The stage locations of Lizzano in Belvedere, Fiumalbo and Castelnovo ne' Monti have been confirmed for the grand finale, while Loiano makes its debut. In total 400 km and 14 thousand meters of altitude difference to tackle.
Source: press release
From the city to the province, along the ridge of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. It could easily be an advertising spot to promote local tourism, but it is instead the concept chosen by ASD Happy Trail MTB to design the 2024 Appenninica MTB Stage Race route.
The edition scheduled from 2 to 7 September will offer, as always, a demanding challenge, following the consolidated tradition of recent years. 400 km and a total difference in altitude of 14 thousand meters will put the participants of the most important Italian mountain bike stage race to the test, through the splendid landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, with its enchanting ridges and its villages.
If the start will be from Bologna, the grand finale will instead take place in Castelnovo ne' Monti, with Pietra di Bismantova judging the victory. In between, the welcome confirmations of Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo, which returns after the debut of the 2023 edition. This year's novelty is instead represented by Loiano, in the Province of Bologna, which will host the first stage arrival.
“The 2024 edition presents itself in continuity with the work carried out in recent years, however introducing some new elements – say Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno, organizers of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race -. The departure from Bologna and Loiano's debut confirm the growing attention gained by this competition. But it doesn't end there, because the repositioning of the Mountain Queen Stage at the penultimate round could break the bank in the final."
DEPARTURE FROM BOLOGNA, GRAND FINALE IN CASTELNOVO
Bologna will host the 2024 edition, which begins immediately uphill on the ramps towards the Sanctuary of San Luca, on Monday 2 September. Having arrived at the gates of the Sanctuary, the race will take the path of the famous Via degli Dei, the path that connects the Bologna city to Florence. Through the paths between Sasso Marconi, Monte Badolo and Monzuno, the athletes will reach the finish line in Loiano, after 48 km and 1500 meters of altitude difference.
If the first stage may seem like a taster, the "Gothic Line", scheduled for Tuesday 3 September, will raise the bar with its 63 km and 2250 meters of altitude difference. After starting from Loiano, the race will cut across the entire Apennines in parallel to the ridge line, with four climbs to face, the last of which is over 10km in length, before arriving in Lizzano in Belvedere.
On Wednesday 4 September the challenge continues with the "Monte Cimone Challenge XL", of 65 km and 2850 meters of altitude difference. A technical fraction with a significant overall difference in altitude, which crosses some of the most iconic paths, such as those of Corno alle Scale and Cimone, between Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo.
The program for Thursday 5 September with the "Tuscan Borderline" is instead a ring around Fiumalbo. For the second consecutive year, the country on the border with Tuscany will propose a route of 69 km and 2500 meters of altitude difference through the panoramas and paths of Abetone.
The dreaded "Mountain Queen Stage" will present itself, unmissable, on Friday 6 September with a route of 95 km and 3200 meters of altitude difference from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne' Monti. Breathtaking ridges and long forest roads will be the terrain of the toughest section, which will offer some interesting innovations compared to the past.
The grand finale is a ring around Castelnovo ne' Monti, in the Monte Ventasso area: 56 km and 1750 meters of altitude difference not to be underestimated.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registrations are open in the "Regular Registration" phase until 31 May 2024, with the price however increasing from 1 March. As with the last five editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual formula and the limited number of participants to a maximum of 150: a choice aimed at avoiding overcrowding of the paths and ensuring all participants receive a high quality standard in running support.
THE APPENININIC ROUTE 2024
Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of altitude difference
Monday 2 September: Bologna – Loiano
Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of altitude difference
Tuesday 3 September: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of altitude difference
Wednesday 4 September: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo
Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of altitude difference
Thursday 5 September: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo
Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of altitude difference
Friday 6 September: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne' Monti
Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of altitude difference
Saturday 7 September: Castelnovo ne 'Monti - Castelnovo ne' Monti
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