Since its inception, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become the ultimate showcase for the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Through rider stories and images that travel the globe, the international attendance has grown stronger each year—and this year’s start list is no exception.

Just days before the stage race begins, 118 participants will head to Lizzano in Belvedere on June 22nd. From June 23-27, they’ll battle across the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia, covering 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of total elevation gain.

Among the twenty-two nations represented at Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Netherlands once again fields the largest contingent. No less than 26 Dutch riders will line up, led by defending champion and three-time overall winner Hans Becking. But the Dutch have other solid cards to play, including Juul van Loon, who’s won the Master category the past two years, and Lola Bakker, last year’s third-place finisher and a top contender in this year’s women’s race.

Italy also brings a solid delegation with twenty-two athletes, ranging from young guns Luca Cacchi and Davide Magnani to veterans like Raffaele Verzella.

The other major favorite comes from Colombia—though he’s now based in Italy: it’s Diego Arias, who leads a South American group featuring two Colombians, three Brazilians, two Uruguayans, one Peruvian, and five Argentinians. It’s a clear sign of how much Appenninica MTB Stage Race is valued even on the other side of the world.

Several nations continue to show their loyalty to the Apennine stage race: Belgium (11), the United Kingdom (9), the United States (7), Spain (6), and Germany (5). The start lists also includes riders from the Dominican Republic and South Africa, representing Central America and Africa respectively.

FROM LIZZANO TO CASTELNOVO: 315 KM AND 12,000 METERS OF CLIMBING

The 2025 Appenninica adventure kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere, at the foot of Corno alle Scale. The first two stages on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th will be loops starting and finishing in the Vidiciatico area. These are far from easy opening stages—riders will immediately face 58 km and 2,300 meters of climbing through Corno alle Scale, Passo Croce Arcana, and Lago Scaffaiolo. The intensity keeps up in stage two with 46 km and 2,100 meters of climbing along the Monte Pizzo trails.

Wednesday, June 25th brings the “Emilia Romagna Peaks” stage—64 km and 2,750 meters of climbing—taking the race to Riolunato via two of the Apennines’ most iconic peaks: Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone.

The High Mountain Queen Stage is the fourth stage, running from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti across 88 km and 3,000 meters of climbing. This stage could well decide the overall classification before the final act on Friday, June 27th—a loop starting and finishing in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. The “Windy Way Home” with its 58 km and 1,600 meters of climbing will still have plenty to say before crowning the final winner in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is anticipating the emergence of new Italian prospects after Luca Cacchi‘s remarkable third-place podium finish in 2024. From June 23-27, the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will welcome a fierce and highly motivated Italian contingent, determined to challenge the biggest names in international mountain biking.

Leading the charge will be two standout performers from last year’s edition: Luca Cacchi, who was the absolute revelation of 2024 with his podium finish and stage victory in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, and Federico Mandelli, who dominated the stage in Fiumalbo with authority. Both riders return to the start line with renewed ambitions and a hunger to confirm their place among the elite.

Cacchi will be supported by teammate Davide Magnani, who arrives at Appenninica riding high after his recent triumph at “Il Carpegna mi Basta” and eager to make a strong first impression on the Apennine trails and Peter Menghetti. Alongside them, Piraz Coach Academy is raising the stakes once again with Mandelli, aiming high after the excellent results shown in 2024.

The Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team returns after their 2023 experience, with Martino Tronconi – who raced that year – now firmly established as team manager. Veteran Diego Arias, winner of the 2022 edition, will be the cornerstone of a squad that also features quality Italians in Massimo Rosa, plus young Andrea Candeago, 22, who has already shown promise at the 4Island Epic.

There’s buzz also around the debut of Paolo Alberati‘s Team Rolling Bike. The former pro turned manager is focused on developing young talent and will field Vincenzo Saitta, who finished fourth at the 4 Stage MTB Lanzarote won by Appenninica former rider Tim Smeenge, and Emanuele Spica, who cracked the top ten at Costa degli Etruschi.

The 2025 edition of Appenninica promises to be one of the most competitive ever, giving young Italian riders the chance to go toe-to-toe with some of the best on the international scene. After Cacchi and Mandelli’s breakout performances in 2024, anticipation is building to see which new name will capture the imagination.

With strong team support and the energy that comes from hunger for results, the Italian squad is determined to write a new chapter in the history of Italy’s most prestigious mountain bike stage race.

When Appenninica MTB Stage Race talks about family, they mean it. The atmosphere of the small Emilia-Romagna Apennine villages, the genuine friendships that form and endure year after year, the loyalty of supporters who simply can’t—and won’t—say no to being part of Appenninica.

This Family philosophy guides the Happy Trail MTB organizers in building relationships with their extensive network of partners, both technical and commercial, who continue to support Italy’s premier MTB stage race, running June 23-27.

At the heart of this support is the Emilia-Romagna Region, which has recognized the mountain bike stage race as a powerful tool for promoting the Apennines as a top international summer cycling destination. Furthermore, this is part of a broader strategy to revitalize mountain communities and combat rural depopulation.

Lavor, a leading Italian manufacturer of pressure washers, has been part of the Appenninica story for several years. What started as a partnership providing bike wash services has grown into one of the event’s major sponsorships, reflecting the deepening relationship between the brand and the race.

Many cycling-related brands are also well-represented among event supporters, starting from Enervit. Italy’s leading sports nutrition and functional food company has served as Appenninica’s Sports Nutrition Partner for several years. Barbieri PNK, Bologna-based bike accessories and parts brand, manufacturer of innovative TPU inner tubes, continues its long-standing partnership.

Natali Sports Wear crafts the leader jerseys, while French brand Look provides the official pedals. New to the family in 2025 is Northwave, a leading manufacturer of technical cycling shoes, while Squirt Cycling returns as a key supplier of chain lubricants.

Local Emilia-Romagna businesses are also part of the Family. The Meliconi group leverages its technology expertise to produce bike accessories and supports through its My Bike brand. Hibros, a Parma-based chemical laboratory, continues its partnership by supplying recovery creams for athletes’ care.

Throughout race week, June 23-27, athletes will seize the quality from an impressive lineup of official suppliers and premium brands supporting the event. Gruppo Sem, one of Italy’s major bottling companies, provides Acqua del Cimone as the official water. At the grand finale in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, riders can also refill their bottles at a special Iren water fountain.

Given the region’s renowned culinary heritage, food partners play a key role. Delverde supplies pasta, while Rodolfi Mansueto provides tomato sauces products. Local favourite Cabrioni Biscotti will fuel athletes’ breakfast needs with traditional baked goods.

Key support services include mechanical assistance from Sport Bike Alicante and logistical support from Decathlon, which supplies tents, sleeping mats, and equipment for the Appenninica Teen Camp—a program that engages teenagers as part of the race staff.

Radio Bruno returns as the official radio partner, providing live commentary and summer hits throughout race week. SeTeTrack handles Official Live Tracking, essential for real-time stage coverage and athlete safety, while Evodata secures timing and results services.

Who will be crowned the new queen of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race? In 2024, Swiss rider Nina Brenn ruled the Elite Women’s field. This year, from June 23 to 27, the race through the rugged terrain of Emilia-Romagna promises one of the most open and unpredictable editions yet.

The rider tipped as the early favourite is Dutch talent Lola Bakker. After finishing third last year, the KMC Mountainbike Team rider returns for her third Appenninica, having recently secured second place at the Bike Marathon in Willingen, Germany, behind Belgian champion Julia Grégoire.

Among the Netherlands’ field, keep an eye on Linda Van Vliet — a former professional road cyclist who placed fourth at the 2021 4 Islands MTB — as well as the Loomans sisters, Janneke and Jeltje, who round out the “orange” presence.

Ukraine’s Elena Novikova, who narrowly missed the podium in 2022 and has extensive experience in endurance MTB, could spring a surprise. So too could Syd Schulz – well known from the US-based YouTube channel Syd and Macky – who impressed with a runner-up finish at the Volcanic Epic in New Zealand earlier this year.

From South America, Argentina’s Betiana Iglesias Canay returns after her 2023 appearance, while all eyes will be on Uruguayan Syomara Facchin, who has shown strong domestic form, and Peru’s Gina Torres, eager to make her mark.

Also returning is Germany’s Regina Marunde, a veteran of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, who will find a familiar face in Miguel Martinez, another Olympian racing this year’s edition.

Adding to the international flair are Spain’s Gemma Rossell – a 2024 finisher of the grueling Titan Desert in Morocco – and fellow Spaniard Maria Lopez de Arméntia, both of whom boast a strong social media following and are set to inspire on and off the bike.

It will be a contest of legs, tactics, and courage – with the crown of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025 up for grabs.

Once you experience the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, you simply can’t stay away. Many athletes have fallen in love with this stage race through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, making it a fixed appointment on their racing calendar year after year.

This feeling extends beyond amateurs to include elite professionals like Hans Becking. The Dutchman has competed in three editions (2020, 2023, and 2024), emerging victorious each time. For the 2025 edition, scheduled for June 23-27, Becking will once again start as the favorite in Lizzano in Belvedere (Bologna), hunting for his fourth consecutive title.

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become like family to Becking – an annual reunion with friends that creates unforgettable memories. The staff, excellent food, and stunning landscapes of Emilia-Romagna create a complete experience for all athletes, who enjoy a challenging yet emotionally rewarding adventure.

“Returning to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race feels like coming home – it would be strange to imagine my racing calendar without this event. It’s always wonderful to reconnect with people I’ve known for many years. Everywhere you look at Appenninica, you find smiling faces, good vibes, and positive energy. There’s a truly unique family atmosphere in the racing scene – and the food is another major highlight!“, explains Hans Becking.

On his path toward a possible fourth victory at Appenninica, the Buff-Megamo Team rider will face Colombian Diego Arias, who returns after his 2022 victory. The battle between them promises to be thrilling and hard-fought, right down to the final pedal stroke.

“Diego Arias is an incredible athlete. He’s not only extremely strong, but also an extraordinary person – it’s always electrifying to race against him. He’s stronger than me on the climbs, so I’ll need to find a way to drop him. I think it’s going to be a great race. I can’t wait. Anything can happen over five days,” states Becking.

Becking’s course knowledge from three previous participations gives him a distinct advantage.

“Knowing the area and the routes well will definitely be an advantage for me – I already know what to expect, both on the descents and climbs,” analyses Hans Becking.

The race hasn’t started yet, but the hype for this epic duel is already at fever pitch.

Since its inception, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race has often crossed paths with the Giro d’Italia. From Bologna’s San Luca climb in 2019 to the peaks of the Modena Apennines, and now Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

On Wednesday, May 21, the town will host the finish of Stage 11 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, the Viareggio–Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Just one month later, the town will also set the stage for the grand finale of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The challenging MTB stage race across the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna returns to the Province of Reggio Emilia for its final two stages, on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, where the 2025 champion will be crowned.

This marks a memorable end of spring and start of summer for Castelnovo ne’ Monti, reinforcing the town’s growing reputation as a sporting hub in Emilia-Romagna. Among the many events hosted here, Appenninica MTB Stage Race holds a special place, as Castelnovo is the only venue featured in every edition of the event to date.

Thursday, June 26 brings the toughest test of the week – the High Mountain Queen Stage. Spanning 89 km with 3,100 metres of elevation gain, it’s the ultimate challenge for athletes and a must-see for fans.

Starting from Riolunato, the stage immediately climbs to the Apennine ridges and high-altitude forests. The initial ascent, partially paved and partially forest road, is moderate until Monte Saltello. From there, relentless climbs and technical descents stretch to km 45, wearing down even the strongest riders.

The course then plunges into highly technical trails leading to Ligonchio, demanding focus and top-tier handling skills. In the final kilometres, riders cross the Secchia River before climbing toward the Bismantova Rock and tackling one last tricky descent into Castelnovo ne’ Monti’s town centre.

Friday, June 27 will feature the closing stage: a 58 km loop with 1,850 metres of elevation, starting and finishing in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. A mountainous finale that could shake up the general classification and decide the winner of the 2025 edition – all under the gaze of the Bismantova Rock, exactly one month after the Giro d’Italia’s Maglia Rosa passed through.

“The Appenninica MTB Race once again confirms Castelnovo Monti as a true home for sport – and showcases how sport can elevate our landscapes and natural environment, from the Bismantova Rock to the mountain ridges,” said Emanuele Ferrari, Mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti.
“This long-standing partnership highlights how sport fosters connections and promotes our territory with a positive, sustainable image. The race brings a piece of the world here, and even if it’s just for a short time, many carry these memories with them and spread the word when they return home – which is the best promotion we could ask for.”

In Castelnovo ne’ Monti, cycling is more than a sport – it’s a way to share the territory’s soul. Between the Giro d’Italia and Appenninica MTB Stage Race, 2025 promises a summer packed with unforgettable rides.

Since its inception in 2019, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has introduced riders and fans to a number of hidden gems throughout the Emilia-Romagna Apennines (Italy). These mountain communities, though often affected by population decline, offer architectural treasures and breathtaking landscapes steeped in history, tradition, and cultural identity.

Organized by A.S.D. Happy Trails MTB, the event serves a dual purpose: creating unforgettable racing experiences while showcasing these unique locations to an international audience — reaching beyond national borders as a promotional platform for the Emilia-Romagna Region.

From June 23 to 27, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race will unveil a new gem of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines: Riolunato. This charming town in the province of Modena will host the finish of the third stage and the start of the fourth. These two stages are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the overall standings, being the longest and most demanding of the five-day race.

On Wednesday, June 25, riders will take on the “Emilia Romagna Peaks” stage—a gruelling 64 km route featuring 2,750 meters of climbing that begins in Lizzano in Belvedere. This high-altitude challenge spans two of the region’s most iconic mountain areas: Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone.

The route partially mirrors the 2024 stage that finished in Fiumalbo, dominated by two major ascents. Riders face a serious test right out of the gate: of the first 23 km, 16 are uphill. It starts with an opening 7 km climb averaging 8.1%, with punishing sections reaching 20% that could already sap the legs of those not properly warmed up.

After a short downhill respite, another brutal 8.5 km climb begins, averaging 9.1%, with the final kilometer consistently above 12%. This segment runs through the Corno alle Scale area, which last year hosted a special KOM won in a sprint by Juul Van Loon over Miguel Martinez.

From the summit, a long and technically demanding descent leads to Fanano, another Appenninica stage town from previous years. From there, riders begin the third and final major ascent—14.2 km toward the summit of another Appenninica landmark: Monte Cimone.

The climb starts with challenging gradients, though on pavement, and gradually eases in the final kilometers. From the peak, a fast descent unfolds until just 5 km from the finish, where single-track segments may prove decisive before reaching the medieval village of Riolunato.

Riolunato will also host the start of stage four—the iconic “High Mountain Queen Stage,” covering 89 km with 3,100 meters of elevation gain. Coming immediately after the prior day’s effort, this long and relentless stage could create significant time gaps and prove crucial to the general classification.

“Hosting a stage of the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a true honor for our small town,” said Riolunato Mayor Lorenzo Checchi. “This event continues to grow in international prestige year after year, achieving remarkable success. It provides an exceptional showcase for our region, which I’m confident will leave a lasting impression—not just for its environmental, scenic, cultural, and natural beauty, but also for the warmth and hospitality of its residents.”

The medieval village of Riolunato, where history and nature meet, was once home to French writer Alberto Gallois, a leading advocate for Esperanto. Centuries later, the village will once again become a melting pot of languages as riders from around the world descend on the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Perhaps someone might even be tempted to use Esperanto—the universal language—to recount the challenges of the third stage.