Arias and Bakker strike first at Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2025

Diego Arias picked up where he left off.

The Colombian, winner of the 2022 edition on his Appenninica MTB Stage Race debut, returned to the top step of the podium on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, dominating Stage 1 of this year’s edition in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines.

Racing for the Metallurgica Veneta Pro Team, Arias quickly lived up to his billing as the man to beat. He took the win in the 58 km opener — with 2,300 meters of climbing — starting and finishing in Vidiciatico. Displaying the tactical poise of a veteran, he kept things steady in the early phases before attacking in the final stretch to gain maximum time.

The day’s first major climb toward Corno alle Scale was animated by the Rolling Bike Team duo of Vincenzo Saitta and Emanuele Spica, who forced a fierce pace in the summer heat that broke the peloton apart. Arias bided his time before bridging up to Saitta at Passo di Croce Arcana, letting the early attackers burn their matches.

On the next ascent to Lago Scaffaiolo, the Colombian made his move — dropping Saitta and going solo on the descent to Vidiciatico, determined to open a gap on his main rivals.

Meanwhile, Hans Becking, after a challenging start, mounted a strong comeback to secure second place. Arias crossed the line in 2:55:25, putting 6’28” into Becking — his primary rival for the final Barbieri PNK Blue Jersey.

Vincenzo Saitta claimed a well-earned third at 6’55”, confirming his excellent form. Rounding out the top five were Emanuele Spica (10’01”) and Andrea Candeago (12’09”).

“It was a really hot day, and I think that’s going to be a key factor all week,” Arias said post-stage. “The Rolling Bike guys went all-in on the first climb to Corno alle Scale. After I dropped Saitta, I kept pushing to open up a gap on Becking — he probably felt the effects of yesterday’s long transfer, but I know he’s going to be a major threat in the GC.”

MASTERS CATEGORIES

In the Master category, Spain’s Oscar Pujol claimed the win with a 3’25” advantage over Dutch rider Rob Van der Werf, while defending champion Juul Van Loon, also from the Netherlands, settled for third at 5’04”. Among the Grand Masters, Italy’s Mirko Pirazzoli took the top step of the podium, finishing 9’02” ahead of Stefan Buri, with Paul Wellicome in third. Axel Strauss delivered a dominant performance in the Great Grand Master category, beating Piotr Sozanski and Lawrence Westney by a significant margin.

WOMEN’S RACE: BAKKER POWERS CLEAR, SCHULZ HANGS TOUGH

As expected, the women’s field proved tightly matched. Dutch rider Lola Bakker claimed Stage 1 in 4:20:43, edging out American Syd Schulz after a race-long battle.

The duo quickly took control of the race and, mirroring the men’s dynamic, stayed together until the second major climb toward Lago Scaffaiolo. There, Bakker’s steady acceleration finally dropped Schulz. However, the narrow final margin of just 2’49” shows how closely contested the race remains.

Linda Van Vlet (NED) took third at 26’55”, with Spain’s Almudena Rodriguez Lopez de Armentia and Regina Marunde rounding out the top five — both over an hour down on the leader. Bakker now wears the first Maglia Rosa Lavor of 2025, but the GC battle is far from settled.

“It was a really hard day because of the heat,” said Bakker. “The first climb pushed me to my limit, but the incredible ridge views gave me the energy to keep going. On the second climb, I was alone and just kept pushing. It’s my third time at Appenninica — I love being here, it’s amazing.”

STAGE 2 PREVIEW: MONTE PIZZO RETURNS

Tuesday brings a new loop from Vidiciatico — 46 km and 2,100 meters of climbing on a punishing course that demands both focus and energy conservation.

The route opens with a sharp climb into the Albarè trail system around Monte Pizzo, continuing toward Monteacuto delle Alpi before a demanding descent to Molino della Squaglia. From there, the day’s key feature begins: a 17.4 km climb leading to a final 3 km plunge to the finish, with gradients nearing 10%.