COSTUMED WITH A MEDIEVAL AIR
 Tuscany is a province which offers so much both to the locals and visitors and L’Eroica is one among the more recent attractions enhancing the popularity of the region. It is a spectacular and special cycling race held in Tuscany generally in the month of October. Many cycling enthusiasts believe that this is a race which should be at the top of any cyclists rally list.
Organized from 1997, L’Eroica is a “period” cycle rally held through a course which traverses mainly gravel roads. Giancarlo Brocci conceived this event initially to save the “strade bianche” or white roads in Tuscany. He also wished to re-establish the ambience and efforts of a by gone cycling era. So he conceived L’Eroica as a race with four different courses beginning and ending at Gaiole in Chianti.
 L’Eroica is considered by some as Italy’s equivalent to France’s Paris- Roubaix. In the French race there are cobbled streets whereas in the Italian L’Eroica a part of the course is through “strade bianche” or unpaved roads or to use its literal translation “white roads.” It is a unique race in many aspects. The course of the race is through dust, mud and gravel, uphill and downhill routes which test the ability of the cyclist. The view and the surroundings are very scenic and beautiful but make the riders adapt to and sometimes even endure a lot to complete the race and become “eroica” or heroic. As the heroes and tourists battle through the short, medium or long courses they are offered vintage refreshments and traditional foods to sustain them in their untiring efforts. Participating in the L’Eroica is not only a heroic but also a fun and adventure filled test of strength and endurance. You can see many vintage bikes being lovingly restored and used in this race. You can see all kinds of cycles from the sixties to the seventies to modern bicycles from all over Europe. However the Bianchi is definitely the favourite cycle used in the race.
 L’Eroica is an important “Italian Classic” event and offers a lot of enjoyment to participants as well as spectators as well who enjoy watching the race along its course and get the opportunity to see so much vintage cycling memorabilia. This event has so much of participation from ordinary and everyday cycling lovers adding to its uniqueness and heroism as the everyday man or woman has a chance to display his or her heroism.
During the L’Eroica the whole town of Gaiole comes alive and displays pictures of past racing events. There are also displays of vintage and traditional bicycles, vintage parts, clothing and other relics showcasing cycling history. Some of the pictures are in mono chrome and the cyclists are wearing woolen jerseys and shorts. They even have spare bicycle tires around their necks.
The Courses at L’Eroica
 There are many famous cycling races in the world which test endurance and skill but the L’Eroica is definitely one of the most scenic and enduring races ever. The course of the race follows through many beautiful roads in the Chianti, Val d’Arbia and Val d’Orciaareas in Tuscany. Much of the course route goes through “strade bianche” –unpaved surfaces making cyclists actually relive the historic and heroic experience of cycling. To complete the entire race one has to cycle through smooth roads, difficult paths, sometimes going on road other times going off road through rural and scenic routes.
The views are beautiful each one more breathtaking beautiful than the next. However the roads and paths can be treacherous too though they seem like gentle slopes they have some hairpin bends and many twists and turns.
The race offers all cycling enthusiasts some thing depending on their experience and ability. There are four courses- the long course, the medium course, the short course and the cyclotouristic course. All the courses begin from Gaiole in Chianti and the long course also ends at Gaiole in Chianti.
 The long course is marked with permanent signs and arrows installed with the support of the Siena Tourism Agency and the Siena Provincial Council. It covers a distance of 205 kilometres filled with scenic beauty, flat roads, hilly roads (both uphill and downhill) and unpaved roads. It is a true test of heroism and relives the experience of Tuscans through the ages with their ancient cycles and strength and fortitude traveling through and working in these beautiful but rugged regions of Tuscany. The course is a combination of asphalt and unpaved surfaces. Some cyclists use historic bicycles and traditional costumes and trademark clothing while participating in L’Eroica.
The medium course is 135 kilometres long. It also has permanent signs and directions and traverses across scenic beauty, hilly regions and the “strade bianche” as well as asphalt roads.
The short course and the cyclotouristic courses also traverse through scenic roads. They do not have permanent signs. The course has mainly asphalt roads with a few unpaved roads.
Registration for the Event
 L’Eroica is organized generally every October collaborating with the Cycling League of the UISP in Siena. This year the oldest vintage rally in the world L’Eroica will be held on October 5, 2008. L’Eroica is open to participation from cyclists belonging to both genders. However there are a few rules to participate at L’Eroica. A valid racing license (Italian and foreign) is required though you can obtain it a one day license cum insurance as well. There is a participation fee and online registration which generally closes by mid September. This is a “period” rally and costumes and heritage and even antique bikes are preferred. However modern bicycles, excluding mountain bikes and modern clothing are also allowed. Bike numbers and other registration details have to be completed the evening before.
Prizes
 Although it is great fun to participate in the cycling rally L’Eroica offers quite a few prizes too. All riders (whether they ride in ancient or modern bicycles) who finish the long race within 7.30 pm (the official time limit) are presented with a commemorative plate and a bottle of Chianti Classico with a special label on it. Special Prizes are given to individuals who ride “heroic” bicycles. Ten prizes are also given for the heroic rides on the long course and for those who used ancient and antique bicycles.
Refreshments
There are traditional refreshments at specific places along the course. There is a wide selection of Water, Wine, Grapes, Bread and Garlic. Lunch does include the traditional Ribbolita, different Tuscan breads, cold meats including Proscuitto and of course Chianti wines. At the end of the finish line a scrumptious and typical traditional Tuscan dinner is provided.
Clothing
 Although there is no specific rule many participants dress up in vintage costumes adding to the festivities. It is very colourful and in keeping with the spirit of a bygone era which is one of the aims of L’Eroica. Special merchandise including clothing depicting L’Eroica is manufactured every year
L’Eroica is a must visit and must participate event at least once in a lifetimes is the opinion of many. It is a beautiful and energetic way of exploring the beautiful province of Tuscany especially the region designated as Chianti. |
