The Appenninica 2024 route: kicking off in Bologna with 14,000 meters of elevation gain

From the city to the province, through the ridge of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. It could be the byline of a local tourism campaign, instead it is he core concept chosen by A.S.D. Happy Trail MTB for designing the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route.

As per the tradition established in recent years, the edition scheduled from September 2 to 7, 2024, promises a demanding challenge. The race will cover 400 km and 14,000 meters of total elevation gain, guiding participants through the enchanting landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, with its captivating ridges and villages.

The race will commence in Bologna and end in Castelnovo ne’ Monti, with the iconic Bismantova Rock serving as the final arbiter. The route will feature again Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo, the latter after making its debut in 2023. The new stage venue for 2024 will be Loiano , in the Province of Bologna, finishing town of stage 1.

The 2024 edition continues in the vein of the work done in recent years, yet introduces some new elements,” say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, the event’s organizers. “ The kick-off from Bologna and the introduction of Loiano reflect the growing interest in this competition. Additionally, moving the Mountain Queen Stage to the penultimate day may introduce a thrilling dynamic to the finale.

DEPARTURE FROM BOLOGNA, GRAND FINALE IN CASTELNOVO NE’ MONTI

The 2024 edition embarks from Bologna on Monday, September 2, ascending towards the Sanctuary of San Luca. Upon reaching the sanctuary’s vicinity, competitors will navigate the trails of the renowned “Via degli Dei“, connecting Bologna to Florence. The journey covers 48 km and 1500 meters of elevation gain, concluding in Loiano.

The challenge intensifies on Tuesday, September 3, with the “Gothic Line” stage, featuring 63 km and 2250 meters of elevation gain . Starting from Loiano, the race will traverse the Apennines, parallel to the ridge line, facing four demanding climbs, the last exceeding 10 km in length, before the finish line in Lizzano in Belvedere. 

Wednesday, September 4, presents the “Monte Cimone Challenge XL,” a 65 km journey with 2850 meters of elevation gain. This stage, noted for its technical demands and significant elevation, will take riders across iconic trails, including those of Corno alle Scale and Cimone, between Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo.

On Thursday, September 5, Fiumalbo stages the “Tuscan Borderline,” offering a 69 km route with 2500 meters of elevation gain, showcasing the scenic trails and landscapes of Abetone.

The penultimate day, Friday, September 6 , features the “Mountain Queen Stage,” spanning 95 km and 3200 meters of elevation gain from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Competitors will navigate breathtaking ridges and extensive forest trails, with new challenges distinguishing this stage from previous editions.

The event concludes on Saturday, September 7, with a 56 km loop around Castelnovo ne’ Monti in the Monte Ventasso area, boasting 1750 meters of elevation gain.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for the “Regular Registration” phase is open until May 31, 2024, with prices increasing after March 1. As in the previous editions, the organizers maintain the individual participation format and limit entries to 150 participants. This strategy aims to prevent overcrowding on the trails and ensure comprehensive support for all racers throughout the event.

THE ROUTE OVERVIEW

Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of elevation gain

Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano

 

Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of elevation gain

Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere

 

Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of elevation gain

Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of elevation gain

Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo

 

Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of elevation gain

Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

 

Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of elevation gain

Saturday, September 7: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti

Arias and Bakker crowned champions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Colombian Diego Arias secures his second overall title after 2022, while Dutch rider Lola Bakker prevails in the women’s race after a week-long battle with Syd Schulz. Spica wins final stage and climbs to third overall.

Bakker delivers standout Queen Stage performance

Another dramatic turnaround in the women’s race as Lola Bakker claims her third stage win, building a commanding advantage

Arias moves closer to Appenninica 2025 victory

Diego Arias wins High Mountain Queen Stage, extending his lead in Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025. Saitta remains second, with Massimo Rosa taking third on the day.

Bakker rebounds, Schulz stays calm

Lola Bakker responds after Tuesday’s setback, while Syd Schulz manages to limit the damage

Candeago bounce back in Riolunato

Third different winner in as many stages at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025: Andrea Candeago claims victory in Riolunato, outsprinting Vincenzo Saitta and teammate Diego Arias to secure the win that eluded him in Vidiciatico.

Schulz seizes the Pink Jersey

In the women’s race, Syd Schulz snatches the leader’s jersey from Lola Bakker

Saitta triumphs in Vidiciatico as Arias holds firm

After a strong debut, Sicilian rider Vincenzo Saitta wins Stage 2 of Appenninica, outsprinting Diego Arias and Andrea Candeago in Vidiciatico

Arias strikes first at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Diego Arias drops Saitta, and finishes ahead of Becking and the Italian

Bakker powers clear, Schulz hangs tough

Lola Bakker edges Schulz in a heated women’s contest

Appenninica 2025 kicks off: five days of pure MTB

Tomorrow, Monday June 23rd, the 2025 edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere. Through Friday June 27th, 117 riders will battle across 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of elevation gain. Hans Becking and Diego Arias are the men to watch, while the women’s field is wide open with no clear favorite.

Twenty-Two Nations line up for Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

From June 23-27, the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will collect the attention of international MTB lovers with 118 participants from 22 different Countries. The Netherlands and Italy lead the field, while South America is getting more represented year after year

Young and bold: Italian prospects ready to make their mark at Appenninica 2025

After Luca Cacchi’s surprising third-place finish in 2024, the 2025 edition of the Emilia-Romagna Apennine stage race will once again showcase Italian talent hunting for the spotlight against international stars from June 23-27