Once you’ve ridden it, you can’t do without it. Among those former Appenninica MTB Stage Race competitors who think so, count also Hans Becking. The 2020 Appenninica MTB Stage Race winner has decided to return in 2023, and from September 4th to 9th, he will be one of the main contenders for the final victory.

“I have always kept a list of races that I wanted to do again, and among them was Appenninica MTB Stage Race. I skipped World Cup races this year, and the World Championships were on the calendar before Appenninica; I have the opportunity to return to Italy. I have beautiful memories of the views and MTB trails of this stage race, with long days in the saddle and big climbs, the way I like it. Appenninica MTB Stage Race is a pure, old-school mountain bike race, and it’s great like that!”, says the Dutch riders of the Buff-Megamo Team.

Becking returns to the starting line of the stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines as one of the main overall contenders. After the Epic Andorra Pyrenees and the Volcat BTT victories, the Dutchman is cultivating ambitions to make Appenninica MTB Stage Race history by becoming the first athlete in the men’s field to win two race editions.

“This season hasn’t been the best, but in September I usually arrive in good shape, and I think it will be the same at Appenninica. I always want to win when I attach the number on my back. It would be an honour to win the overall again, but the days in a race like this are long, and everything has to go right. This year I will take the race day by day, trying to have some fun and not suffer too much”, explains Becking.

On the trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, the Dutchman will cross path with an old friend, Tiago Ferreira, his former teammate with whom he dominated Appenninica 2020.

“I like to challenge friends like Tiago, certainly wearing different jerseys than in 2020 will make the race very interesting. I will have to focus on my race and recovery day by day. The advantage of Tiago Ferreira is that he can work as a team with Andreas Miltiadis, helping each other in case of mechanical problems, while I will have to manage everything by myself. But I accept the challenge: I will try to make life as difficult as possible for the riders of Team DMT Racing”, says Becking.

With these assumptions, the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 challenge promises to be exciting. It will be up to the the Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ trails to determine Diego Arias’ successor.

Over the years, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become a favorite hunting ground for Andrea Marconi’s DMT Racing Team. The Italian MTB Marathon team, based in San Severino Marche, won the stage race on the Emilia-Romagna Appenines in 2020, with Hans Becking who anticipated the teammate Tiago Ferreira, and in subsequent editions has always been protagonist thanks to athletes like Ilias Periklis, Miguel Munoz and Filipe Francisco.

As in previous years, the Italian team has confirmed its participation for the 2023 edition, which will take place from September 4 to 9, with two high-profile athletes: Tiago Ferreira and Andreas Miltiadis. For the Portuguese, already World and European Champion in Mtb Marathon, it is a return; for the Cypriot it is the first participation ever, with ambitious goals both personally and as a team member.

“As every time I take part in a race, I will try to stay in the front – said Miltiadis -. I think it will be a tough race, because of the great elevation gain on the stages and because of the high level of the starting riders. We will decide day by day who will be the captain and how we will approach the race, but in mountain biking it’s often the legs that decide, tactics do matter but up to a certain point“.

Who already knows the hard trails of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines is Tiago Ferreira: he doesn’t hide and once again strive for victory. Again this year, he will have to face Hans Becking, winner of the 2020 final classification, when the two were teammates (Becking now rides for Team Buff-Megamo).

“It’s a pleasure to return to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the most important mountain bike stage race in Italy”, Ferreira said. “Due to health issues and pre-season problems, so far it has not gone as I hoped, but I go into each race with the goal of doing my best. I will try to fight for the top positions on every stage, as well as for the overall ranking. It’s clear that with Becking at the start there is one of the strongest athletes in the world when it comes to stage races. If I had to bet on a winner, I would do on him“.

Even after the forfeit of Diego Arias, forced to withdraw his participation to the Appenninica MTB stage race because of a racing calendar crunch, Becking will face two other previous Appenninica MTB Stage Race winners: 2019 champion Lukas Kaufmann and 2021 champion Felix Fritzsch. On their part, the DMT Racing Team will be in the front line to try and break their way into this exclusive club and the history of this race.

For the second year in a row, Lizzano in Belvedere will proclaim the new winners of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The hamlet of Vidiciatico, within the Lizzano municipality, nestled in the Province of Bologna Apennines, will host the last two finishes of the 2023 edition (September 4-9).

The stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will reach Lizzano in Belvedere on Friday, September 8th, with the finish of the Appenninica Distilled stage, starting from Fanano. The following day, Saturday, September 9, stage 6 will take place on a circuit with start and finish in Vidiciatico, a stage venue that had collected great appreciation from the riders already last year.                                     

The penultimate effort of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023 journey, Appenninica Distilled measures 61 km with 2,500 meters of elevation gain and is a perfect concentration of spectacular ridges, technical trails, breathtaking views and historic villages. After starting in Fanano, a long ascent will take athletes over the Colombino Pass and then to the hamlet of Ospitale through a downhill single track. A new climb will bring the challenge back to altitude towards the  Croce Arcana Pass, riding near Lake Scaffaiolo first and then Lake Patrignano. The finale is uphill again, after crossing the Dardagna stream.

For the last act, the organizers reproposed the “Monte Pizzo,” a 36-kilometre stage with a total elevation gain of 1,500 meters that was already the final difficulty last year. Starting and finishing in Vidiciatico, the stage will take place entirely in the Monte Pizzo bike park, with a loop to be covered one and a half times. Athletes will tackle the climbs on forest roads and then enjoy the descents on the “Ca Lenzi” and “Albarè” trails.

“Being the finishing town of Appenninica MTB Stage Race again fills us with pride,” said Sergio Polomari, Mayor of Lizzano in Belvedere. “This event has already won the affection of this town and its citizens, and we feel grateful to all those to put in a remarkable effort to make this outstanding race possible.”

LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE, THE HOME OF ENZO BIAGI

Lizzano in Belvedere is a town in the Province of Bologna at the foot of Corno alle Scale, included in the homonymous Natural Park. From the summit of Corno alle Scale, at an altitude of 1945 meters above sea level, it is possible to enjoy a majestic view that embraces the Alps to the north and the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas to the east and west. A place of peace and meditation is the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acero, with its monumental trees and the silence of nature.

Born in Lizzano in Belvedere was the well-known journalist Enzo Biagi, the face of Rai 1 from 1995 to 2002 with his “Il Fatto.” But also linked to the town is the ski champion Alberto Tomba, who used to train in the Corno alle Scale ski area, where he built his greatest successes, creating alchemy with this magical territory.

Some places smell like home, where every time you return you feel like you had never left. For Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Fanano is one of those places, the only stage venue, along with Castelnovo ne’ Monti, to have featured in all the race’s five editions so far. The stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will pay a visit to the town in the Province of Modena again in 2023, when it will take place from September 4th to 9th. 

A renowned tourist resort on the slopes of the Mount Cimone, Fanano will host the finish of the fourth stage on Thursday, September 7, running entirely through the Province of Modena from the start in Fiumalbo. The following Friday, September 8th, the fifth stage will start from Fanano, with finish in Lizzano in Belvedere.

The 62-kilometre Cimone Challenge stage, with a total elevation gain of 2350 meters, will be centered on the Mount Cimone and its ski area. After the start from Fiumalbo, the athletes will face the climb up to Pian Cavallaro and then descend to the town of Montecreto, passing by the picturesque Lake Ninfa through the paths of the Cimone bike park. The second ascent of the day will start instead from Sestola to reach Passo Serre before throwing in a long single track towards Fanano. After a first passage through the village, it will climb to Fellicarolo and enjoy a technical trail back to the finish.

On Friday, September 8th, the Appenninica Distilled stage of 61 km and 2,500 meters of elevation gain will also start from Fanano. Arriving in Vidiciatico, a hamlet of Lizzano in Belvedere, the stage perfectly concentrates Appenninica MTB Stage Race, including spectacular ridges, technical trails, dizzying views and villages standing still in time. There are two climbs of the day: the Passo del Colombino and the one leading to the Passo Croce Arcana ridge.

“We have believed in Appenninica MTB Stage Race from the very first minute. It is an event growing yearly, and that speaks many languages, giving global exposure to Fanano, Cimone and the Apennines. It is the only mountain bike event we host in Fanano and we want to support it for its excellent organization and ability to promote our area throughout the year”, says Fanano Mayor Stefano Muzzarelli.

FANANO, THE HOME OF FELICE PEDRONI

Fanano is a well-known tourist resort in the Modena Apennines, in the Mount Cimone ski area. Over the years, outdoor activities have been developed in the area in addition to winter sports, such as trekking, hiking and mountain in the warmer months. Awarded the Orange Flag for its sustainable tourism by the Italian Touring Club since 2001, the town is also rich in history and culture, with the Pieve di San Silvestro and the Church of San Giuseppe that are well worth a visit.

However, Fanano’s name is also associated with gold prospector Felice Pedroni, who made his fortune in Alaska by finding the largest gold deposit in the area. There he founded the town of Fairbanks, where most of the townspeople were dedicated to prospecting for gold.

The mention of Bismantova Rock immediately brings to mind the Appenninica MTB Stage Race. The places that were once fiefdoms of Matilda of Canossa serve as the home territory for this mountain bike stage race in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Castelnovo ne’ Monti has hosted at least one stage of Appenninica every year and is now preparing to hold the 2023 edition, scheduled for September 4-9, 2023.

This town in the Reggio Emilia province, made famous by the Bismantova Rock that inspired Dante’s Purgatory, will host the preliminary operations of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023, starting on Sunday, September 3rd, with the arrival of the athletes. Also on that date, there will be Appenninica Lovers, a meeting open to all and dedicated to amateur cyclists on the route of the first stage race.

The official start is scheduled for Monday, September 4, with an opening loop stage covering 57 kilometers and featuring 1900 meters of total elevation gain. La Matildica is a deceptively challenging section with long climbs and highly technical descents. The athletes will face a downhill single trail to cross the Tresinaro River before climbing towards Carpinete Castle. The striking passage under the iconic Bismantova Rock will precede the athletes’ return to Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

Finding the right rhythm with Appenninica will be crucial because, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the extremely demanding Mountain Queen Stage is scheduled. Covering 89 kilometers and featuring 3250 meters of elevation gain, this stage will start from Castelnovo ne’ Monti and reach Fiumalbo, offering breathtaking views and a route mostly above 1500 meters of altitude. The route will include challenging sections such as the Cisa Pass, the Mount Cusna area, and the Radici Pass before reaching Pievepelago via a single track.

“Castelnovo ne’ Monti welcomes the Appenninica MTB Race again this year with great pleasure. Among the many sporting events that we will host in the summer as a ‘town for sport,’ Appenninica holds great importance due to its international dimension, and mountain biking has experienced exponential growth in recent years. There are numerous fans who ride our roads and trails, appreciating and enhancing our territory and its environmental quality,” says Enrico Bini, the mayor of Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI, IN THE SHADOW OF THE BISMANTOVA ROCK

Castelnovo ne’ Monti and the surrounding territories are rich in history and magic, starting with the Bismantova Rock. According to tradition, this rock inspired Dante’s Purgatory during the poet’s stay in 1306, as mentioned in Canto IV of the Divine Comedy’s Purgatory. The Castelnovo area also boasts several fortresses and castles that were once part of the reign of Matilda of Canossa between 1000 and 1100 AD.

The medieval town’s historical center is definitely worth a visit. It has been renovated in recent years, offering truly characteristic views. One of these views is the Palazzo Ducale, located amidst the green gardens of Bagnolo. Built by the Este family as a symbol of their domination over the territory, it now serves as Castelnovo’s City Hall.

In a race as long, demanding, and stressful as the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the details make the difference. From the choice of tires to nutrition, and through the ability to manage energy, bike maintenance has no secondary value. Therefore, cleaning the bike is paramount at the end of each stage.

In the 2023 edition of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Lavor, an Italian company based in Pegognaga, will offer the Bike Wash service as one of the leading manufacturers of high-pressure cleaning machines. As a valuable Supplier Sponsor of the event scheduled from September 4 to 9, Lavor will ensure perfect bike cleaning and maintenance day by day.

Founded in 1975, Lavor is among the leading players in the worldwide cleaning industry, specializing in producing hot and cold-water pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, steam generators, and Floor Care products. The company is part of the Comet Group, based in Emilia-Romagna, and operates in more than 130 Countries worldwide with a team of 750 people.

The partnership with Appenninica MTB Stage Race marks Lavor’s first time in mountain biking, but not in sports. The Italian company is also a premium partner of the LCR Honda MotoGP team and a sponsor of the Desert Endurance Motorsport team, which took part in the Dakar Classic in 2023.

“We are very excited to welcome Lavor to the Appenninica MTB Stage Race family. Thanks to them, we cover an important aspect of a stage race like ours: bike cleaning. We are happy to bring them closer to the world of mountain biking and to provide our athletes with state-of-the-art, modern machinery for cleaning mud and dirt,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, co-organizers of Appenninica MTB Stage Race.

“The Lavor brand has always been linked to the world of sports because there are many similarities between the values of sports and Lavor’s world: dynamism, the strive for constant improvement, teamwork to achieve goals, to name a few. In addition, our products are a perfect for cleaning sports tools as well as venues. Therefore, athletes are a key target audience for us: these are some of the reasons that led us to approach the world of MTB, an adrenaline sport for true sports lovers, in which our products can be of great help in always keeping the bike clean and ready for use,” says Dante Rossetti, Lavor’s marketing manager.