Since its inception, Appenninica MTB Stage Race has become the ultimate showcase for the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Through rider stories and images that travel the globe, the international attendance has grown stronger each year—and this year’s start list is no exception.
Just days before the stage race begins, 118 participants will head to Lizzano in Belvedere on June 22nd. From June 23-27, they’ll battle across the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia, covering 315 kilometers and nearly 12,000 meters of total elevation gain.
Among the twenty-two nations represented at Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Netherlands once again fields the largest contingent. No less than 26 Dutch riders will line up, led by defending champion and three-time overall winner Hans Becking. But the Dutch have other solid cards to play, including Juul van Loon, who’s won the Master category the past two years, and Lola Bakker, last year’s third-place finisher and a top contender in this year’s women’s race.
Italy also brings a solid delegation with twenty-two athletes, ranging from young guns Luca Cacchi and Davide Magnani to veterans like Raffaele Verzella.
The other major favorite comes from Colombia—though he’s now based in Italy: it’s Diego Arias, who leads a South American group featuring two Colombians, three Brazilians, two Uruguayans, one Peruvian, and five Argentinians. It’s a clear sign of how much Appenninica MTB Stage Race is valued even on the other side of the world.
Several nations continue to show their loyalty to the Apennine stage race: Belgium (11), the United Kingdom (9), the United States (7), Spain (6), and Germany (5). The start lists also includes riders from the Dominican Republic and South Africa, representing Central America and Africa respectively.
FROM LIZZANO TO CASTELNOVO: 315 KM AND 12,000 METERS OF CLIMBING
The 2025 Appenninica adventure kicks off from Lizzano in Belvedere, at the foot of Corno alle Scale. The first two stages on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th will be loops starting and finishing in the Vidiciatico area. These are far from easy opening stages—riders will immediately face 58 km and 2,300 meters of climbing through Corno alle Scale, Passo Croce Arcana, and Lago Scaffaiolo. The intensity keeps up in stage two with 46 km and 2,100 meters of climbing along the Monte Pizzo trails.
Wednesday, June 25th brings the “Emilia Romagna Peaks” stage—64 km and 2,750 meters of climbing—taking the race to Riolunato via two of the Apennines’ most iconic peaks: Corno alle Scale and Monte Cimone.
The High Mountain Queen Stage is the fourth stage, running from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne’ Monti across 88 km and 3,000 meters of climbing. This stage could well decide the overall classification before the final act on Friday, June 27th—a loop starting and finishing in Castelnovo ne’ Monti. The “Windy Way Home” with its 58 km and 1,600 meters of climbing will still have plenty to say before crowning the final winner in the shadow of the Bismantova Rock.