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.