The mother of all L’Eroica events looks back on its 29th edition. Of the 8,988 registered participants, 8,245 cyclists turned up at the start of the 29th L’Eroica. The event on the white gravel roads (Strade Bianche) around Gaiole in Chianti attracted riders from 58 countries. 4,802 Italians, accounting for 58.2 per cent, made up the majority of starters, whilst 3,443 participants came from abroad, accounting for 41.8 per cent. 1,041 women took part, representing 12.6 per cent of the field. 7,204 men took part.
Five routes at L’Eroica
The organisers offered five routes of varying lengths. The 135-kilometre Medio Crete Senesi was the most popular route, with 2,046 entrants, accounting for 24.8 per cent of all participants. The 46-kilometre Passeggiata Valle del Chianti attracted 1,701 cyclists, representing 20.6 per cent. The 106-kilometre Cento Val d’Arbia saw 1,695 cyclists take part, also accounting for 20.6 per cent. The longest route, the 209-kilometre ‘Lungo’, was chosen by 1,570 participants, representing 19 per cent. The 81-kilometre ‘Corto Gallo Nero’ attracted 1,233 riders, accounting for 15 per cent.
International community
The event dates back to an idea conceived by Giancarlo Brocci in 1997. Franco Rossi, President of Eroica Italia ASD, emphasises the importance of the international community. “The 8,245 cyclists who set off came from 58 countries, but in Gaiole they all received the same warm welcome and had the chance to share a passion,” says Rossi. He points out that many return year after year, whilst others are discovering the event for the first time. As in every year, there was music, a pasta party, elegance competitions and market stalls featuring vintage bicycles.
The values of L’Eroica
Rossi sees L'Eroica’s greatest legacy as the community that has grown over time. “We must continue to ensure that the values which Giancarlo Brocci placed at the heart of L’Eroica from the very beginning are kept alive: respect for the region, the beauty of physical exertion, and the joy of being together,” explains the president. These values are more important today than ever before.
Anniversary 2027
The organisers are planning the 30th edition of the event for 2027. This anniversary is set to be a milestone for an event that began in 1997 on the white roads of Chianti and has since spread across the globe. The 30th edition will provide an opportunity to meet up again and celebrate together with everyone who is part of this story – from those who have been there from the very beginning to those who have only just discovered L’Eroica this year.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
