The general racecourse description is here.

What follows is a preview of the stages. A quick word about this info:

• The following information is preliminary and is subject to change.

• The route is broadly defined but could still undergo some minor changes. This Appenninica racecourse will be finalized later in the spring, as some sections of terrain can shift and change during winter and early spring.

• In the springtime, once the snow melts, the Apennine of Emilia Romagna bloom and come to life, rainfall diminishes, and the land adjusts to the changing of the seasons. During that time, we will thoroughly revise all trails and forest roads that have been selected for the event. You will have to wait until we verify actual conditions, possible re-routing, and maintenance needs – if any – to see the final version of the stages in the official publication.

• We’ve carefully selected trails with an eye to past editions’ average speeds and the estimated times it took to complete the stages.

We’ve planned everything with a goal to offer a tough week of mountain bike stage racing without compromising the enjoyment of riding great trails that are part of an incredibly beautiful natural landscape.

We have three stage venues with moderately difficult routes spread out over the course of a week. With three loop stages (Lizzano in Belvedere, Riolunato and Castelnovo ne’ Monti), competitors will be under less stress and have more hours to recover, as well as have time to explore and learn about the stage locations.

In the meantime, get ready for a challenging race with varied terrain and alternating continuous climbs and descents that will test your endurance, but with just as many stretches of pure, adrenaline-filled downhill fun.

Monday June 23 2025

Length​ 58 km – Elevation gain 2300 m
Start Lizzano in Belvedere – Arrival Lizzano in Belvedere

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Monday’s opening stage (June 23) offers no gentle introduction, challenging riders with 58km and 2,300m of climbing across the Corno alle Scale area. From Vidiciatico, the route crosses Fanano, immediately testing riders’ technical skills on classic Apennine terrain.

After passing through the village of Fellicarolo, the course climbs first on tarmac, then forest roads, and finally more technical singletrack toward Passo di Croce Arcana via the mountain huts of  Taburri and Capanno Tassoni. This demanding climb features gradients exceeding 15% before revealing spectacular ridge views along one of Appenninica’s signature sections. The iconic passage by Lake Scaffaiolo and the summit of Corno alle Scale marks the beginning of the final 15km descent, alternating technical singletrack with flowing dirt roads.

Tuesday June 24, 2025

Length​ 49 km – Elevation gain 2200 m
Start Lizzano in Belvedere – Arrival Lizzano in Belvedere

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The second stage delivers equal technical demands with the “Monte Pizzo Trails“—another loop starting and finishing in Vidiciatico. Covering 49km with 2,200m of elevation gain, this stage demands constant focus through its relentless terrain changes.

The climbing begins immediately with a manageable 5.5km ascent (350m elevation gain) on the Albarè trail in the Monte Pizzo area. The route continues upward to Monteacuto nelle Alpi before plunging into a brief but intense descent to Molino Squaglia—just 1.2km but with leg-burning 26% gradients in some sections. Without recovery time, riders must immediately climb again toward the day’s high point before tackling the brutal Segavecchia ascent (just over 3km averaging nearly 10% gradient) and finally descending on Monte Pizzo’s technical trails.

Wednesday June 25, 2025

Length​ 64 km – Elevation gain 2750 m
Start Lizzano in Belvedere – Arrival Riolunato

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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.

Thursday June 26, 2025

Length​ 89 km – Elevation gain 3100 m
Start Riolunato – Arrival Castelnovo nè Monti

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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, 2025

Length​ 58 km – Elevation gain​ 1850 m
Start Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Arrival Castelnovo ne’ Monti

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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.