First Elite Man to win two editions of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, the Dutch defending champion of BUFF-Megamo will go for the hat trick from September 2 to 7, 2024. “This race has won my heart,” says Becking.
In the few years of history of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, several riders have reported a similar experience: they first came to the Apennines out of curiosity, for the challenge, to discover something new, and eventually could not do without it anymore. And even the first Elite Men’s rider to claim two editions in the history of Italy’s most important MTB stage race makes no exception.
The first official contender for success in the 2024 edition, from September 2 to 7, boasts a well-known name: it’s reigning champion Hans Becking. The Dutchman of BUFF-Megamo is currently preparing for his adventure at the Cape Epic, where he will compete with Wout Alleman, but has the third crown at Appenninica among his top goals for the season. Before winning in 2023, Becking had claimed his first win in 2020, both times seeing off former Marathon MTB World Champion Tiago Ferreira in second place.
“I am happy to announce that I will be at the start of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race again this year. It’s a race that’s close to my heart and where you breathe a very familir atmosphere”, said the 37-year-old Dutchman.
The BUFF-Megamo rider has just finished second in the Andalucia Bike Race paired with European Champion Wout Alleman. It’s not by chance that Becking is considered one of the strongest riders in the world in the MTB stage races scenario, and the fact that he has won the GC on both his occasions in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines speaks volumes about the feeling he has found with this territory.
“I have participated in Appenninica on two occasions, and I am very proud that I was able to win in both cases,” Becking said. “But I am looking forward to many strong riders coming to contest me for the win in 2024. This race deserves a high level of participation, and I hope to experience a very high-profile challenge”.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is open in the “Regular Registration” phase until May 31, 2024. As for the last five editions, the organizers have confirmed the individual format and the closed number of up to 150 participants: a choice aimed at avoiding overcrowding of the trails and ensuring all participants a high-quality standard in race support.
THE ROUTE OVERVIEW
Stage 1 – Via degli Dei – 48 km and 1500 m of elevation gain Monday, September 2: Bologna – Loiano
Stage 2 – The Gothic Line – 63 km and 2250 m of elevation gain Tuesday, September 3: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge XL – 65 km and 2850 m of elevation gain Wednesday, September 4: Lizzano in Belvedere – Fiumalbo
Stage 4 – Tuscan Borderline – 69 km and 2500 m of elevation gain Thursday, September 5: Fiumalbo – Fiumalbo
Stage 5 – Mountain Queen Stage – 95 km and 3200 m of elevation gain Friday, September 6: Fiumalbo – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 6 – Windy Way Home – 56 km and 1750 m of elevation gain Saturday, September 7: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Porretta Terme (Bologna), March 12th, 2024
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Photos: 1) Hans Becking returns to Appenninica MTB Stage Race in 2024 (Credits: The Outdoor Lab); 2)Hans Becking won Appenninica in 2020 and 2023 (Credits: The Outdoor Lab); 3) Last year, the Dutchman saw off Tiago Ferreira in the general classification (Credits: The Outdoor Lab) |
