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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The battle begins immediately with a demanding opener around Lizzano in Belvedere on Monday, June 23, 2025. The 58 km route with 2,300 meters of elevation gain explores the Corno alle Scale area, a mountain beloved by Bologna residents.

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 is another loop around Lizzano in Belvedere, this time offering more flow with 49 km and 2,200 meters of climbing within the Monte Pizzo area, featuring some of Appenninica’s most technical and beloved trails.

Wednesday June 25, 2025

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

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Wednesday’s stage (June 25, 2025) takes the race to Riolunato over 64 km and 2,750 meters of elevation gain. The route partially follows the 2024 stage that finished in Fiumalbo, crossing the Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone areas with the addition of Passo del Lupo.

Thursday June 26, 2025

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

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The fourth stage from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti is the highly anticipated High Mountain Queen Stage, covering 89 km with 3,100 meters of climbing. Riders will tackle the Via Vandelli immediately before climbing to altitude and crossing some of Emilia-Romagna Apennines’ most beautiful ridges, enjoying unique panoramas.

Friday June 27, 2025

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

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The final stage follows the traditional loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti, through Matilde di Canossa’s lands at the foot of the Bismantova Rock. At 58 km with 1,850 meters of elevation gain, this stage is far from easy and provides the perfect terrain for final standings shake-ups or decisive moves.