Eroica bicycle spectacle
Content
The Eroica ("the heroic one") is one of the world's most unusual cycling events: thousands of cyclists on vintage racing bikes, wearing wool jerseys, ride along the gravel roads of Chianti. The race starts in Gaiole in Chianti, in the province of Siena. It's not about times, but about finishing, about camaraderie – and about the refreshment stations with wine, bread, and olive oil.
The Eroica at a glance
- Location: Gaiole in Chianti (Province of Siena)
- Date: Every year on the first weekend of October; in 2026 on October 3rd and 4th (the two long routes on Saturday, the three shorter routes on Sunday). The 30th edition is scheduled for 2027 – the exact date had not yet been published in October 2026.
- Participants: In 2026 there were 8.988 registrations, and 8.245 cyclists from 58 countries took part.
- Type: A recreational cycling event, not a competitive one ("ciclostorica") – there is no timekeeping.
- Since: 1997 – with 92 participants at the time; the idea came from Giancarlo Brocci
Routes and Strade bianche
There are five routes to choose from, ranging from 46 to 209 kilometers. A large part of it leads along the strade bianche , the white gravel roads of Tuscany – through Chianti, the Val d'Arbia and the Crete Senesi. The Eroica was also created to preserve these unpaved roads.
| Route | Length | altitude | Meals | Start | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L'Eroico (Long route) | 209 km (measured 210,9 km) | 3.873 m | 6 stations | 4.30-6.00 | Saturday |
| Crete Senesi (Percorso medio) | 135 km (measured 132,5 km) | 2.327 m | 4 stations | 6.00-7.00 | Saturday |
| Cento Val d'Arbia | 106 km | 1.795 m | 3 stations | 7.00-7.30 | Sunday |
| Gallo Nero (Percorso corto) | 81 km | 1.612 m | 2 stations | 8.00-9.30 | Sunday |
| Valle del Chianti (Passeggiata) | 46 km (measured 45,1 km) | 755 m | 1 station | 8.00-9.30 | Sunday |
The long route is a real challenge: starting in the middle of the night, around 15 hours in the saddle, steep gravel descents on old bikes. The 46km loop is sufficient for beginners – even that one is quite a leg-burner on old bikes.
Participation: Bicycle, clothing, registration
Which type of bicycle is allowed?
- Road racing bikes up to Year 1987
- Gear shift lever on the down tube (on older bikes also on the handlebar end)
- Pedal hooks with straps – no clipless pedals
- Externally routed brake cables, wheels with at least 32 spokes
- Alternatively, modern steel wheels in the style of the 1970s/80s
- Mountain bikes are not allowed
Clothing and registration
Riders wear vintage clothing, meaning jerseys and shorts made of wool instead of Lycra. Registration is exclusively through the official website eroica.cc . For the 2026 edition, registration opened on December 10, 2025; places are limited and were released gradually. Young people aged 13 to 17 register by email. The exact terms and conditions of participation (insurance, proof of participation) are listed in the current regulations on eroica.cc – the regulations and registration start for 2027 had not yet been published in October 2026.
| Take off | Price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Standard (2.500 seats) | 100 € |
| Standard Late (from April 2, 2026, last 2.000 places) | 125 € |
| Members of the Ciclo Club Eroica | 80 € |
| Teenagers (13–17 years) | 40 € |
| “The double Eroica” (Saturday and Sunday) | 130 € |
| Combined with Eroica Montalcino | 155 € |
Riding the Eroica on your own
Even outside of the event, you can cycle in the footsteps of the Eroica: According to the organizers, the permanent route is 207 kilometers long, has around 3.380 meters of elevation gain, and is signposted year-round. It leads through Chianti, Crete Senesi, and Val d'Orcia, passing through Gaiole, Radda in Chianti, Castello di Brolio, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Murlo, Montalcino, Buonconvento, and Asciano, among other places. You can cycle it in one day or in several stages – and unlike the event, it's suitable for any bike, including gravel bikes and e-bikes. The route is most beautiful in spring and autumn – in the height of summer, the shadeless gravel paths get very hot. You can find more tour ideas at Chianti – in the heart of Tuscany.
More Eroica events in Tuscany
- Eroica Montalcino: A vintage car rally in spring through the Brunello hills and the Val d'Orcia; the 10th edition took place on May 31st in 2026. There is also a second, longer route of approximately 159 km.
- Nova Eroica Buonconvento: The gravel equivalent for modern gravel, cyclocross, and road bikes, with routes ranging from approximately 43 to 131 km and a 290 km "Epic Route". Next date: April 11, 2027.
Accommodation in Gaiole and surrounding area
Gaiole in Chianti is a small town, and hotels, agriturismos, and holiday apartments in Chianti are often fully booked months in advance for the Eroica weekend. Book as soon as possible after registering, for example, via accommodations in Gaiole in Chianti on Booking.com , or consider alternatives such as Radda, Castelnuovo Berardenga, or Siena . Those traveling by campervan can find tips on our campervan pitches in Tuscany.
For those who just want to watch: During the Eroica weekend, the entire town of Gaiole celebrates a huge festival centered around historic bicycles. Accommodation in the Chianti region is booked up well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Eroica
When will the Eroica 2027 take place?
The Eroica in Gaiole in Chianti traditionally takes place on the first weekend of October; in 2026 it was on October 3rd and 4th. The 30th edition will follow in 2027. The organizer will publish the exact date and registration opening on eroica.cc.
Which bicycle do I need for the Eroica?
A road racing bicycle manufactured before 1987 with downtube shifters, toe clips with straps instead of clipless pedals, externally routed brake cables, and wheels with at least 32 spokes – or a modern vintage-style bicycle with appropriate components. Mountain bikes are not permitted.
How long are the routes of the Eroica?
There are five routes: 46 km (Valle del Chianti), 81 km (Gallo Nero), 106 km (Val d'Arbia), 135 km (Crete Senesi) and 209 km (L'Eroico) with almost 3.900 meters of elevation gain.
How much does it cost to participate in the Eroica?
In 2026, a standard starting place cost €100, later €125; young people paid €40. The prices for 2027 had not yet been published in October 2026.
Is it possible to ride the Eroica route even without the event taking place?
Yes. The signposted Percorso permanente is approximately 207 km long and can be cycled all year round, even in stages and with a modern bicycle.
Where do people stay overnight during the Eroica?
There are very few accommodations directly in Gaiole. Book early or consider Radda, Castelnuovo Berardenga, or Siena.
