The Appenninici – Tim and Louise: from Cape Epic to Appenninica, always in pairs

Many stories of sports and life can be found among the Appenninica MTB Stage Race riders. Tim and Louise Ferreira have taken part in multiple MTB stage races before they found Appenninica, developing a deep connection to the event and the majestic Emilia-Romagna Apennines

Effort and success are better when shared, also in MTB stage races where it’s sometimes possible to compete in pairs. On its part, Appenninica MTB Stage Race embraced the formula of individual racing after its first edition.

Nevertheless, riders are still allowed to tackle the race as a pair, supporting each other through the ups and downs of the journey. For Tim and Louise Ferreira, who finally got the chance to participate in the event in 2022 after two years of pandemic-related postponements, the opportunity to ride together through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines was too good to pass up.

We have ridden numerous private tours in Europe, following parts of the Tour de France in 2009 and 2011. In Italy, we rode from Sicily to Rome and then from Genoa to Venice, but we wanted to tour it by mountain bike, so we found information about Appenninica MTB Stage Race. We got in touch with Beppe and started the planning, but the arrival of Covid forced us to postpone participation twice before we could travel again in 2022”, said Tim and Louise.

The South African couple has an impressive track record in the sport, having participated in multiple events like the Cape Epic (Louise even finished it five times consecutively), Joberg2c, Sanic2c, Berg&Bush, and Wines2Whales. They have added the Appenninica MTB Stage Race’s medal to their tally in 2022, and are looking forward to another ride in the Apennines in 2023.

We both have ridden the Cape Epic and participated in several events in South Africa, stage races of 3-4 days but also 9 days. Appenninica is very different from all of these because it has much longer and steeper climbs than what we are used to, but also the landscapes and villages are very different from what you can find in other stage races around the world”, said the pair.

Our first experience of Appenninica was incredible. The atmosphere was amazing – the staff and other riders were so positive and helpful. We were very fortunate with the weather conditions and also did not experience any mechanical problems, which was a bonus. We had never been to the Emilia Romagna region before. The places we visited at the Appenninica event were beautiful and we really enjoyed the experience. That’s why we’re taking part again in 2023”, said Tim and Louise.

Of course, Tim and Louise will ride together again this year, facing the challenges that the Emilia-Romagna Apennines will place on their path as a couple.

“We have ridden together for many years, but also individually. Riding this event together was helpful because it allowed us to help each other where needed. We know each other’s riding strengths and understand each other well”, they say.

Ultimately, sharing the effort, sweat and success makes everything more special. 

Appenninica MTB locks in 2026 dates: five days of racing from June 22nd to 26th

Fresh off the 2025 edition, Appenninica MTB Stage Race is already looking ahead. The next chapter of the Italian stage race will take place from June 22nd to 26th, 2026, keeping its five-stage format. Early Bird entries go live on July 2nd

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