Race Recap: Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023

The Dutch rider of Buff-Megamo is the first male athlete to win two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race. Becking sealed the overall win by raising arms again in the last stage, followed by Tiago Ferreira and Tim Smeenge, who join him on the podium in second and third position respectively. Debora Piana takes the women’s GC, while Ilina triumphs again in Vidiciatico. “We are really proud of the athletes’ feedback” said the organizers


Hans Becking and Debora Piana are the winners of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2023. Protagonists from day one, the 37-year-old Dutch rider from Buff-Megamo Team becomes the first male athlete to win the race on the Emilia-Romagna Apennines twice, following his first victory in 2020. On the other hand, the 34-year-old Italian from Team Cingolani-Specialized took the leader's jersey on day two and never looked back, extending her lead over her pursuers and maintaining control throughout.


In the men’s category, the 2023 edition ended just as it began, with Hans Becking triumphantly raising his arms as he crossed the finish line. The Buff-Megamo rider dominated the entire week and secured a significant lead in stage 4, with the finish line in Fanano. Today, on September 9th, in Vidiciatico, Becking completed the 36 km loop with a 1500 m elevation gain in 1:44:12. He distanced himself from Ferreira and Tronconi just before the finish of lap 1, securing his third win out of six stages. Behind him, Portuguese rider Tiago Ferreira trailed by 2:16, and fellow Dutchman Tim Smeenge by 2:43.


As in 2020, Becking clinches the overall win, again over Tiago Ferreira of DMT Racing Team with an 11:42 gap and over the Dutch National MTB Marathon champion Tim Smeenge (35:51). Completing the top five are Bart Classens (Netherlands, 1:00:19) and former Appenninica winner Lukas Kaufmann (Austria, 1:05:41).


“We finished Appenninica as we began it, with a fast and technical stage. Once again, it was a great experience with stunning landscapes, magnificent routes, and many friends. I remembered parts of the trails from three years ago, but back we had rainy and muddy days, while this year we had amazing weather all week long, making it easier to maintain control. My next goal now is the Dutch championship in October, where I will meet Tim (Smeenge) again. Defending the title next year? Why not? I have won it twice; why not go for a third time?” said Becking after crossing the finish line.


ITALY REGAINS THE WOMEN’S CROWN WITH DEBORA PIANA

Throughout the week, the women’s category closely mirrored the men's competition. Debora Piana from Team Cingolani-Specialized displayed her dominance from stage two, securing three consecutive wins, starting with the pivotal victory in the Mountain Queen Stage from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to Fiumalbo. Behind her, Kristina Ilina also delivered a strong performance, claiming the other three wins and finishing as the runner-up.


The Russian rider from DMT Racing Team secured her third victory today in Vidiciatico, ahead of Piana and Swiss rider Nina Brenn, who oddly finished third in every stage of the week. In the overall classification, the Italian finished with a 28:16 lead over Ilina and a 2:12:17 gap on Brenn.

“It was a very demanding week, and I'm happy that my efforts have been rewarded with the overall win. I'm glad to have participated in Appenninica: in the first stage, I closely observed my opponents and started to push from the Queen Stage, which was my primary goal. After that, the lead allowed me to control the pace. It was my first time in a six-day race, and it was a great experience. I hope to come back next year to defend the title,” said Debora Piana at the conclusion.


THE ORGANIZATION’S WRAP-UP

With the fifth edition finally in the books, it's time for the organization to provide an overview of the entire week. The team at ASD Happy Trail MTB has been growing and improving year after year, raising the bar even in terms of logistics. The organization's hard work received high praise from the athletes: the race sold out all 150 available bibs, and enthusiastic comments poured in throughout the week, thanks to the breathtaking landscapes, challenging and enjoyable trails, and the high quality of the food and drinks and Italian hospitality.


“We have been growing year after year, and we have always strived to add improvements to enhance the overall rider experience. Once again this year, we have received great feedback about the trails, the views, and the flavors of the Emilia-Romagna Apennines. We are already working on the 2024 edition, with our goal being to continually enhance the overall adventure and make the Appenninica MTB Stage Race even more appreciated on the national and international stage,” said co-organizers Milena Bettocchi and Beppe Salerno.