The town in the Province of Bologna is the home of ASD Happy Trail MTB, the organizer of the race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.
Source: press release
If the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna are the scene of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race, Porretta Terme is the home of ASD Happy Trail MTB, the company organizing the event. That's why next Thursday 8 and Friday 9 September, when the caravan of the mountain bike stage race reaches the town of Porretta Terme, in the Province of Bologna, it will be a bit like coming home.

Unlike in previous years, the 2022 edition scheduled from 4 to 10 September will arrive in Porretta Terme after having already faced more than half of the route. On Thursday 8 September, the fifth fraction of 67 km and 2200 meters of total altitude difference will start from Fanano (Modena), immediately facing the ascent towards Fellicarolo and then embarking on a technical descent towards the valley of the Ospitale stream. From then on the stage will follow the Gothic Line, hence the name "Gothic Line", theater of the Second World War. Before reaching Porretta Terme, the athletes will taste the climb up to the picturesque village of Monteacuto delle Alpi, and then embark on two descents: the first more technical towards Castelluccio and the second faster that will lead straight to the finish line.
The next day, Friday 9 September, Porretta Terme will host the start of the sixth fraction: Il Corno. Along the 63 km and 2700 meters in altitude towards the finish line of Lizzano in Belvedere, the great protagonist will be the Corno alle Scale ski area, the mountain of the Bolognese. In the first part there will be about 30 km of uphill forest roads immersed in the woods without encountering human settlements, in contact only with nature. After km 37, the technical rate of the race will completely change with the demanding climb towards Passo dello Strofinatoio (6 km and 600 meters of altitude difference with the last 500 meters of portage). From there you will reach Lake Scaffaiolo, before the dive between paths and single trails towards the finish.

“Also this year Porretta Terme hosts the Appenninica MTB Stage Race“ caravan ”- commented the Mayor of Alto Reno Terme Giuseppe Nanni -. Appenninica is now a consolidated event, created and organized every year by ASD Happy Trail MTB, which was born and has its headquarters in Porretta. All the more reason to support this event, an event of international interest that enhances our splendid territory and that every year involves the press and specialized media of the sector. A big "good luck" to the Appenninica staff: Porretta is ready to welcome you! "
PORRETTA TERME, BETWEEN SOUL AND THERMAL RELAXATION
Porretta Terme is a spa town with a millenary tradition, famous for the richness of the mineral substances present in its waters. Even today it is possible to visit the underground springs, discovering the secrets of the subsoil and the path of the thermal water. Furthermore, thanks to the recent collaboration with the Monti Salute Più Group, the new manager of the spa center and an important Bolognese company in the field of health and wellness, athletes will be able to stay in the Porretta facilities at the end of the fifth stage.
"The Monti Salute Più Group has an important hub in Porretta Terme - commented Professor Antonio Monti, Scientific Director of the Group -, as we have taken over the ancient spa and now we want to bring it back to the splendor of the first half of the 900s, when it was a flagship for the whole area. Collaborating with an event like Appenninica, with which we share the values of sport, mobility and the healthy relationship of man with the environment also through the Natura World project, allows us to further convey our message and support an event that aims to enhance our territory. "
However, the name of Porretta Terme is also linked to music and to the Porretta Soul Festival, an authentic immersion in soul and rhythm & blues music that takes place every year in the second half of July. For over 30 years this event has attracted the biggest names in international soul, establishing itself as a cult event for the locality and the whole province.
ROUTE 2022 Apennine MTB Stage Race
Stage 1 - La Matildica - 52 km and 1800 meters in altitude
Sunday 4th September: Castelnovo ne 'Monti - Castelnovo ne' Monti
Stage 2 - The Rock - 62 km and 2350 meters in altitude
Monday 5th September: Castelnovo ne 'Monti - Castelnovo ne' Monti
Stage 3 - High Mountain Queen Stage - 106km and 3650m of elevation gain
Tuesday 6 September: Castelnovo ne 'Monti - Fanano
Stage 4 - Pippo Yeah 2.0 - 55 km and 2200 meters in altitude
Wednesday 7 September: Fanano - Fanano
Stage 5 - Gothic Line - 67 km and 2200 meters in altitude
Thursday 8 September: Fanano - Porretta Terme
Stage 6 - Il Corno - 63 km and 2700 meters in altitude
Friday 9 September: Porretta Terme - Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 7 - Monte Pizzo - 37 km and 1550 meters in altitude
Saturday 10 September: Lizzano in Belvedere - Lizzano in Belvedere
