Vincenzo Saitta continues to build momentum at the 2025 Appenninica MTB Stage Race, confirming his status as a rising contender. After animating the opening stage, the Sicilian rider struck gold on Tuesday, June 24, conquering the second stage: a 46-kilometre technical rollercoaster with 2,100 metres of elevation gain, both starting and finishing in Vidiciatico.
The course offered no reprieve, with relentless climbs and descents that tested riders’ skill and stamina. A five-man lead group quickly emerged, featuring Diego Arias, Hans Becking, Vincenzo Saitta, Andrea Candeago, and Davide Magnani. Midway through the race, Magnani lost contact, and on the final ascent to Molino della Squaglia, Becking was also dropped.
Down to three, the leaders traded attacks. Near the second feed zone, Candeago made the first move, which was immediately countered by Arias and Saitta. On the following singletrack descent, Candeago pushed again, but Saitta launched his own counterattack just before entering the town centre. Leading into the narrow streets of Vidiciatico, he sprinted clear and claimed a decisive stage victory — his first at Appenninica.
Saitta stopped the clock at 2:20:18, edging out Arias and Candeago. Emanuele Spica finished fourth at 1’55”, while Becking trailed by 1’59”. Despite missing the win, Arias maintains control of the general classification and retains the Barbieri PNK Blue Jersey, holding a 6’54” lead over Saitta, with Becking in third at 8’27”.
“I said yesterday I wanted to win, but I didn’t expect it to come so soon,” said Saitta. “I stayed with the strongest riders all day and managed to get into the final kilometre ahead. That was the key.”
Diego Arias remains satisfied with his consistent performance. “We managed the race without forcing after yesterday’s effort. I hoped Andrea could go for the win in the finale, but Vincenzo timed his move well on the descent. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m feeling good.”
In the Master category, Oscar Pujol doubled up with a second stage win, once again ahead of Rob Van der Werf and Juul Van Loon. Mirko Pirazzoli also claimed back-to-back victories in the Grand Master category, consolidating his lead over Stefan Buri. In the Great Grand Master race, Axel Strauss confirmed his dominance, taking the win ahead of Piotr Sozanski and Lawrence Westney.