The Eroica of Gaiole in Chianti, much more than a race

Eroica 2022: the most famous cycling event in Chianti attracts thousands of enthusiasts, lovers of bicycles and Chianti hills

The Eroica 2022 between passion, territory and history

It was 1997, 25 years ago, when the Eroica unique bike race was born in Gaiole in Chianti. It was invented by Giancarlo Brocci who, together with a large group of enthusiasts, wanted to rediscover a different way of cycling, “like it used to be.”

Starting as a vintage cycling event, Eroica has come a long way, becoming also a Foundation for the protection of the Chianti territory and for preserving the Tuscan dirt roads.Year after year it has spread around the world with editions scattered among the continents with short, medium and long versions to welcome all those who associate the bicycle not only with technology, but with sweat and passion..

As a matter of fact, today ‘Eroica has grown to become a true movement with international success, a network of events capable of involving tens of thousands of cyclists and enthusiasts of all ages all over the world’.

The vintage bike race to explore Tuscany

What makes this adventure unique? First of all, the routes on which participants compete: these are the white roads of Chianti, in the heart of Tuscany, from Chianti Classico to Brunello, from Gaiole in Chianti to Montalcino, where it’s the dust that indicates how far you have pedaled.

And then the bikes (only those made before 1987 or the same as those), the clothing (classically inspired, such as woollen jerseys and shorts), the accessories (shoes, caps and water bottles in line with the “original” spirit of the event; only the helmet can be modern and homologated).

But the key word is ‘spirit’: this is what makes the difference, because those who take part in the Eroica in Chianti meet their fatigue and adventure with a smile, crossing the Sienese Chianti through the Chianti hills, the Crete Senesi, the Val d’Orcia… with the aim of concluding this vintage bike race and toasting with a good Chianti wine with those who have raced, watched and organized this unique cycling event.. Enjoying the journey, as well as the gentle panorama of the Tuscan hills dotted with farmhouses and vineyards.

In a competition that has already become legend, that has multiplied in California, Japan and South Africa, to name just a few examples, that offers cyclists routes of various lengths (from 46 to over 200 km), the only fixed point remains the place where it all began: Gaiole in Chianti.

Want to find out more about the Chianti region? Learn more here.

Gaiole in Chianti, the heart of the heroic project

Risen shortly after the year 1000 as a market centre for trade, the village of Gaiole in Chianti is a bit like the quintessence of this marvellous land of Tuscany where one can admire the renowned Chianti Classico landscape: traditional cuisine basata sul territorio, calici di vino Chianti to accompany every occasion of conviviality, an increasingly rare sense of community and many centuries of history enclosed in walls and silent castles (also in the surroundings, rich in parish churches and fortresses to visit, such as the castle of Meleto and the Castle of Brolio).

Long under the influence of the Ricasoli family (of which Italy had a President of the Council of the Kingdom in the 19th century, Bettino), the village of Gaiole in Chianti today comes alive again especially between summer and autumn, with events dedicated to wine and, of course, the weekend reserved for the Eroica: this year it will be the weekend of 1 and 2 October..

All saddle and see you in Chianti.