On the first weekend of October 2026, Gaiole in Chianti in Tuscany will become a meeting place for lovers of historic racing bikes and stylish vintage culture. L’Eroica offers five different routes through the region’s vineyards and hills. The supporting programme kicks off as early as Friday 2 October with a number of events centred on vintage bicycles and cycling culture. Registration is still open. All road racing bikes with curved handlebars built before 1987 are eligible to take part.
Five routes through the Chianti region
The shortest route, the Valle del Chianti, is 45.1 kilometres long with 755 metres of elevation gain. It takes around three hours to complete, passing Brolio Castle and winding through the Chianti Classico vineyards. The Gallo Nero route covers 80.7 kilometres with an elevation gain of 1,612 metres and takes about four hours.
The Val d’Arbia route crosses the Crete Senesi over a distance of 106.3 kilometres, with 1,795 metres of elevation gain. The medium-length Crete Senesi route covers 132.5 kilometres and 2,327 metres of elevation gain. Cyclists need between 10 and 12 hours to complete it. The longest route is a real test of endurance: L’Eroico measures 211 kilometres with 3,873 metres of elevation gain. Many participants do not reach the finish line until after 10 pm; the average riding time is 15 hours. Foreign cyclists can only register by making an additional payment of €10 for the ACSI-supported membership card, which includes insurance cover.
Elegance competition at L'Eroica
Traditionally, the supporting programme plays a major role at L'Eroica: the cycling community comes together to celebrate a festival of cycling nostalgia. To this end, L'Eroica, in collaboration with the specialist magazine *Biciclette d'Epoca*, organises a competition for historic bicycles. A maximum of 40 bikes will be accepted, divided into the ‘Original’ and ‘Restored’ categories. The entry fee is 35 euros and the deadline for entries is midnight on 29 September 2026.
The exhibition of the participating bicycles will take place on 2 October from 9 am to 12 noon at the Luciano Berruti Monument. Each participant must bring their own display stand. The competition begins at 2.30 pm, and the prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for 5.30 pm.
The judging panel awards prizes in nine categories as well as three special awards. The Loyalty Award goes to the bicycle with the most authentic and meticulous restoration. The Elegance Combination Award recognises the best harmony between the bicycle and the rider’s period clothing. The Best in Show winner will be featured and analysed in issue 78 of Biciclette d’Epoca.
Children’s programme at L’Eroica
The Mini Eroica for children starts at 3 pm on Friday afternoon. Coaches from the Italian Cycling Federation will be accompanying the young participants. The organisers are providing bicycles, helmets, insurance, medals and starter packs free of charge.
At the same time, Giocociclismo will be taking place in the FCI area from 3 pm to 7 pm. The course, featuring obstacles and agility challenges, is being set up in collaboration with ACSI, Pedale Senese, Siena Bike and Tuscany Go. Children of all ages will be practising their cycling skills and road safety there.
Beard and Moustache Competition
The beard and moustache competition, part of L’Eroica, will take place in Piazza Ricasoli. The PRORASO Barber Shop offers vintage-style beard grooming. The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 2 October at 6.45 pm. The Luciano Berruti Prize will be awarded to the best style inspired by the icon of L’Eroica.
Giancarlo Brocci, founder of L’Eroica, describes the significance of elegance in cycling: “On a bike, I’m one of the ugliest cyclists you could possibly look at, and I know nothing about mechanics and its marvellous secrets. But I appreciate everything about elegance, just as one admires everything that one is not capable of oneself. On a bike, it is a rare virtue of true champions; the symbiosis of movement with the bike and the clothing is a special gift that enriches life.”
Kristian Bauer
Editor