Vintage Cycling Gaiole in Chianti, Italy
In a world obsessed with speed and innovation, L’Eroica 2025 reminded us that true modernity lies in slowing down, embracing tradition, and riding with heart. Over the first weekend of October, the picturesque Tuscan town of Gaiole in Chianti transformed into a global hub of vintage cycling, welcoming 8,328 riders from 51 countries for a weekend of grit, nostalgia, and camaraderie.
Now in its 28th edition, L’Eroica — meaning “The Heroic” — is more than a cycling event. It’s a cultural movement, a tribute to the golden age of cycling, and a celebration of sustainability, community, and personal challenge. Founded in 1997 by Giancarlo Brocci, the event continues to grow in stature, drawing cyclists and spectators alike to its iconic white gravel roads and timeless atmosphere.
A Ride Through Time
Participants rode pre-1987 steel bicycles, donned wool jerseys, and tackled routes ranging from 46 km to a gruelling 209 km. The event’s signature elements — external brake cables, down-tube shifters, toe clips, and the rolling hills of Siena — created a poetic blend of sport and storytelling.
On Saturday, 3,722 riders took on the longer routes, including the Lungo Eroico (209 km) and Medio Crete Senesi (135 km). Sunday saw 4,606 cyclists ride the shorter distances, with 1,111 women joining the peloton — a testament to L’Eroica’s inclusive spirit.
Global Voices, Shared Passion
Social media lit up with heartfelt reflections. A cyclist from Turin wrote, “Me and my Bianchi — two hearts and one steel handlebar.” Another from Berlin shared, “I came alone, and I’m leaving with a hundred new friends.” These stories, full of dust, laughter, and Chianti wine, captured the essence of L’Eroica: a ride that’s as much about connection as it is about endurance.
Legends Among Us
This year’s edition was graced by cycling royalty. Roger De Vlaeminck, four-time Paris–Roubaix winner, received a surprise gift — the original 1974 Roubaix trophy from Gios, the bike brand behind his victories. The emotional moment drew a standing ovation, uniting generations of cycling fans.
Other notable guests included Gianni Bugno, Andrea Tafi, Daniele Bennati, Davide Cassani, and Daniele Ratto, who celebrated his birthday on the white roads — a fitting tribute to L’Eroica’s spirit of joy and legacy.
A Community Without Borders
“Come and see how beautiful these people are,” said founder Giancarlo Brocci. “In a world that rushes, L’Eroica teaches us to slow down, look around and ride together. It’s a gentle revolution that defies time.”
Franco Rossi, president of Eroica Italia ASD, added, “Gaiole became a universal village — a place of encounter, respect and shared happiness. The real victory lies here: we’re all different, yet part of the same dream.”
Broadcast Success and Global Expansion
L’Eroica 2025 also saw a surge in television viewership, with live coverage on RAI 3 and RaiSport showcasing the event’s charm to a wider audience. The cameras captured not just the race, but the soul of Tuscany — its villages, landscapes, and people.
Looking ahead, the Eroica spirit continues its global journey. Eroica Cuba will take place on 13 November 2025, bringing vintage cycling to the Caribbean. And in 2026, Eroica China is set to debut, likely in the Hong Kong area, expanding the movement’s reach even further.
L’Eroica is not just a ride — it’s a reminder. A reminder that cycling, at its core, is about humanity, heritage, and heart. As the dust settles in Gaiole, the echoes of laughter, steel, and shared stories continue to inspire riders around the world.
