We attempted Italy's hardest MTB race and it broke us

This video is sponsored by POVEC, the world's first Electrochromic glasses. The POVEC C1 glasses are available now, so if you're tired of never having the right lens tint for your rides, go check them out: https://www.sydandmacky.com/povec This week, we’re tackling the Appenninica Mountain Bike stage race, one of the toughest mountain bike stage races out there. 5 days and 180 miles across Italy’s Appennine mountain range, with upwards of 38,000 feet of climbing, high alpine views, technical descending and as luck would have it this year, blistering temperatures in a historic European heatwave. This is a challenging race in the best of circumstances – and this year, our circumstances are, at points, going to fall short of that. Some of that’s our own doing for trying, once again, to do everything – and some of it’s just dumb luck. And that’s bike racing for you. So yeah, you’re going to see us suffer in this video – but through the pain, there will also be some surprise moments of success, friendly competition and of course, the best support crew, as my parents take on their first international race support experience. And no matter how bad the day goes, there’s always pizza. Join team Syd and Macky on Patreon:   / sydandmacky   Not into Patreon but still want to help? Hit that "Subscribe" button - it's free! Join us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/sydandmacky/join https://venmo.com/u/sydandmacky https://www.paypal.me/sydandmacky Or hit the "Thanks" button above Eating Wins Races cookbook: https://eatingwinsraces.com/ Syd and Macky merch: https://sydandmacky.com/store Our gear recommendations (with tips, tricks and commentary): https://www.sydandmacky.com/gear The companies that support our racing: Ari Bikes - https://aribikes.com/sydandmacky (use this URL to automatically get $50 off any upgrade like tubeless, upgraded suspension, frame protection, etc.) NOBL wheels - https://www.sydandmacky.com/nobl (use code "sydmackynobl10" for 10% off) Berd spokes - https://www.sydandmacky.com/berd (use code "sydandmacky" for 10% off) Shokz headphones - https://sydandmacky.com/shokz COROS DURA cycling computer - https://sydandmacky.com/dura (use code SYDMACKY to get a free water bottle -- make sure to add the water bottle to your cart) Skratch - https://www.sydandmacky.com/skratch (use code SYDANDMACKY for 20% off your first order) Squirt cycling products (chain lube, tire sealant, bike cleaner, chamois cream) - http://sydandmacky.com/squirt (20% discount should show in cart, if not, use code SYDANDMACKY) Lazer Helmets - https://www.sydandmacky.com/lazer (15% discount should show in cart, if not, use code SYDANDMACKY) Durner Performance (Coach Mike's training plans) - https://www.sydandmacky.com/durnerper... Feedback Sports - https://www.sydandmacky.com/feedbacks... (use this link for 15% off) Maxxis - https://www.sydandmacky.com/maxxis Primal bike clothing - https://www.sydandmacky.com/primal Shimano - https://www.sydandmacky.com/shimano Xpedo pedals - https://www.sydandmacky.com/xpedo (select the "Syd and Macky" checkbox and enter your email to get 20% off) Velo saddles - https://www.sydandmacky.com/velo (use code "sydandmacky" for 20% off) 4iiii power meters - http://sydandmacky.com/4iiii (use code "4iiii10Syd&Macky" for 10% off factory install) Fox suspension and dropper posts - https://www.sydandmacky.com/fox Fanttik X10 Ace mini air compressor - http://sydandmacky.com/x10mini HOVERAir drone flying camera - http://sydandmacky.com/hover (use code "sydandmacky" for $10 off) Muul Mounts - https://www.sydandmacky.com/muul (use code "sydandmacky" for 15% off) Check out our other YouTube channel:    / sydfixesbikes   Connect with us:   / sydandmacky   *Disclaimer - some of our links are affiliate links so we get a small percentage of any purchase you make via our link. It doesn't change the price for you, just helps us keep making videos! Also, we're professional athletes, so many of the products we use and mention we didn't pay for.