2024 will be a magical year for Bologna as the capital of Emilia-Romagna gears up for 12 months of major sporting events, with cycling taking the spotlight.

After the much-anticipated Tour de France stage finish on June 30th, the fat wheels of Mountain Biking will also have their moment under the Two Towers. Indeed, on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, the official start of the sixth edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the most important Italian MTB stage race, will be given in Bologna, where the event’s maiden edition had already taken the start back in 2019.

The Madonna di San Luca hill, the iconic setting of the Appenninica time trial in 2019 and of this year’s Tour de France finish, is set to welcome Italy’s most prestigious MTB stage event opening act once again in 2024.

On Monday, September 2nd, the stage race on the the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trails will kick off from the Meloncello Arch, facing the famous San Luca ascent. Curiously, the Giro d’Italia opening time trial had taken place on this climb in 2019, few months before the Appenninica’s debut: this time, it will be the Tour de France paving the way to the Sanctuary for the MTB stage race.

On the eve day, September 1st, will see Bologna brimming with the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s essence as the city center becomes the hub for the pre-race fervor. Right after the start of stage 1, the race will head towards the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines through the famous “ Via degli Dei”, the historic hiking trail connecting Bologna to Florence, crossed by thousands of trekking enthusiasts every year.

“In a year that will go down in history for the Tour de France passing, we are proud to welcome the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, an event that brings athletes and fans from around the world to our Apennines, and on a consistent growing curve. Not only does the city host a significant sporting event, but this symbolically strengthens the bond with the surrounding territory, reinforcing our commitment to a tourism strategy that benefits the broader metropolitan landscape,” says Mattia Santori, President of the Bologna-Modena Tourism Territory.

“Another significant sporting event will spotlight Bologna in this milestone year for cycling and cycle-tourism in 2024, with numerous biking initiatives, several of them related to the Tour de France’s passage. As usual, the city and the whole area will be ready to welcome the riders and everybody who will seize this opportunity to explore our region”, says Roberta Li Calzi, Bologna’s Councilor for Sport and Budget.

“Returning  to Bologna for the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race start is a privilege. The city, a symbol of Emilia-Romagna’s heart, reaffirms its affinity for cycling and elite sporting events. For us, featuring in a program that includes the Tour de France is a further reason for pride”, say the organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

After a very successful 2023 edition, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race is set to return. In its first five editions, this stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines has established itself as the premier Italian event in multi-day mountain bike racing and has become one of the most anticipated events at the European level. The next adventure is scheduled for September 2-7, 2024.

Similar to last year, the sixth edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race will unfold over six stages, a format that was well-received for its logistical efficiency and for enhancing the spectacle of one of the most challenging competitions in the mountain bike stage racing scene.

“The essential elements will all be back, with the course as the central feature: it’s as demanding as true mountain biking should be, with the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna always in the starring role. We aim to grow step by step, and for 2024 we are already considering some innovative ideas that will make the experience and beauty of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines even more captivating,” said Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of the race.

REGISTRATION COMMENCES ON DECEMBER 1

The announcement of the 2024 dates coincides with the opening of registration. The “Early Bird” phase is set to begin on Friday, December 1, offering a maximum of 50 registrations at a discounted rate of 1,350€ until December 31 or until all spots are taken.

Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a full-service event, with the entry fee covering not just the race bib but also accommodation, meals and refreshments, medical care, bike wash, transfers between stages, and other services (full details at appenninica-mtb.com).

To maintain the quality of the experience, registration is capped at 150 participants, preventing trail overcrowding and ensuring high standards of race support for everyone. The 2024 edition will also continue the individual race format, adding to the intensity and excitement of the challenge.

Hans Becking and Debora Piana are the winners of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. Protagonists from day one, the 37-year-old Dutch rider from Buff-Megamo Team becomes the first male athlete to win the race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines twice, following his first victory in 2020. On the other hand, the 34-year-old Italian from Team Cingolani-Specialized took the leader’s jersey on day two and never looked back, extending her lead over her pursuers and maintaining control throughout.

In the men’s category, the 2023 edition ended just as it began, with Hans Becking triumphantly raising his arms as he crossed the finish line. The Buff-Megamo rider dominated the entire week and secured a significant lead in stage 4, with the finish line in Fanano. Today, on September 9th, in Vidiciatico, Becking completed the 36 km loop with a 1500 m elevation gain in 1:44:12. He distanced himself from Ferreira and Tronconi just before the finish of lap 1, securing his third win out of six stages. Behind him, Portuguese rider Tiago Ferreira trailed by 2:16, and fellow Dutchman Tim Smeenge by 2:43.

Hans Becking and Debora Piana are the winners of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. Protagonists from day one, the 37-year-old Dutch rider from Buff-Megamo Team becomes the first male athlete to win the race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines twice, following his first victory in 2020. On the other hand, the 34-year-old Italian from Team Cingolani-Specialized took the leader’s jersey on day two and never looked back, extending her lead over her pursuers and maintaining control throughout.

In the men’s category, the 2023 edition ended just as it began, with Hans Becking triumphantly raising his arms as he crossed the finish line. The Buff-Megamo rider dominated the entire week and secured a significant lead in stage 4, with the finish line in Fanano. Today, on September 9th, in Vidiciatico, Becking completed the 36 km loop with a 1500 m elevation gain in 1:44:12. He distanced himself from Ferreira and Tronconi just before the finish of lap 1, securing his third win out of six stages. Behind him, Portuguese rider Tiago Ferreira trailed by 2:16, and fellow Dutchman Tim Smeenge by 2:43.

ITALY REGAINS THE WOMEN’S CROWN WITH DEBORA PIANA

Throughout the week, the women’s category closely mirrored the men’s competition. Debora Piana from Team Cingolani-Specialized displayed her dominance from stage two, securing three consecutive wins, starting with the pivotal victory in the Mountain Queen Stage from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Fiumalbo. Behind her, Kristina Ilina also delivered a strong performance, claiming the other three wins and finishing as the runner-up.

The Russian rider from DMT Racing Team secured her third victory today in Vidiciatico, ahead of Piana and Swiss rider Nina Brenn, who oddly finished third in every stage of the week. In the overall classification, the Italian finished with a 28:16 lead over Ilina and a 2:12:17 gap on Brenn.

“It was a very demanding week, and I’m happy that my efforts have been rewarded with the overall win. I’m glad to have participated in Appenninica: in the first stage, I closely observed my opponents and started to push from the Queen Stage, which was my primary goal. After that, the lead allowed me to control the pace. It was my first time in a six-day race, and it was a great experience. I hope to come back next year to defend the title,” said Debora Piana at the conclusion.

THE FINAL RESULTS OF APPENNINICA

Throughout the week, many riders competed vigorously in the various categories available: Master (over 40 years old), Grand Master (over 50), and Great Grand Master (over 60). The Master’s category was claimed by another Dutch athlete, Juul Van Loon, who won the gold medal ahead of Germany’s Holger Schaarmschmidt (+13:09) and Sydney 2000 Olympic champion Miguel Martinez (+1:21:02), who won the last stage after struggling with a strong cold during the first part of the week.

In the Grand Master’s category, Italian rider Emiliano Amalberti secured victory over Swiss rider Martin Steiert (6:53) and Swedish rider Erik Vrang (45:47). Among the Great Grandmasters, Austria claimed the top two spots with Maximilian Zdouc and Rudolf Springer (1:41:12). The third-place finish went to Polish rider Piotr Sozanski.

THE ORGANIZATION’S WRAP-UP

With the fifth edition finally in the books, it’s time for the organization to provide an overview of the entire week. The team at ASD Happy Trail MTB has been growing and improving year after year, raising the bar even in terms of logistics. The organization’s hard work received high praise from the athletes: the race sold out all 150 available bibs, and enthusiastic comments poured in throughout the week, thanks to the breathtaking landscapes, challenging and enjoyable trails, and the high quality of the food and drinks and Italian hospitality.

“We have been growing year after year, and we have always strived to add improvements to enhance the overall rider experience. Once again this year, we have received great feedback about the trails, the views, and the flavors of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. We are already working on the 2024 edition, with our goal being to continually enhance the overall adventure and make the Appenninica MTB Stage Race even more appreciated on the national and international stage,” said co-organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.

Champions never give up, and Tiago Ferreira lived up to this pattern today, September 8th, in the penultimate day of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023, from Fanano to Vidiciatico. Even though the chances of getting back to the first position were getting thinner and thinner, the Portuguese rider went all-in and played his cards, eventually winning the 5th stage solo. Right behind him was GC leader Hans Becking, who surrendered 11” but is still in possession of the blue jersey with a solid 9:27 gap.

As it happened in most of the stages, the duo Ferreira-Becking set the pace since the very first pedal strokes. The DMT Racing Team athlete forced the rhythm on the Colombino Pass, with his rival of the Buff-Megamo Team being the only one able to stay connected. As the kilometers went by, Ferreira knew his chances kept shrinking, but he didn’t give up on getting the daily win: the final time was 3:26:09.

First podium of the week for Italian Federico Mandelli, arrived in Vidiciatico with a 5:15 gap on the winner, ahead of Tim Smeenge (7:36) and Bart Classens (12:54). In the GC, behind the usual suspects in position 1 and 2, Tim Smeenge confirmed his third place (33:08) over Classens and Kaufmann.

“It was a tough stage since the beginning, I have tried to attack immediately but I couldn’t drop Hans so we went together until the end. Unfortunately, there’s no more time to attack: tomorrow will be a fun stage and I will try to enjoy as much as possible. It was a great week and a great race: all MTB riders should take part in Appenninica once in their life”, said Ferreira at the end.

ILINA’S PRIDE IN VIDICIATICO

Kristina Ilina took her second success of the week, following the one in the opening stage. The Russian athlete of DMT Racing Team put up a solid performance and crossed the finish line in Vidiciatico in 4:07:40. Behind her, the GC leader Debora Piana suffered from a 12:24 delay, but the overall gap between the first two positions is still 30:13.

The stage started with the Italian of Team Cingolani-Specialized riding strong and taking the lead, but Ilina came back and took over the lead. Piana also crashed with no consequences, and kept the gap under control until the finish line. Third position once again for Swiss Nina Brenn, who occupies the same spot also in the GC.

“I feel better and better with the days going by, so today I thought about pushing and trying to win the stage. It is my first stage race on multiple days and the outcome is really satisfying overall. I had a lot of fun and will enjoy the ride one more time tomorrow”, commented Ilina in Vidiciatico.

GRAN FINALE IN LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE

Tomorrow, 9th September, Appenninica MTB Stage Race will showcase its last stage: 36 km and 1500 m of elevation gain with start and finish in Vidiciatico, hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere. The “Monte Pizzo” route consists of a loop on the paths of the local bike park, putting at stake the last stage win and the craved finisher’s medal.

The Dutch domination continues at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023: the Orange patrol keeps raking both in the GC and in the single stage finishes. Out if its 33 riders in the race (the Netherlands are the most represented Country at Appenninica 2023), it was Tim Smeenge to take the win today, September 7th, from Fiumalbo to Fanano. The Dutch MTB Marathon National Champion sprinted over GC leader Hans Becking, who managed to extend his lead on his closest rival, Tiago Ferreira.

On the 59 km with 2350 m of elevation gain of the “Cimone Challenge”, winding through the ski area of Mount Cimone, the Dutch duo arrived together in the heart of Fanano. Smeenge started to push from the very beginning followed by Tiago Ferreira, while Becking chose not to elevate his pace and kept going with his own rhythm. With the kilometers going by, the Portuguese of DMT Racing Team lost track of Smeenge, while Becking made his way back and finished together with Smeenge.

On the finish line in Fanano, Smeenge stopped the time in 2:58:01, right in front of the Buff-Megamo Team rider, while Ferreira reported a 7:19 gap. Rounding out the top 5 were Felix Fritzsch and Bart Classens. In the General Classification, Becking extended his lead to 9:38 over Ferreira, with Smeenge solid third (25:44) over Bart Classens (38:41) and Lukas Kaufmann (42:43).

“I’m very satisfied with my race and my day: it was nice to win and to extend the gap over Bart Classens, to secure the third place. I felt great from the beginning, and after the first climb I already had some cushion. I kept going with my pace until the second descent, when Becking got back and we rode together until the finish line”, said Smeenge on the finish line.

DEBORA PIANA MAKES THE HAT-TRICK

Debora Piana of Team Cingolani-Specialized takes the third consecutive win at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. The Italian took off in the first kilometres of stage 4 and on the first climb went already out of reach for all her opponents. Behind her were once again Russian Kristina Ilina and Swiss Nina Brenn.

It took 3:49:01 for Debora Piana to complete the stage from Fiumalbo to Fanano: in the GC, the lead is now of 42:37 on Ilina, and of over two hours on Nina Brenn.

“I was in the front in no time, and this has allowed me to control the pace for the rest of the stage. I’m now in a great position: I think I can manage my gap on the second place without taking unnecessary risks in the last two stages”, commented Piana in Fanano.

“APPENNINICA DISTILLED” TO KEEP THE GAMES OPEN

The penultimate stage of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 will be held tomorrow, September 8th, over 61 km and 2500 m of elevation gain from Fanano to Vidiciatico, hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere. “Appenninica Distilled” combines technical and fun trails, probably the last chance to keep the race open for the GC. The Colombino Pass and the Croce Arcana Pass are the two climbs of the day, followed by single track downhills in the Corno alle Scale area, are the most challenging traits of stage 5.

New day, new stage, same result: Hans Becking and Tiago Ferreira keep being number 1 and 2 of this Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. In the third stage held today, 6th September, with 79 km and 2350 m of elevation gain starting and finishing in Fanano, crossing the border with Tuscany for the very first time, the Dutch athlete of Buff-Megamo Team left his second mark of this edition, closely chased by the Portuguese of DMT Racing Team.

Their pace seemed once again too high for all other riders, and the fil-rouge of the race followed the pevious days’ once. After a group start with the leading duo, Bart Classens, Lukas Kaufmann and Tim Smeenge, Becking and Ferreira dropped the opponents once passed the Abetone area in the Ducale della Foce climb, and arrived together in 3:46:52.

Behind them, the fight for bronze is getting spicy. Bart Classens took today’s third place with a 4’00 gap, followed by Lukas Kaufmann (4th, X:XX) and Tim Smeenge (5th, X:XX). In the GC, Becking leads with 2’19” on Ferreira, while there are four riders chasing the last step on the podium. Dutch National MTB Marathon champion Smeenge is the new temporary third place (25’44”): fellow Dutchman Bart Classens is only 4” behind, while Lukas Kaufmann and Martino Tronconi trail by less than 5’ from the third place.

“The race is hard and very technical, but I’m in the position that I wanted to be halfway in the week. We are both there on the same level, it will be a matter of details and the final outcome can still change a lot. I can’t point out what will be the decisive moment, we might even get to the last stage with this gap and the we will have to see in the last kilometers”, argued Becking at the finish line.

DEBORA PIANA TAKES OFF IN THE WOMEN’S CATEGORY   

Second consecutive win for Debora Piana of Team Cingolani-Specialized. The Italian brought home both stages with finish line in Fiumalbo on September 5th and 6th, first taking the leader jersey and then securing it with a solid X:XX gap on the first chaser on Russian Kristina Ilina.

In the third stage, Piana showed great shape and immediately got a little advantage on Ilina since the start, but the DMT Racing Team rider got back and took the lead at about the first Feed Zone (km 29). However, the Italian athlete rode her way back in the leading position and didn’t look back, finishing in X:XX . Ilina arrived second with X:XX gap, while Swiss athlete Nina Brenn, third place in each stage and in the GC, ended her day X.XX behind Piana.

“It’s great to have confirmed yesterday’s win in the Queen Stage with another strong performance. I probably could have earned even more time on the second place, but I’m still really happy with my day. I’m looking forward to having more fun in the upcoming days”, said Piana at the end.  

FROM FIUMALBO TO FANANO: IT’S TIME FOR THE CIMONE CHALLENGE

Stage 4 on September 7th, will take the peloton from Fiumalbo to Fanano through 62 km and 2350 m of elevation gain. The “Cimone Challenge” will take place almost entirely in the Mount Cimone Ski area, with a first ascent towards Pian Cavallaro, before the one leading to Sestola and Serre Pass. The finish line is in the heart of Fanano, right after the Fellicarolo climb.

They were expected to be the strongest riders of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023, and they are showing it day after day. Tiago Ferreira took the win of the Mountain Queen Stage, sprinting past the GC leader and winner of the opening stage, Hans Becking.

The second episode of Appenninica 2023 took place today, September 5th, starting from Castelnovo ne’ Monti and finishing in Fiumalbo. The 90 km and 3200 m of elevation gain were still not enough to determine who is the fastest among the two former teammates: the DMT Racing Team athlete took the win, but the Dutchman of Buff-Megamo Team crossed the finish line with the same time, keeping his leadership untouched.

As it happened in stage 1, Becking and Ferreira set the tone together with Tronconi and Smeenge. The strong group of escapees quickly took off and created a gap on the Cisa Pass and the Radici Pass. At around km 70, Becking tried to push and get another solo win, but Ferreira kept the pace and secured the win in the final sprint in Piazza Umberto I, in the heart of Fiumalbo. The Portuguese rider completed the Queen Stage in 4:27:18, immediately followed by Becking.

Third place went to the Dutch National MTB Marathon champion Tim Smeenge, with a gap of 2’31”, the same as Italian Martino Tronconi. Fifth place was claimed by Felix Fritzsch, 6’02” behind the winner. In the GC, Becking maintains the lead with 2’19” over Ferreira, 6’14” over Tronconi, 15’04” over Tim Smeenge, and 21:34 over Felix Fritzsch.

“It was a long stage with challenging climbs. We escaped with a small group and stayed together for most of the stage, until Hans tried to force the pace with 15 km to go, and on the Radici Pass, we were alone in the lead. It is an important win for me personally, as it allows me to increase the gap with the third position and keep Becking in sight. Today was a good day, but there are still four days to go, and a lot can happen,” argued Ferreira at the end.

DEBORA PIANA STRIKES BACK

After being the runner-up in the opening stage yesterday, September 4th, she had promised to come back and try to take the win in the toughest stage of the race. Debora Piana proved to be true to her word, and after a solid performance throughout the whole Queen Stage, she could raise her arms solo in Fiumalbo. Russian Kristina Ilina, the winner of stage 1, didn’t have her best day on the bike and secured a second position, but was far behind the new GC leader.

Indeed, the Italian rider of Team Cingolani Specialized managed to escape immediately and didn’t look back, calling it a day after 5:13:41. Behind her were Ilina, 26’36” late, and Nina Brenn, once again in the third position with a gap of 50’42”. Piana now leads in the women’s ranking with 26’09″ on Ilina, while Brenn has over one hour of delay.

“It was a great race day for me, both on the bike and with these landscapes. I felt good and after the first Feed Zone, I tried to push on the climb: Ilina didn’t follow, and then I just kept going strong to increase the gap. Now it is crucial to get the energies back and focus on the next four stages, which are still very challenging,” commented Debora Piana.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Tomorrow, September 6th, will be a historical day for the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, as the route will cross the border with Tuscany for the first time ever. The “Tuscany Incipit” is a loop of 79 km and 2550 m of elevation gain, with the start and finish in Fiumalbo, winding through the natural beauties of the Abetone Bike Park.