Montalcino will host the vintage event for the tenth time. Eroica Montalcino is a cycling race on classic steel wheels modelled on the main L'Eroica event in Gaiole in Chianti. It takes place in the area of the 209 km long route of the L'Eroica south of Siena between the Val d'Arbia, the Crete Senesi and the Val D'Orcia. The event has grown steadily since its inception and attracts riders from more than 30 countries. Franco Rossi, President of Eroica Italia, explains that many participants return after their first participation. This return rate shows the bond between riders and the region.
International participation grows
Drivers from over 30 nations have registered. Germany accounts for the largest international share with 13.4 per cent, followed by Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain and the United States. Belgium, France and the Netherlands are also strongly represented. Participants from Australia, Japan, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates complete the international field. Italy remains the dominant nation with 70 per cent. Tuscany and Lombardy each account for more than a quarter of the Italian participants. Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Piedmont follow, with registrations from all regions of the country.
Wide age range at Eroica
The starting field shows a wide age range. The youngest Italian rider is 14-year-old Pietro from Capannori. Among the women, Georgiana, born in 2003, is the youngest Italian participant, while Alba from Forlì is one of the most experienced. Piero from Pontedera is one of the oldest Italian starters. Among the international participants, 14-year-old Anton from Germany is one of the youngest riders. Paolo from Switzerland is one of the most experienced starters. 17-year-old Annachiara from Switzerland is the youngest international participant, while Elisabeth from Austria is almost 70 years old.
Ten years of development of the Eroica Montalcino
The Eroica Montalcino has built up a loyal following over a decade. Some riders have participated in every edition and have developed a long-term connection to the routes and the landscape. These regular riders form a community within the wider Eroica movement.
The event combines gravel roads, small villages, refreshment stops and a joint effort. First-time participants discover these elements, while returnees specifically seek them out. Rossi emphasises that the event is supported by the local community and welcomes riders as part of a shared experience.
Festival programme at Eroica Montalcino
The programme begins on Friday 29 May in Piazza del Popolo with events on sustainability and younger generations. A session with the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security and a presentation on sustainable mobility are on the programme.
In the afternoon, the activities shift to the Teatro degli Astrusi. The programme includes an event on Colnago retrofitting and the Bartali bike museum. A book presentation on Fausto Coppi completes the programme. In the evening, talks, live music and celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary will liven up the city.
Saturday 30 May is the most eventful day with talks, cycling-related activities and social events throughout the city. Technical sessions, group rides and environmental initiatives such as a BioBlitz and a plogging ride are on the programme. Local wine tastings round off the programme. The day ends with evening events throughout Montalcino, including the traditional Eroica dinner in the town's neighbourhoods.
Five routes through the Val d'Orcia
Driving takes centre stage on Sunday. The Eroica Montalcino offers five routes along the white gravel roads of the Val d'Orcia and the Brunello hills. The routes combine villages, vineyards and open countryside.
The longest route is a demanding challenge with a long distance, many metres of elevation gain and long gravel passages. Medium routes offer a balance between effort and time for stops. Shorter routes allow for a more relaxed experience with refreshment stops and time in the villages along the way. This mix of challenge and individual pace defines the Eroica Montalcino as a ride through a landscape, not a race.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
