STAGES
The general racecourse description is here.
What follows is a preview of the stages to give you an idea of how demanding the race is.
A quick word about this info:
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The following information is preliminary and is subject to change.
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The route is broadly defined but could still undergo some minor changes. This Appenninica racecourse will be finalized later in the spring, as some sections of terrain can shift and change during winter and early spring.
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In the springtime, once the snow melts, the Apennine of Emilia Romagna bloom and come to life, rainfall diminishes, and the land adjusts to the changing of the seasons. During that time, we will thoroughly revise all trails and forest roads that have been selected for the event. You will have to wait until we verify actual conditions, possible re-routing, and maintenance needs – if any – to see the final version of the stages in the official publication.
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We’ve carefully selected trails with an eye to past editions’ average speeds and the estimated times it took to complete the stages.
We’ve planned everything with a goal to offer a tough week of mountain bike stage racing without compromising the enjoyment of riding great trails that are part of an incredibly beautiful natural landscape.
We have four stage venues with moderately difficult routes spread out over the course of a week. With three loop stages (Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Fiumalbo and Vidicatico), competitors will be under less stress and have more hours to recover, as well as have time to explore and learn about the stage locations.
In the meantime, get ready for a challenging race with varied terrain and alternating continuous climbs and descents that will test your endurance, but with just as many stretches of pure, adrenaline-filled downhill fun.
STAGE 1 - VIA DEGLI DEI
Monday September 2 2024
Length 48 km – Elevation gain 1500 m
Start Bologna – Arrival Loiano
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The 2024 edition embarks from Bologna on Monday, September 2, ascending towards the Sanctuary of San Luca. Upon reaching the sanctuary’s vicinity, competitors will navigate the trails of the renowned “Via degli Dei“, connecting Bologna to Florence. The journey covers 48 km and 1500 meters of elevation gain, concluding in Loiano.
STAGE 2 - GOTHIC LINE
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Length 63 km – Elevation gain 2250 m
Start Loiano – Arrival Lizzano in Belvedere
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The challenge intensifies on Tuesday, September 3, with the “Gothic Line” stage, featuring 63 km and 2250 meters of elevation gain. Starting from Loiano, the race will traverse the Apennines, parallel to the ridge line, facing four demanding climbs, the last exceeding 10 km in length, before the finish line in Lizzano in Belvedere.
STAGE 3 - MONTE CIMONE CHALLENGE XL
Wednesday September 4, 2024
Length 65 km – Elevation gain 2850 m
Start Lizzano in Belvedere – Arrival Fiumalbo
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Wednesday, September 4, presents the “Monte Cimone Challenge XL“, a 65 km journey with 2850 meters of elevation gain. This stage, noted for its technical demands and significant elevation, will take riders across iconic trails, including those of Corno alle Scale and Cimone, between Lizzano in Belvedere and Fiumalbo.
STAGE 4 - TUSCAN BORDERLINE
Thursday September 5, 2023
Length 69 km – Elevation gain 2500 m
Start Fiumalbo – Arrival Fiumalbo
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On Thursday, September 5, Fiumalbo stages the “Tuscan Borderline“, offering a 69 km route with 2500 meters of elevation gain, showcasing the scenic trails and landscapes of Abetone.
STAGE 5 - MOUNTAIN QUEEN STAGE
Friday September 6, 2024
Length 95 km – Elevation gain 3200 m
Start Fiumalbo – Arrival Castelnovo ne’ Monti
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The penultimate day, Friday, September 6 , features the “Mountain Queen Stage“, spanning 95 km and 3200 meters of elevation gain from Fiumalbo to Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Competitors will navigate breathtaking ridges and extensive forest trails, with new challenges distinguishing this stage from previous editions.
STAGE 6 - WINDY WAY HOME
Saturday September 7, 2024
Length 56 km – Elevation gain 1750 m
Start Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Arrival Castelnovo ne’ Monti
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