What is the Eroica?

The Eroica ("the heroic one") was founded in 1997 by Giancarlo Brocci. His goal: to preserve the memory of the origins of cycling. Only racing bikes built before 1987 are eligible to participate – that is, steel frames with downtube shifters, strap pedals, and classic brakes.

This also includes the right outfits: wool jerseys, leather helmets, and retro style are a must. Everything to make you feel like the professionals of the 50s, 60s, or 70s.

The routes through Tuscany

The Eroica route follows the famous " Strade Bianche " – white gravel roads that wind through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. The start and finish point is Gaiole in Chianti , a picturesque village that becomes a mecca for vintage road bike enthusiasts during the event.

Participants can choose from various distances – from a leisurely 46 km to the epic 209 km route, which demands true endurance and heroism. The long routes start at night, accompanied by the starry sky and the first birdsong – a magical moment that many riders never forget.

Catering as before

A unique feature of the Eroica is its refreshment stations: instead of energy bars and isotonic drinks, there's Chianti, Pecorino cheese, prosciutto, and homemade cakes . The event is also a culinary experience and showcases the joie de vivre of Tuscany.

Classics at the Eroica: These bikes are often seen

The choice of bicycle is almost as important as the route itself. Many participants bring along real gems that are not only rideable but also collector's items.

• Daccordi 50th Anniversary – a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship created to celebrate the brand's 50th anniversary. Perfect for those who appreciate elegance and rarity.

• Bianchi Specialissima – perhaps the most famous Italian racing bike of all time. With its iconic Celeste color, it's a real eye-catcher at the Eroica.

• Colnago Super – a classic from the 1970s, on which numerous professionals celebrated great victories. A model that combines tradition and racing.

• De Rosa Professional – elegant, rare and with a distinctive frame design that enjoys cult status to this day.

• Pinarello Montello – the model with which Francesco Moser achieved victories in the 80s. It can also be seen regularly in Gaiole.

• Cinelli Supercorsa – a timeless steel classic that has been built since the 1950s and represents the ultimate vintage bike for many.

These wheels are more than just a means of transportation – they are rolling legends and truly bring the fascination of the Eroica to life.

Why the Eroica is so special

The Eroica is more than a cycling race – it's a celebration of the soul . It's not about setting personal bests, but about the feeling of being part of a tradition . Many riders describe the event as a kind of journey through time: experiencing how tough, but also how romantic, cycling used to be.

Moreover, the Eroica has spread worldwide from Tuscany – there are now offshoots in Japan, California, and South Africa. But the original in Chianti remains the highlight for all lovers of classic racing bikes.

Conclusion

The Eroica Toscana Vintage is a unique experience for everyone who understands cycling not just as a sport, but as a culture and a passion . Those who have participated take away not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights, but also a piece of history.

And perhaps it is precisely this mix of nostalgia, community and legendary bikes like the Daccordi 50th or the Bianchi Specialissima that makes the Eroica so unique – and attracts thousands of cyclists from all over the world to the hills of Tuscany every year.