The Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become renowned not merely as a racing experience, but as a family journey. This year, American Syd Schulz brings her entire clan to the Emilia-Romagna Apennines – her husband Macky Franklin as a fellow competitor, and her parents as devoted supporters witnessing their first Italian adventure
Returning to the Emilia-Romagna Apennines has become a cherished tradition amongst Appenninica‘s ever-growing family of international competitors. Sharing the experience with loved ones – friends, family, partners – has amplified this sentiment, creating bonds that transcend the finish line.
Syd Schulz was a standout protagonist of the 2025 women’s competition and now joins the ranks of those bringing their inner circle to witness the Apennine challenge. In the last edition to date, she claimed two stage victories and held the leader’s jersey for two days, whilst her husband Macky Franklin offered encouragement from the sidelines. This June, the dynamic shifts: both will pin on their race numbers for the June 22–26 competition, competing side by side across five demanding stages.
The YouTube duo behind the popular Syd&Macky channel speak candidly about what drew them back. “The race was a great mix of challenging climbs and fun, rowdy descents,” they explain. “We really enjoyed the community and the fact that it is not a huge race, so you get to meet and chat with almost everyone, especially since we are all eating together every night. It really has a special vibe that you just don’t get with every stage race. Also, an excellent excuse to eat pasta multiple times a day!”
For an American couple accustomed to their home terrain, the Italian mountain experience carries a romantic allure – one they’re now extending to Syd’s parents, who join them for their inaugural Italian sojourn.
“Macky definitely had some FOMO last year when I was racing and he wasn’t, and I knew he would love the trails so we wanted to come back when we could both race – Syd reflects with characteristic candour –. Also, after losing a lot of time to multiple flat tires, I have some unfinished business here too. Since Macky’s racing, we recruited my parents to come and be our support crew – it’s also a good excuse for them to explore Italy and it will be my dad’s first time in Europe, so we’re really excited for them to have this experience, as well.”
For the American competitor – who finished second in last year’s women’s race behind Lola Bakker – this return carries the weight of redemption. A cascade of mechanical failures in a pivotal stage derailed her bid for victory; this year, she brings enhanced course knowledge and terrain familiarity, advantages she’s keen to leverage.
“I definitely don’t have any expectations of a result, because you just never know what’s going to happen in a race like this, but I know that the more I focus on enjoying the amazing scenery and trails, the more fun I will have and the better I will perform. I think I have a better idea of what the terrain and stages are like, which is always a plus”, Schulz explains.
This year, the Schulz family unit offers something invaluable to Syd and Macky’s endeavour: genuine support. The secret to conquering an endurance test as demanding as Appenninica lies not solely in physical preparation, but in recovery moments – those essential interludes that restore the spirit and body. To experience these moments with those you cherish most transforms the entire undertaking. It elevates competition into something far more meaningful: a shared memory, a family legacy etched into the Apennine slopes.
STAGES RECAP
Stage 1 – Monte Pizzo: 48 km, 2,000m elevation gain
Monday, June 22: Lizzano in Belvedere – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 2 – Corno alle Scale Dressed in Pink: 65 km, 2,600m elevation gain
Tuesday, June 23: Lizzano in Belvedere – Riolunato
Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge: 38 km, 1,500m elevation gain
Wednesday, June 24: Riolunato – Riolunato
Stage 4 – Mountain Queen Stage: 88 km, 3,000m elevation gain
Thursday, June 25: Riolunato – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 5 – Windy Way Home-Ventasso: 53 km, 1,900m elevation gain
Friday, June 26: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti