In the few years of history of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, several riders have reported a similar experience: they first came to the Apennines out of curiosity, for the challenge, to discover something new, and eventually could not do without it anymore. And even the first Elite Men’s rider to claim two editions in the history of Italy’s most important MTB stage race makes no exception.
The first official contender for success in the 2024 edition, from September 2 to 7, boasts a well-known name: it’s reigning champion Hans Becking. The Dutchman of BUFF-Megamo is currently preparing for his adventure at the Cape Epic, where he will compete with Wout Alleman, but has the third crown at Appenninica among his top goals for the season. Before winning in 2023, Becking had claimed his first win in 2020, both times seeing off former Marathon MTB World Champion Tiago Ferreira in second place.
“I am happy to announce that I will be at the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. It’s a race that’s close to my heart and where you breathe a very familir atmosphere”, said the 37-year-old Dutchman.
The BUFF-Megamo rider has just finished second in the Andalucia Bike Race paired with European Champion Wout Alleman. It’s not by chance that Becking is considered one of the strongest riders in the world in the MTB stage races scenario, and the fact that he has won the GC on both his occasions in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines speaks volumes about the feeling he has found with this territory.
“I have participated in Appenninica on two occasions, and I am very proud that I was able to win in both cases,” Becking said. “But I am looking forward to many strong riders coming to contest me for the win in 2024. This race deserves a high level of participation, and I hope to experience a very high-profile challenge”.
While waiting to know the names of his rivals, Becking can set another record in the history of the race: in case of another overall win, he would move past Naima Diesner (2, like him) to become the sole Elite rider to have won three editions of the race.
“Appenninica comes in the thick of the season, in a pressure-filled period, and participating means experiencing a week in contact with the essence of mountain biking. Then it is positioned a few weeks before the World Championships. The routes are a perfect mix to sharpen preparation, with challenging climbs, very technical trails, and the beautiful landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines“, says the Dutchman.
The atmosphere outside the race is among the elements that have clicked with Becking. The Emilia-Romagna hospitality and the family atmosphere make the Appenninica MTB Stage Race a perfect setting for experiencing a challenging 400 km and 14,000 meters of elevation gain.
“Thanks to the Appenninica staff, you can focus only on the race without stress. They call you by name and develop a personal relationship with those who share the experience, you can taste excellent Italian food and you are pampered like in a big family. Even though the level of competition is very high, at Appenninica, you have fun and experience a fantastic atmosphere”, explains Becking.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is open in the “Regular Registration” phase until May 31, 2024. As for the last five editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and the closed number of up to 150 participants: a choice aimed at avoiding overcrowding of the trails and ensuring all participants a high-quality standard in race support.
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