the men’s and women’s competition: on the one hand current champion Lukas Kaufmann, European and former World Champion Tiago Ferreira, Milton Ramos, Hans Becking and Lorenzo Samparisi, while on the other hand the former World Champion Esther Süss, Gaia Ravaioli, Sarah Reiners, former Olympian Regina Marunde and Lorenza Menapace, just to mention some of the most anticipated protagonists.
“Despite a year with unique circumstances – Beppe Salerno explained – the participation numbers are very interesting, with some prominent names of the MTB world. Due to the COVID-19, several athletes arriving from outside Europe, particularly from the United States and South Africa, have had to give up the event, but will not miss the opportunity to be here in 2021″.
HE COURSE
Logistic reasons have forced a variation on the course of the last two stages, concerning in particular the stage venue. Collecchio (Parma) and the charming Corte di Giarola will replace Noceto (Parma) with no strictly technical changes in the course since the two municipalities are next to each other. “We thank Noceto for the availability and collaboration offered in recent months – Beppe Salerno commented – and we hope to return to visit it in the years to come. At the same time, we warmly welcome Collecchio, that will have the honor to crown the winner of a second edition that promises to be really enticing”.
Sunday, September 27th: Porretta Terme – Porretta Terme (45 km) Elevation Gain: 1645 m
Monday, September 28th: Porretta Terme – Fanano (60 km) Elevation Gain: 2650 m
Tuesday, September 29th: Fanano – Fanno (50 km) Elevation Gain: 2300 m
Wednesday, September 30th: Fanano – Castelnovo ne’ Monti (110 km) Elevation Gain: 4300 m
Thursday, October 1st: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti (53 km) Elevation Gain: 1900 m
Friday, October 2nd: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Collecchio (94 km) Elevation Gain: 2500 m
Saturday, October 3rd: Collecchio – Collecchio (35 km) Elevation Gain: 650 m
The 2016 XCM World Champion will be at the start of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race (September 27th – October 3rd) with the DMT Racing Team by Andrea Marconi, which will also line up another remarkable biker in Dutch Hans Becking
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race 2020 is ready to welcome the big names of the international mountain bike scene. The DMT Racing Team by Andrea Marconi riders were the latest to accept the challenge of the Emilian Apennines, taking place from September 27th to October 3rd. Lining up in Porretta Terme (Bologna) will be former World Champion Tiago Ferreira and another established international rider like Hans Becking.
Born in 1988, Portuguese Ferreira jumped to the headlines a few weeks ago, when he managed to break the record of “double Everesting”, exceeding 18 thousand meters of elevation gain on his bike in 24 hours. Now he should, therefore, be ready for the 16 thousand meters of elevation gain of the Appenninica’s course. However, this was only the latest feat of a career full of success, such as the XCM World Title in 2016 in Laissac, France, making him the only Portuguese World Champion in cycling together other than Rui Costa in the 2013 Road Race. Ferreira was also crowned European Champion twice, in Svit (Slovakia), 2017, and Kvam (Norway), 2019. In addition to these triumphs, several World Cup victories make him one of the most successful active bikers.
“I am happy that somebody has finally decided to organize a MTB stage race in Italy – Andrea Marconi, owner of the DMT Racing Team, based in San Severino Marche (Macerata), explained -. We traveled the world, doing races of all kinds, and I couldn’t understand why there wasn’t a race like this in our Country. Therefore, our participation is an investment in this discipline, hoping that Italians can discover it and get closer and closer to MTB. The Apennines are still quite unexplored by the bike world, and we always like to discover, which is why we wanted to support the enthusiasm and passion of these organizers”.
Even Becking’s curriculum is impressive, since he was Dutch National Champion in both Cross-Country and Marathon disciplines. Few bikers can say that they won in every corner of the world as the 1986-born biker did. Becking has won the Brasil Ride three times and the Epic Israel twice, in addition to the victory at La Leyenda del Dorado in Colombia and several successes between Spain and Portugal.
For both Ferreira and Becking, the Apennines represent a brand-new challenge: nevertheless, they will line up as two of the main favorites, even more after the success in Colina Triste, Spain, a few weeks ago, where they raced in pair. “I don’t expect an easy race: there will be many pitfalls, and there is no lack of talented opponents. Racing individually and not in pairs will allow us to have two cards to play. Overall it’s a tough race, even if our riders become stronger when the elevation gain increases,” Marconi concluded.
Focus on the stage venues – The challenging trails and magnificent scenery of the town in the Province of Modena will host two stages and the start of the Queen Stage of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race (on September 28th, 29th and 30th)
The discovery journey through Appenninica Parmigiano Reggiano Stage 2020‘s stage venues, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, continues. After the opening stage in Porretta Terme (Bologna), the Appenninica family will move towards the Province of Modena, as Fanano, after the excellent feedback from last year, decided to double its commitment in the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines, welcoming two stages and the launch of the Queen Stage in the 2020 route.
On Monday, September 28th, Fanano’s city center will host the finish of the second stage. On day three, though, on Tuesday, September 29th, the mountain town in the Modena’s Province will be in the spotlight as start and finishing venue of a stage full of fascinating natural trails and breathtaking landscapes. The course was charted by renowned trail builder Pippo Marani, and named “Pippo Yeah” after its architect.
The stage starts on the tarmac, quickly gaining elevation towards Taburri, before entering a trail up to the Colombino Pass. The following descent dives into the majestic chestnut woods, riding on dirt roads until reaching Capanno Tassoni.
After leaving the hut behind, the view will open over a succession of beautiful scenery and wide landscapes, which will not divert the attention from the singletracks on the ridges that follow one another between the Croce Arcana, Lake Scaffaiolo and Passo del Lupo. There are a few portage sections, but the descent towards the finish line will fully repay the effort, featuring a compilation of fun trails, technical sections, ridges and berms, straight towards Fanano.
There’s more to it, though. On Wednesday September 30th Fanano will launch the participants towards Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the province of Reggio Emilia, for the 105 km and 4200 mt of elevation gain of the Queen Stage, passing from the Monte Cimone to Passo del Saltello, Passo di San Pellegrino, Passo delle Radici, Passo del Giovarello and Passo della Cisa. It will be a crucial day for Appenninica’s final classification.
Stage 3 and 4 were also covered by the recon of the pro rider Andrea Tiberi, who showed the course features in an emotional video available on the official channels of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race.
“We believe in Apenninica because Fanano has more than 200 km of trails, and we see MTB as an important asset for tourism – the Mayor of Fanano Stefano Muzzarelli explained -. In 2019 Appenninica brought passionate bikers from all over the World, and that was great for us. Foreign tourism is on the rise here, and it is based on sports, nature and good food: that’s where our strategy is headed. We thank Appenninica’s organizers for their commitment: seeing our territory in the top magazines in mountain bike is the icing on the cake for us.”
FANANO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Fanano is a mountain town immersed in the nature, located in the “Parco dell’Alto Appennino Modenese” at the foot of the Monte Cimone‘s massif (m. 2165, the highest peak touched by Appenninica), with an area whose altitude varies from 600 to 2165 meters. It is ideal for cycling and hiking. Cimone is often a destination for freeride enthusiasts, as it hosts one of the most important BikeParks in Italy.
Thanks to the beauty of this area, Fanano set some relevant Italian movies, such as “Una Gita Scolastica” (1983) by Pupi Avati, whose final scene was filmed at Lake Scaffaiolo, where Appeninica’s participants will also pass by. “Tutto Quello Che Vuoi” (2015) by Francesco Bruni, winner of Italian “David di Donatello” featuring Giuliano Montaldo, was filmed in the Ospitale. Finally, “Zen Sul Ghiaccio Sottile” (2018) by Margherita Ferri, was set at the Fanano’s ice stadium and presented at the Venice Film Festival.
The city is particularly proud of Felice Pedroni (Felix Pedro 1858 -1910), a pioneer born in the Municipality of Fanano who, in the era of gold prospectors, contributed to the foundation and became the president of the new mining district of Fairbanks (Alaska). In the Linea Gotica Museum in Trignano it is possible to find out more about his adventurous life.
The Italian MTB veteran seized the opportunity to see what the Italian MTB stage race has got in store for its participants from September 27 to October 3, 2020. An electrifying mix of mountains, trails and stunning views on one of the most unspoiled areas in Italy
He has got an Italian National Championship and an Olympic race participation to his name over a long top-level career in cross country MTB, but calling Andrea Tiberi “just” a Pro rider would miss a significant part of the whole story.
Tiberi’s deep love for cycling and adventure is what brought him wandering around the Alps for the pure sake of discovery. Hence, when the call from Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race came, the 34-year-old from Oulx (Piedmont, Northern Italy) could not resist to the lures of a new, unspoiled land to discover on two wheels: the Emilian Apennines.
In the late-July days when the 2020 edition was first supposed to take place, Tiberi traveled to the Apennines to discover what the exacting course of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race has got in store for the riders from September 27th to 3rd, 2020.
Tiberi’s trip, recorded by the Appenninica’s video crew, focused on two of the most anticipated stages of the race: the third, starting and finishing in Fanano, and the fourth, the Queen stage, with no less than 105 km and 4.200 mt of elevation gain from Fanano to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, just under the iconic Bismantova Rock.
“You don’t really know a land until you go and check it out yourself. That was definitely true for the Apennines,” Tiberi admitted. “As a person who hails from the Alps, we have the tendency of thinking of ours as the ‘real’ mountains in Italy. I was impressed to see how much I was missing here in the Apennines.”
“The peaks might not be as high as on the Alps, but the climbs, the unique mountain atmosphere, the stunning views, are a joy to behold. It’s a land of cycling and outdoor opportunities, waiting to be discovered.”
Andrea Tiberi’s experience covered it all: from the exchanges with the locals to the authentic taste of the mountain Parmigiano Reggiano, made right in the Apennines area. Obviously, though, the main course were the climbs and trails of one of the most challenging courses in the whole MTB stage races’ scenario: “Amazing course, really technical but offering plenty of fun all the times. Honestly, here I found some of the most beautiful and charming passages I can recall in my whole life,” Tiberi acknowledged.
The video is available for sharing and embedding through Youtube and Social Networks.
