Appenninica MTB Stage Race

Appenninica is a five-day mountain bike stage race along the Apennine divide between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, with a general classification and age categories for solo riders. The course follows the Alta Via dei Parchi MTB trail where it can, running from the hills of the province of Bologna to the highest peaks of Modena and Reggio Emilia, such as Monte Cimone and Monte Ventasso.

Apart from the trails of the Cimone Bike Park, the terrain is natural singletrack and forest road, with steep climbs, technical descents and long stretches on the ridge. Past riders have called it real mountain biking, and the organisers recommend a full suspension bike. A high mountain queen stage sits among several tough, technical days.

The field is kept deliberately small, so the trails stay uncrowded and the race keeps its family feel. Race villages are set up in small Apennine towns close to the trails, and the organisers, Happy Trail MTB, want riders to feel at home there rather than like tourists passing through, with good regional food part of the deal.