Appenninica MTB Stage Race

A stage race through the Emilian-Romagnol mountains

The Appenninica MTB Stage Race is one of the most recognizable stage mountain bike competitions on the international scene. Organized by ASD Happy Trail MTB, the race unfolds along the ridges of the Emilian Apennines, connecting three provinces of the Emilia-Romagna Region in a few days: Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia. The final leg takes place in the Municipality of Castelnovo ne' Monti, at the foot of the famous Pietra di Bismantova, a monolith symbol of the Reggiano Apennines.

Five stages, 310 km, and 11,000 meters of elevation gain

The 2026 edition features a route of approximately 310 kilometers with a total elevation gain of about 11,000 meters, divided into five stages that touch some of the most scenic peaks in the area: Corno alle Scale, Monte Cimone, Monte Ventasso, and Pietra di Bismantova. The race starts from Lizzano in Belvedere, crosses Riolunato in the heart of the Modenese Apennines, and reaches the grand finale in the Reggiano area.

• Stage 1 - Monte Pizzo: start and finish in Vidiciatico (Lizzano in Belvedere), approx. 34 km and 1,600 m elevation gain
• Stage 2 - Corno alle Scale: from Lizzano in Belvedere to Riolunato, approx. 56 km and 2,300 m elevation gain
• Stage 3 - Appenninica Ridge: loop around Riolunato, approx. 52 km and 1,700 m elevation gain
• Stage 4 - Mountain Queen Stage: from Riolunato to Castelnovo ne' Monti, approx. 88 km and 3,000 m elevation gain, the queen stage
• Stage 5 - Final Loop: loop around Castelnovo ne' Monti, approx. 58 km and 1,400 m elevation gain

An international and sold-out event

The Appenninica attracts athletes from all over the world every year: the 2026 edition has over 190 participants from 29 nations, with registrations sold out well in advance, a sign of the event's growing reputation. The competition shares some sections with major road races: Corno alle Scale, also a feature of the Giro d'Italia, is honored by the fat-tire caravan about a month later.

Pietra di Bismantova and Castelnovo ne' Monti

The arrival in Castelnovo ne' Monti, the capital of the Reggiano Apennines, offers a unique setting: the Pietra di Bismantova, an imposing rock formation with vertical walls mentioned even by Dante in the Divine Comedy, serves as a natural backdrop for the final stages. The event takes place with the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region, which considers it an important sporting and tourist showcase for the promotion of the Emilian-Romagnol mountains.