The Appenninica...the new stage race in town...

The race route runs from the western part of the Apennine ridge through the Emelia Romagna and Tuscany regions of Italy. The race will loosely follow a cycling route known as the Alta Via dei Parchi, which will be modified to make the race tougher and more spectacular. The Apennine mountains are largely unknown in the international MTB scene, but are steeped in history, culture, fantastic cuisine, and of course brilliant trails, making this region a perfect location for a stage race. 

The prologue on 20th July promises to be a unique start to the race. It will take place in Bologna and will be a 12 km loop with 470m of elevation. After starting in the city centre, riders will have a steep climb up to a basilica overlooking the city.  This initial climb formed part of the opening time trial of the 2018 Giro d'Italia, and with gradients up to 18%, this will form a tough start to the event. Riders will then be rewarded with a return to Bologna on some fantastic single track.

The grand start on 21st July will be in Berceto, a small village located on the western side of the mountain range.  The race will end seven days, 500km and 20,000m elevation later in Bagno di Romagna. Riders will be treated to breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality fantastic cuisine in the region's hamlets and thermal towns. The route will be challenging - the first half in the high mountains will have some serious gradients, technical climbing, and high altitude ridges. The second half will take competitors over lower hilly ground on limestone and clay terrain, and oak woodlands.

The inaugural event will be limited to 300 riders. Riders can take part in either two person teams, or as a solo rider.  Solo riders can either complete the full event, or alternatively enter the shorter 'Appenninica 4'  which follows the last 4 days of the full event. The Appenninica organisers are keen to develop the event to be a race of reference for female riders, and there is a promotion to encourage female teams to enter.

The Appenninica immediately grabbed my attention and I am very excited to ride in a new area of Italy with fantastic technical trails, amazing scenery and in an event with a great ethos.

I'll be taking part in a team with fellow XC racer blogger Mel Alexander in Team BW Cycling. Over the coming months, we'll be putting some blogs together so that you can follow us in our preparation, training and challenges for this event - watch this space!

If you want to fine out more about The Appenninica, go to www.appenninica-mtb.com.com.

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