If you are in Tuscany on the first Sunday of October, than you cannot miss one of the most beautiful cycling races in the world: l'Eroica!
Driving along the marvelous roads that cross the Chianti region, you will meet dozens of people riding their vintage bikes and wearing vintage clothes. Actually, this is what makes the Eroica race so unique! This is not an ordinary competition, but a journey back in time that will also accompany you into the beauty of nature.
More than 7000 bikersparticipated to last year's edition and thousands of other people went to watch this show, as they wanted to taste its magical atmosphere. In fact, the competition is also a wonderful opportunity to visit the villages where the route passes. Every year, Gaiole in Chianti, the town hosting the departure, gets literally crowded by tourists who want to see the beginning of this epic race!
L'Eroica is also lived as an opportunity to share some unforgettable moments with those who have the same passion for the beauty of Tuscany. The participants are lead into another dimension, where time flows slower and the soul enters into a symbiosis with nature to enjoy its smells and colors.
The route can be chosen among various itineraries: the easiest one extends for about 46 kilometers, while the "long route" includes 210 kilometers and a very challenging total climb (about 3,890 meters). Those who choose this itinerary arrive to the finish line at night and begin the competition in the so-called "French way", as they can choose any departing moment between within a time slot between 5 and 6 am. Hundreds of kilometers to be traveled with old bicycles and vintage equipment... this is not just a tourist event, but a truly heroic experience!
Actually, the Eroica is a race against yourself to overcome your limits. There is no other competition that can give you the same emotions you can feel traveling through the fabulous wonders of Tuscan countryside. Gaiole in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Asciano, Buonconvento, Montalcino, Montaperti and Radda are towns which names evoke ancient families, bloody battles and magnificent wines that you surely won't resist to taste during your splendid journey.
In fact, Eroica is not a race with winners and losers, but an event where a large group of people riding charming bikes can't wait to get to the various stages to stop, sit on a stone bench, eat a tasty sandwich with "Cinta Senese" ham and sip a good glass of Brunello wine. In this competition, there is no hurry to reach the finish line, nor the need to exaggerate with the physical effort. Enjoying the route is what really matters and nobody really wants to get to the end of this dream trip!
You don't necessarily need to visit Tuscany in October, as you have the opportunity to travel the Eroica all year to discover the beauty of Chianti! It's a fantastic tour to do at least once in a lifetime, which will make you experience unique emotions and enjoy the magic of one of the most beautiful places in the entire world.
Are you ready to go? Book one of our villas for rent in Chianti, like Villa Barbischio, Villa Ulivacci or Villa Aria!
© Alice Pilastri
