Brazil’s rising MTB star eyes Appenninica crown on debut
At 23, Luiza Euzebio De Souza makes her Appenninica debut with quiet confidence, returning from injury and leading a record Brazilian contingent
Last October, Luiza Euzebio De Souza finished fourth at Brasil Ride Bahia, one of the world’s premier mountain bike stage races. That alone would place her on every contender’s radar. At 23, already recognised as one of Brazil’s most promising MTB talents, she represents a threat any serious contender for the 2026 Appenninica MTB Stage Race (June 22-26) title must respect.
The connection between the Emilia-Romagna Apennines and Brazil runs unexpectedly deep. During World War II, Brazilian troops were stationed along the Gothic Line, establishing a historical thread that lingers. In recent years, this bond has strengthened – co-organiser Beppe Salerno and fellow Appenninica Family members ventured to last year’s Brasil Ride edition, forging mutual respect between the communities.
This year, De Souza leads a record Brazilian delegation to the Apennines: eleven athletes will toe the line at Lizzano in Belvedere on June 22.
“The Brazilian mountain bike community is very strong and numerous,” De Souza explains. “Appenninica generates great interest because it offers a unique combination of technical trails, beautiful landscapes, and top-level organisation. Many Brazilian athletes love testing themselves, and Appenninica perfectly embodies that spirit of adventure and the desire to push past your limits.”
Appenninica arrives as more than a debut – it represents De Souza’s new step into European competition. Days earlier, she contested the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, crossing the line in twenty-fifth place.
“That result at HERO didn’t capture my true potential, but I’m working to rediscover my optimal race rhythm following an injury,” De Souza shares candidly. “I arrive at Appenninica in good condition, though the injury interrupted my preparation. Recovery demands considerable patience, discipline, and adaptability. My objective is consistency from stage to stage, to savour the experience, and to contend for the strongest possible general classification result. We’ll see where it leads.”
The Brasil Ride Bahia circuit has become De Souza’s proving ground. Two fourth-place finishes (2025 and 2024) and a third-place showing (2023) have established her credentials amongst Brazil’s most promising MTB Marathon athletes. Her decision to race Appenninica stems from a deeper hunger – to test herself in contrasting, demanding environments.
“This will be my first Appenninica, and I’m truly excited,” De Souza reflects. “I expect a demanding race with technical trails, breathtaking landscapes, a fundamentally different experience from the events I typically contest in Brazil. I view this participation as both an opportunity to mature as an athlete and to deepen my understanding of Italy’s mountain bike culture.”
If the opportunity to fight for a prestigious result comes her way during the week, you can be certain that Luiza Euzebio De Souza will draw on all her talent to make her mark.
STAGES RECAP
Stage 1 – Monte Pizzo: 48 km, 2,000m elevation gain
Monday, June 22: Lizzano in Belvedere – Lizzano in Belvedere
Stage 2 – Corno alle Scale Dressed in Pink: 65 km, 2,600m elevation gain
Tuesday, June 23: Lizzano in Belvedere – Riolunato
Stage 3 – Monte Cimone Challenge: 38 km, 1,500m elevation gain
Wednesday, June 24: Riolunato – Riolunato
Stage 4 – Mountain Queen Stage: 88 km, 3,000m elevation gain
Thursday, June 25: Riolunato – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Stage 5 – Windy Way Home-Ventasso: 53 km, 1,900m elevation gain
Friday, June 26: Castelnovo ne’ Monti – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Porretta Terme (Italy), June 18, 2026
Photos (free editorial usage granted with credits)
- Luiza Euzébio De Souza will be competing at Appenninica MTB Stage Race for the first time
- The 23-year-old Brazilian arrives in the Apennines on the back of outstanding results at the Brasil Ride Bahia
- Luiza De Souza will lead a Brazilian delegation of eleven athletes
