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.
Lorenzo Samparisi and Gaia Ravaioli are set to compete for the overall crown in the second edition of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race (September 27th – October 3rd)
With now less than 50 days to go to the start in Porretta Terme, new remarkable names keep joining the Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race‘s starting list. The KTM Alchemist Dama Selle SMP were the latest team in time to have made official their participation in the MTB stage race on the Emilian Apennines, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd.
Based in Tirano (Sondrio), the team boasts a significant international experience and a prestigious palmares. Their activity is split between the disciplines of MTB and Cyclocross, and the backbone of the team is made by the Samparisi: Nicolas and Lorenzo are the top riders, while Simone – a former rider himself – is the General Manager. Lorenzo Samparisi and Gaia Ravaioli, who just won the Pedalonga in Comelico Superiore (Belluno), will come to Appenninica with the intention of competing for the final victory.
“We wished to come to Appenninica already last year, but we couldn’t due to calendar circumstances – explained KTM Dama Selle SMP General ManagerSimone Samparisi, who will join the two riders in the race together with the team physio. “The race fascinates us; we like the format and we were looking for a hard course just like this. We will come to Appenninica with many racing days in the legs, including the Swiss Epic, so we expect to be in a very solid condition. As with every race, we will line up at the start to win, even if we know that the competition will be tough”.
Lorenzo Samparisi, born in 1993, won the Gran Fondo Val di Noto 2019 and achieved several prestigious placements around Europe. At Appenninica he will be one of the main Italian hopes to clash against the likes of favorites Lukas Kaufmann and Milton Ramos.
Gaia Ravaioli graduated Endurance World Champion (24H solo) in 2017 and 2019, has worn the Italian Marathon National team’s jersey, and won the World Cup race in Spilimbergo in 2019. The 16-thousand-metre of total elevation gain seem to fit perfectly the 1988-born athlete from Genoa, who thrives when the mileage gets higher. The challenge in the women’s field is set to be exciting, with many legitimate contenders joining the ranks in Porretta Terme (Bologna).
“Lorenzo was born in Rimini and knows the Emilian Apennines’ area well – Simone Samparisi continued -. We hope this will prove to be an advantage on the way to a solid result. For Gaia it will be a first time, but she has what it takes to copes with the threats of the Apennines’ trails.”
Focus on the stage venues – On Sunday September 27th and Monday 28th, the main town of Alto Reno Terme municipality will host Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race’s opening time trial and the start of the second stage
It is time to discover the four municipalities that will host the second edition of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd. Porretta Terme (Alto Reno Terme’s main town) and the Province of Bologna will set the stage start, confirming their commitment after welcoming the fourth stage of the 2019 edition.
On Sunday, September 27th, Piazza della Libertà in Porretta Terme will be closed to traffic and well prepped to welcome the Appenninica family before their first effort. A 43-km individual time trial will get things started, with start and finish in the heart of the thermal town in the province of Bologna. After the first steady 5 km climb on secondary roads, with some short steeper sections, the bikers will cross the ancient village of Castelluccio and Manservisi Castle’s park where a beautiful forest road starts and climbs up to 1300 mt.
A fast double track will lead to the “Pian dello Stellaio” prairie where the course turns and points again to Mount Cavallo with a beautiful single track opening a stunning view over the Apennines. A technical section precedes the end of this trail before the following climb, with some portage sections, to the summit of Mount Piella and its panoramic point, with a cross overlooking the Reno valley. The final downhill in the forest follows an ancient path dotted by small hamlets. Bikers will then face one more technical section before the stairway that marks the finish in the center of Porretta Terme.
The village close to Bologna will also launch the 65-km second stage of Appenninica towards Fanano (Modena), on Monday, September 28th. The first part is demanding with the climb starting from the Rifugio della Segavecchia and leading to Sboccata dei Bagnadori all inside the forest. The bikers will then ride to the Apennine ridge and the Corno delle Scale mountain before entering the province of Modena to face a techincal and tricky final.
“Appenninica is a premium opportunity to team up with all the Emilia-Romagna municipalities to promote the Northern Apennines and the Alta Via dei Parchi – the Mayor of Alto Reno Terme Giuseppe Nanni explained -. Confirming our commitment in the race shows our confidence in the opportunity of diversifying the tourist offer, leveraging on sports activities related to green and eco-sustainable tourism. Appenninica has an international flair and contributes to create a new image of Alto Reno Terme, linked to thermal baths, wellness, nature, sports and leisure, with an excellent gastronomic offer”.
PORRETTA TERME: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Alto Reno Termeis a town in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, renowned for its thermal waters, the green of its forests and picturesque villages set in its mountains. Not by chance, it has been awarded by the EDEN project as a destination of excellence in sustainable tourism.
The main town, Porretta Terme, is home to important musical events such as the Porretta Soul Festival and many others (Prog Festival, Jazz Festival, international courses of classical music etc.). The local gastronomy is renowned, thanks to its typical products (in particular chestnuts, such as the “neccio”, “tortino di Porretta” and chestnut beer) and positively contaminated by the culinary traditions of Emilia and Tuscany.
The rich and fascinating trails network allows to carry out mountain biking and trekking activities in an uncontaminated environment. Not to be missed, in particular, are the Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Park and the Rifugio Montecavallo, nestled in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race welcomes Hibros in his big family as a new technical sponsor. The company from Bologna is specialized in massage creams and creams for the perineal area. It is perfect for taking care of the muscles after the efforts to which all athletes of Appenninica will be subjected.
Hibros products will be used by masseurs chosen by the organizing committee at the end of each stage, but will also be part of the prizes for the final winners, and thanks to the single doses included in the race package, all the Appenninica’s athletes will have the opportunity to test them.
Hibros Chemical Laboratory was founded in Bologna at the end of the 19th century by the Nadalini family, initially for the production of hair care products. In 1967 he obtained a licence for the production of bleaches and products for the treatment of face and body, while in 1999 was born the cosmetic line Hibros Sport, dedicated to athletes and in particular to the cycling industry.
Thanks to the collaboration with professional masseurs, the Hibros brand has become a reference point for the athletes of the most important cycling teams in the world, as well as official sponsor of the Italian Cycling Federation.
The organizers of the Italian MTB stage race (September 27th- October 3rd) are developing anti-COVID prevention measures, according to the guidelines provided by the Italian Federation and the Government. Two significant changes to the race format: the race will be only individual, and the first stage in Porretta Terme becomes a time trial
Italy seems to have left behind the most critical phase of the Covid-19 emergency, but attention needs to stay high as cycling competitions are about to restart in the Country. The organizers of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race are putting in the utter effort so that the stage race, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, can be held in total safety for athletes, insiders, and the public.
The Italian Cycling Federation ensured the possibility to return racing, respecting the prevention guidelines for individual or collective races. Appenninica’s organizing committee has, therefore, made significant arrangements to reduce any risk situation significantly.
In recent weeks the organizers have been constantly in touch with the athletes and their staff, updating them on the developments of the emergency in Italy and the conduct codes established by the national and sporting authorities. At the same time, in addition to creating the Anti-Infection Committee, Appenninica is instructing its staff, volunteers, and external partners to provide more extensive knowledge of the prevention measures.
The so-called “Yellow Zone”, which brings together athletes and professionals, will be kept under close surveillance to avoid unnecessary contacts and maintain, wherever possible, social distance. For this reason, some technical procedures initially planned will be modified, or deleted, to minimize the risk of gathering in sensitive areas.
In addition to temperature measurement with thermoscanners, there will be several stations dispensing gel sanitizer and specific signals with the conduct rules in the race and common areas. Precautions will also be taken for refreshments and evening dinners, avoiding buffets, while athletes will be forbidden to exchange bottles among them.
“FCI guidelines follow the right way for the prevention – Beppe Salerno, co-organizer along with Milena Bettocchi, explains -. At this stage, it is crucial to be cautious, because the Covid-19 has still to be defeated. We are confident that these measures, together with the common sense of all those involved, will allow us to race in complete safety”.
For this reason, two relevant modifications to the race format were decided to further reduce the risk of infection. The first is the abolition of the “Team” category for the 2020 edition: therefore each biker will compete individually and not in pairs, with all riders being reassigned to their individual categories: “In this situation, bike, tools and any other object in and outside the race must be personal, and also the exchange of water bottles and bars is not allowed: we love the ‘Team’ formula, but we believe it is safer to renounce it as a further preventive measure for this year. Moreover, with the current extraordinary regulations, the podium is necessarily limited to three athletes”, Beppe Salerno explained.
The second change concerns the first stage on Sunday, September 27th, starting and finishing in Porretta Terme (Bologna), which becomes an individual time trial. Such an option will allow better management of the starts, with distanced starting grids enacted from stage two.
Useful information about Appenninica
Appenninica is a full-service race, so the registration fee already includes many services: from overnight stays to meals and technical assistance and many others. However, some extra service packagesare also available to make the experience more complete and comfortable.
The race will touch four provinces, in four municipalities immersed in the Apennines beauty, over seven stages. It will start from Porretta Terme (Bologna), that will host the first stage (individual time trial) and the start of the second, then move to Fanano (Modena) and from the fourth, the Queen Stage of over 4000 meters of elevation gain, in Castelnovo ne’ Monti (Reggio Emilia). The finish of the last two stages will be in Noceto (Parma), in the heart of the Parmigiano Reggiano production area. THE STAGES IN DETAIL
Registrations for Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race are open on the website. Teams that have not yet had the opportunity to plan the 2020 season can contact the organizers for participation.
The new “Official Sports Nutrition Partners” of the MTB stage race (September 27th-October 3rd, 2020) will give athletes an essential nutritional and integrative contribution.
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race family has grown bigger thanks to the agreement with KeForma and Strategic Nutrition Center, which become “Official Sports Nutrition Partner” for the second edition of the MTB stage race, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, 2020.
To face a challenge like Appenninica, you need to pay special attention to details, like training, materials, rest time, and the choice of correct nutrition.
KeFormawill give an important contribution to the athletes during the racing week on the Emilian Apennines, including its products in the athletes’ race package and making them available in the feed zones along the course, at the start and finish of the various stages.
The company from San Marino produces a complete line of supplements thought for sports and physical well-being, using active ingredients and certified raw materials of the highest quality, aimed at the specific needs of athletes of any level. Over the last few years, KeForma supplements have received remarkable awards from numerous professional teams and internationally renowned athletes. They are now ready to get involved with the challenge of Appenninica.
Joining the field is also Strategic Nutrition Center, whose mission and method perfectly match with Appenninica. The Bologna-based center’s philosophy focuses on teamwork, synergy, and confrontation with other professionals, with improvement, innovation, and continuous learning as a goal.
Born from the idea of Dr. Lorenzo Bergami, Nutritionist Biologist, an expert in Sports Nutrition, Integration and Nutraceutical and Anti-aging Potentiative Medicine, Strategic Nutrition Center will be at Appenninica with a team of experts, giving athletes the opportunity to undergo a Body Composition visit (BIA) at the start and finish of some stages.
“We decided to collaborate with Appenninica, because we love challenges, and teaming up with those who thrive for them – Dr. Bergami explains -. Seven stages in the Emilian Apennines woods are a unique opportunity for riders to test themselves and see how far they can get: any time they should be in trouble, we will be on hand to support them to the finish line”.
The German MTB International from 1991 to 2004 took part in the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and is now ready to test herself on the trails of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race
The passion for mountain biking never vanishes, no matter if you are no longer a professional. Regina Marunde, born in 1968, knows it well: after having trod the most important MTB international races between the 90s and 2000 as a professional, she is still looking for new challenges on her bike in her present as as osteopath and personal trainer.
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race, scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, is one of these challenges, and the German athlete from Berlin looks to have fun and discover the hurdles of the Emilian Apennines.
“I cannot wait to face the real mountains again after the break due to the virus – Regina admits -. Staying in Berlin without the opportunity to test myself on challenging races was really frustrating, so I am eager to discover the routes of the Emilian Apennines and do what I like most: take my MTB and enjoy some real trails”.
Regina Marunde was a German international from 1991 to 2004, taking part in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where she finished seventh, and in several World Championships and Cups. She had a good chance of being selected for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games as well, but a bad fall caused her several fractures, with no chances to recover in time to go to Greece. That year, in fact, she managed to win the challenging Transalp in the German Alps, going on to finish third the following year.
The 26-year-old Austrian won the individual classification in Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race’s first edition and looks to repeat this year: “It is a unique race and I will try to win it again”
Resisting the call of Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race is not easy. The winner of the first edition, Lukas Kaufmann, can confirm it, as from September 27th to October 3rd 2020 he will be back on the Emilian Apennines to try to defend the title won last year. In 2019 he showed all his qualities, both uphill and on the fast downhill trails, securing the final individual overall classification and thus becoming the first winner in the history of Appenninica.
He was born in Linz, Northern Austria, in 1994 and for about ten years has been traveling the world looking for races that feed his passion for fat wheels and technical trails. Over the years he has raised the bar more and more, finding the ideal terrain to prove his skills in stage races.
“Last year I learned about Appenninica thanks to a Facebook ad – Kaufmann says -. I was looking for a stage race in a beautiful area of Italy and I immediately registered. I should have participated in pairs with a friend of mine, but in the end he could not be there so I raced alone. I certainly didn’t expect to win, although I knew I was in good shape, since a few days earlier I had finished third in the Salzkammergut Trophy, 11 hours of racing for 210 km and 7100 meters of elevation gain”.
Lukas perfectly fits with Appenninica mood, fully enjoying the atmosphere once he gets off his bike: “The family atmosphere is one of the things that I enjoyed the most of the race. At the end of the week everyone knew each other. The marvelous food should not be overlooked too, especially the Parmigiano Reggiano”.
But a skilled biker like him was also looking for a nice course to have fun with: “I did stage races in Austria, Croatia, Switzerland, France, Spain, Costa Rica and Australia, but nowhere I enjoyed the route like I did at Appenninica – the 26-year-old Austrian said -. You need a great technique, because trails are difficult, and also excellent resistance, because after seven days of competition you are really exhausted”.
His goal is to repeat the win, taking advantage of the experience gained last year and the knowledge of the Apennines traps. In 2020, however, the competition will be higher and the rivals fiercer: “Last year, while I was travelling back home in a 10-hours-drive, I reflected on how much this race would grow over the years. The organizers are doing an excellent job and it is logical that, little by little, stronger riders will join the race. I can’t wait to challenge athletes like Milton Ramos and many others. A stage race is always unpredictable, but surely, I will start to repeat last year victory. I will train intensely until September, then if I do not succeed in winning, I will still be able to enjoy the course, the good food, the magnificent landscape and the company of the Appenninica team”.
The Spaniard-Honduran of the Rockrider Decathlon Team, six-time winner of the IronBike, is ready to face the Emilian Apennines the next autumn: “I want to enjoy the experience, but also focus on the general classification”
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race starting list keeps filling up with big names. The latest famed contender to join the ranks of the MTB stage race scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd, 2020 on the Emilian Apennines, in Italy, is Internationally renowned stage-race specialist Milton Ramos, six-time winner of the established and very challenging IronBike stage race, in the Western Alps.
Born in 1979 and grown up in Honduras, Ramos proved his MTB talent after moving to Spain in 1999, when he joined his mother who had emigrated to Europe a few years earlier in Zaragoza. After a short period in road cycling, he committed full-time to his passion for fat wheels and off-road tracks, soon becoming one of the most popular bikers in Spain. He is nicknamed “Zorro of the Desert”, because of his good feeling with the Titan Desert in Morocco, where he won three stages with three second places in the overall standings.
In Appenninica he will face a new challenge, as the Apennines are an unexplored terrain for him. On the starting line of Porretta Terme (Bologna) he will wear the Rockrider Decathlon Team jersey, together with the French Joseph de Poortere and competing both in the individual category.
“My teammate Joseph told me about Appenninica and when I read about it I was impressed by the routes and the overall offer of the race – Milton, who also won races like the Mediterranean Extreme, Gigante de Piedra and the Quebrantahuesos cxm in his career, explains -. I also received positive feedbacks from other friends of mine who know the race and I am very curious to discover the Apennines. I’ve never had the chance to ride there before, so it will be a very first time for me”.
The Honduran living in Aragon comes from a difficult 2019, punctuated by several physical problems that have significantly limited his bike activity, and even this 2020, with many races cancelled due to the epidemic emergency, had not started in the best way. Appenninica, postponed from summer to autumn, will therefore be one of the major goals of the season for Ramos, who is surely going to entertain the fans during the seven days along the Emilian provinces.
The 16.000 meters of elevation gain seems to fit perfectly to Milton’s skills: “Hard and technical races like Appenninica are the ones I prefer and in which I have always managed to give the best of me, so I think I can have fun. The first goal for me is to enjoy the ride and appreciate what is around me, but I am also competitive by nature and I will surely focus on the overall classification. I will then try to finish as high as possible”.
The next autumn Milton is going to be a tough rival for everyone. Registrations for Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race are open on the https://www.appenninica-mtb.com/en/register/ website till August 31st (or max number).
Noted the persistent uncertainty about the regular course of sports events, the MTB stage race’s organizers decided to postpone the MTB stage race to the autumn: “We want to offer more guarantees”
There is to wait a couple of months longer than expected to live the Mountain Bike challenge in the heart of Emilian Apennines. Having assessed the constant situation of uncertainty regarding the conditions and methods of carrying out sports events after the emergency from Covid-19, Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race decided to postpone the second edition of the race to the next autumn, from September 27th to October 3rd, 2020.
The main features of the race will not change even if there will be a few more yellow leaves. Originally scheduled from July 19th to 25th, Appenninica ranks among the hardest stage races in the international calendar and the Emilian Apennines, through the provinces of Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Parma, are the ideal setting.
“These dates give us more guarantees and meet the needs of everyone – Beppe Salerno, Head of the organizing committee along with Milena Bettocchi, explains -. We evaluated the situation day by day because a 460 km stage race in seven days requires planning and coordination, and this seemed to be the best choice for us. We are particularly grateful to the sponsors, and to the four host municipalities, Alto Reno Terme, Fanano, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, and Noceto, that have not pulled back and also supported the new placement in the calendar”.
The ambition to repeat the first edition’s success motivates the organizers: “Only a few MTB stage races are still standing in this very tough season. Despite the difficult circumstances, we are part of a small group of tenacious organizers who are still hoping to deliver a great experience to their participants.”
Determination, but also a keen awareness of the existing situation: “The Appenninica Family’s safety comes first for us. We are in touch with all the participants to inform them of every development, monitor the health and regulatory evolution daily, and we are studying the most appropriate solutions so that everyone can live the experience in the utmost safety and serenity. We hope that the good signals coming out from this lockdown phase will be confirmed and that these two more months allow us to race Appenninica in its usual entertaining atmosphere”.
As already made clear by Appenninica’s organizers, no one will lose his participation fee. “In these days we talked with our athletes, and many of them were enthusiasts for the new dates,” Salerno continues -. “Anyway, since the beginning of the emergency, we ensured alternatives for anybody who wouldn’t be able to participate under these conditions.”
The participation fees already paid for the 2020 edition will roll over to the new dates – from September 27th to October 3rd – and if the rider is not available to attend the event in 2020 for any reason, the participation fee will be valid for the 2021 event.
Pending the decisions of the Italian Government, the organizers continue to work for the 19-25 July fixture, while also weighing options for an alternative date in September/ October 2020, should the original one become unavailable
In Italy activities are gradually reopening, but there is still little certainty about sports events, whose organizers are trying to realize what will be feasible or not in the next few months.
Appenninica MTB Parmigiano Reggiano Stage Race keeps working on its second edition, though the original dates, from July 19 to 25, will remain on the mend until the Italian Government and the Italian Cycling Federation will deliberate on the regulations on mass events. Possible restrictions for international travelling will also factor in the Asd Happy Trail MTB organizers’ decision.
“The ministerial decree has restored the possibility to circulate by bike from May 4th – Beppe Salerno, Head of the organizing committee along with Milena Bettocchi, explained -. At the same time, we don’t have the elements to make a final call on the Appenninica’s date just yet. We acknowledge that there is a chance July 19-25 could be too premature in this situation: that is why we are doing our due diligence with our partners, host municipalities, Italian Cycling Federation and sponsors, to verify the option of pushing the event to September or October.”
A final decision will be taken by the end of May. Appenninica organizers had already previously taken stock of the unique circumstances, and modified the cancellation policy, so to ensure to all the registered athletes and to those willing to participate the utmost flexibility and peace of mind.
