L’Eroica ride event takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October 2027.
The L’Eroica ride event takes place in Gaiole in Chianti, a small town located between Florence and Siena.
What is L’Eroica?
‘L’Eroica is an annual non-competitive vintage cycling weekend festival which has taken place since 1997. The theme of the event is to experience vintage cycling as was the case during the golden years of Italian Cycling in the 40’s and 50’s , with participants using vintage steel bikes, accessories and vintage clothing, the route is often on “Strade Bianche” translated as white gravel roads. It is held on the first Sunday of October every year.
What about L’Eroica bicycle hire?
Don’t worry, you don’t need to own a steel bike, I can arrange to supply a vintage steel bike for the weekend at my stand.
How Many People Can Take Part in L’Eroica?
Approximately 8,000 riders split over 2 days .
Only 1,500 places are available for non-Italians, with Gusto Cycling, you can have peace of mind. If you book early, you will be guaranteed places.
How can I register for L’Eroica?
Gusto Cycling is a partner of the event, as such we have our own guaranteed allocation , we have a wide range of accommodation choices at or near the start/finish of the event at Gaiole in Chianti, all packages include guaranteed registration to participate in either the 46km, 81km, 106km, 135km or 209km. There is a discount for non-riders.
Details of each route
Leisure Ride – Valle Del Chianti
Length 46km, Elevation Gain 709m.
Taste the L’Eroica atmosphere on this simple route that takes about 3 hours and has a 700m altitude difference.
Short Route – Gallo Nero
Length 81km, Elevation Gain 1,560m.
This route is the “gateway” to the myth of L’Eroica. Covering about 4 hours, in addition to the highlights of the leisure route.
Hundred Route – Val D'Arabia
Length 106km, Elevation gain 1,737m.
A new route that passes through the Crete Senesi has been added to the edition of L’Eroica, Gaiole in Chianti. The route is challenging but is within reach of many because the length and elevation gain is not so great.
Medium Route – Crete Senesi
Length 135km, Elevation Gain 2,200m.
We are touching on the “legend” while still within reach of amateur cyclists, with route times that can stretch beyond 8 hours or more.
Long Route
Length 209km, Elevation Gain 3,768m.
This is “L’Eroica” at its most authentic. With over 3,700m altitude difference and an average 12-15-hour ride, the event finishes at 10pm!You really need to be fit !!
L’Eroica Packages
include registrations for each person sharing the room or can be removed if required, with an appropriate discount.
Palazzo San Niccolo – 4 Star Hotel - Available
The Palazzo San Niccolo is a small, quaint, classic hilltop Chianti medieval town with stunning panoramic views of Chianti. With view of the centre of Radda being located in the very centre of Radda in Chianti 8km from Gaiole in Chianti…
Superior Room – 25 sqm
Elegant, spacious and comfortable double bedroom, furnished in style with modern services with cotto pavements. All the Superior rooms have a mirror, writing table, luggage stand, table, armchair, wardrobe, sat TV LCD, safe box, minibar with free water, direct telephone, heating, and air conditioning. Bathroom in marble with hydromassage shower or bathtub, courtesy products, mirror, hairdryer, and American plug.
https://www.hotelsanniccolo.com
Room Amenities: Air conditioning, Telephone with external line, Dogs allowed, Hairdryer, Hydromassage bath, Laundry service, Internet access (WiFi), Mini Bar, Private Bathroom & WC, Safe box, Desk, LCD TV, Satellite TV.
Package Includes:
– Arrival Thursday 30th September – 4 nights in a superior room with buffet breakfast
– 2 Guaranteed registration to participate in either the 46, 81, 106, 135 or 209km route
– Gusto Cycling support….we will have a stand to collect your registration and offer mechanical assistance
– Pre L’eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
– Extra nights can be booked .
– Available for a supplement is De-Luxe rooms.
Costs from £744 per person sharing a double/twin room for three nights accommodation in a superior room with buffet breakfast and guaranteed registration per person sharing a superior room.
De-luxe room is also available.
Palazzo Leopoldo – 4 Star Hotel - Available
A beautiful, 14C 4-star Tuscan palace located in Radda In Chianti, 8km from Gaiole… https://www.palazzoleopoldo.it
Radda in Chianti is a beautiful medieval town enclosed in large defensive walls. Located up on a hill between the valleys of Arbia and Pesa….here for non-cyclists there is a lot more to do and see and the feed station is on the 81km & 209km route and comes through Radda!
Room Amenities: Air conditioning, Telephone with external line, Dogs allowed, Hairdryer, Hydromassage bath, Laundry service, Internet access (WiFi), Mini Bar, Private Bathroom & WC, Safe box, Desk, LCD TV, Satellite TV.
Package includes:
– Arrival Friday 1st October – 3 nights in a classic room with buffet breakfast
– 2 Guaranteed registration to participate in either the 46, 81, 106, 135 or 209km route
– Gusto Cycling support….we will have a stand to collect your registration and offer mechanical assistance
– Pre L’Eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
– Extra nights can be booked
Cost is from £668 per person for 3 nights accommodation with guaranteed registration per person sharing a Superior room with buffet breakfast.
Superior Double Room 20 sqm – Free parking, mineral water from the fridge and wifi
Charming and spacious double bedroom, furnished in style with original cotto pavements. Some of them have a roof with wooden beans. All rooms have mirror, writing table, luggage stand, table, wardrobe, sat TV LCD, safe box, minibar with free water, direct telephone, heating, and air conditioning. Bathroom with hydromassage shower, courtesy products, mirror, hairdryer, and American plug.
Also available are superior and De-Luxe Rooms at a supplement .
Ultimo Mulino – 4 Star Hotel - 1 room left
This small 4-star hotel located 4km from Gaiole is situated in the green of the Chianti, the result of a careful restoration of an old mill of 1400. https://www.ultimomulino.it/
Everything has been conceived and designed with the sole intent of keeping the original atmosphere of this wonderful country cottage: stone walls, ceilings with exposed beams and terracotta floors! Do not miss the opportunity to stay at this little gem of a hotel in the center of one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, Chianti.
Room Amenities: Air conditioning, Telephone with external line, Dogs allowed, Hairdryer, Hydromassage bath, Laundry service, Internet access (WiFi), Mini Bar, Private Bathroom & WC, Safe box, Desk, LCD TV, Satellite TV. All the rooms have been designed with the right attention to detail in respect of the atmosphere of years gone by. The hotel rooms range from standard to superior to the finest suite and are all equipped with the usual comforts of a 4-star hotel.
Package Includes:
– Arrival Thursday 30th September – 4 nights in a SUPERIOR room with buffet breakfast
– 2 Guaranteed registration to participate in either the 46, 81, 106 135 or 209km route
– Gusto Cycling support….we will have a stand to collect your registration and offer mechanical assistance
– Pre L’eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
– Extra nights can be booked.
Cost from £794 per person sharing a double/twin room for 4 nights accommodation with guaranteed registration per person sharing a SUPERIOR room.
Comfortable double bedroom, furnished in typical Tuscan style with cotto pavements, wooden beans, and details of stone in the walls. All the Classic rooms have a mirror, writing table, luggage stand, table, armchair, wardrobe, sat TV 32”, safe box, minibar with free water, direct telephone, heating, and air conditioning. Bathroom with shower, courtesy products, mirror, hairdryer, and American plug.
Castello Meleto - Available
Castello Meleto is located 1.5km from Gaiole in Chianti at the start / finish of the event.
For over a thousand years, Castello di Meleto has dominated its lands and vineyards. Guardian of a unique landscape in the world, the Castle and its charm unchanged over time. The name “Meleto in Chianti” is mentioned for the first time in 1256 in the Libro degli Estimi (Book of Estimates) of the Florentine Guelphs as property of a local feudal family. Thanks to its strategic position close to the border between the territories of the Republic of Florence and Republic of Siena, the castle became a main Florentine stronghold of the area and later on one of the main fortifications in the Lega del Chianti. This made the castle a coveted prize between the two contenders, although it never sustained serious damage.
Package Includes:
– Arrival Friday 1st October – 3 nights in a classic room with buffet breakfast
– 2 Guaranteed registration to participate in either the 48 75 135 or 205km route
– Gusto Cycling support….we will have a stand to collect your registration and offer mechanical assistance
– Pre L’eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
– Extra nights can be booked .
Rooms are FIORE & RAINERO both double room located in the church house, Borgaio is a twin room and 2 superior rooms San Piero & Meleto both double rooms located inside the castle .
Cost per person for Fiore,Rainero and Borgaio is £699 based on 2 persons sharing a double room for 3 nights bed and breakfast and guaranteed registration per person based on 2 persons sharing the room .
Or
2 Superior Rooms are available inside the castle at £720 per person sharing a double bed for 3 nights in a superior room with buffet breakfast and guaranteed registration per person .
Read more about Castello Meleto.
Rocca di Castagnoli wine estate - FULL
Rocca di Castagnoli wine estate is located just 5km from Gaiole in Chianti where the start and finish of the ride is.
They have a number of unique rooms , there is a minimum of 3-night stay, all include breakfast, except for Apartment Giulio .
See the link for further details of this stunning estate https://www.roccadicastagnoli.com.
Choices all fully booked
Self catering apartment Mazzini for 2 persons – cost per person is £755 based on 2 persons sharing a double room for 3 nights self catering , guaranteed registration per person based on 2 persons sharing the room , no twins are possible.
Self catering apartment il Lungo for 4 persons cost per person is £668 based on 4 persons sharing 2 double rooms for 3 nights bed and breakfast and guaranteed registration per person based on 4 persons sharing the apartments , no twins are possible.
Borgo Le Noci - Available
Package Includes:
– Arrival Friday 1st October – 3 nights twin./double in a classic room on a bed and buffet breakfast basis
– 2 Guaranteed registration to participate in either the 48, 75, 135 or 205km route
– Gusto Cycling support….we will have a stand to collect your registration and offer mechanical assistance
– Pre L’eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
– Extra nights can be arranged.
The cost is from £732 per person sharing a double/twin in a classic room for 3 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast and guaranteed registration per person.
Castello Spaltenna 5* with NEW spa facilities – located in Gaiole in Chianti - Available
Located in Gaiole in Chianti, this is a 5-star Castello… just 200 metres from the start/finish of the event…
https://www.spaltenna.it/it/home
Spaltenna is an ancient feudal hamlet consisting of the ancient parish Church with tower-bell dating back to the year 1000, the adjacent fortified monastery and of a small group of country houses, a marvellous example of spontaneous medieval architecture.
The castle and the church, whose first information date back to the year 1030, have a severe fortress look. The castle, rich in history and legends, is made precious inside by architrave ceilings and elegant portals.
During the middle ages, the parish church had jurisdiction on the several hamlets in its surrounding area, such as Vertine, San Donato in Perano and Montegrossi.
The Spaltenna complex, surrounded by vineyards and woods, overlooks a splendid valley in the heart of a region rich in castles and fortresses, ancient abbeys and medieval villages.
For the non cyclist partner there is new wellness centre .
Over 300 square meters of well-being that develop between indoor areas dedicated to the hot humid area , heated swimming pool and fitness room , green outdoor areas overlooking the vineyards and decimated to relax .
All treatments are inspired by the nature surrounding the resort: at the base the essential principles of olive oil and Sangiovese grapes on this land.
“La Pieve” offers a complete remise en forms alternating personalised treatments such as exfoliation, face masks, draining massages
relaxing California, Shiatsu and hot stone , to hot baths in the indoor pool and relaxing moments in the sauna , tepidarium , Turkish bath and emotional showers.
Package Includes:
– Arrival Friday 1st October – 3 nights in a classic room on a bed and buffet breakfast basis
– 2 Guaranteed registration to participate in either the 48, 75, 135 or 205km route
– Gusto Cycling support….we will have a stand to collect your registration and offer mechanical assistance
– Pre L’eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
– Extra nights can be arranged .
The cost is from £890 per person sharing a double/twin classic room for 3 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast and guaranteed registration per person. ONLY 1 CLASSIC ROOM LEFT
Also available are 2 Superior rooms at £1,059 per person and 1 De-Luxe room left at £1,158 all based on arrival Friday 1st October for 3 nights and 2 guaranteed registrations
L’Eroica celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027!
Gusto Cycling is a key travel partner of L’eroica and are able to provide Guaranteed registrations and offer a wide range of high quality accommodation from Castles, Wine Estates, Agriturismo to excellent quality 4 & 5 star hotels. The event starts and finishes in Gaiole in the heart of Chianti in Tuscany.
Packages are based on arrival for 3 or 4 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast in a range of wine estates, quality 4 and 5-star hotels. Guaranteed Registration to participate in either the 48, 75, 135, or 205km route.
Gusto Cycling will provide onsite support at the L’eroica 2027 event so you have everything taken care of. We will have a stand at the event throughout the weekend to meet and greet the Gusto team, collect your welcome pack, registration details, and offer mechanical assistance at the stand as we have our own mechanic. If required I can also supply for rent vintage bikes to participate which meets the strict criteria of the event rules of participation.
Gusto Cycling will provide pre-L’eroica information including routes and advice throughout the year leading up to the event.
History of L’Eroica Tuscany
L’Eroica was born in 1997 because of one man, Giancarlo Brocci, who admired the values of a past cycling so much that he wanted to reconnect others to the heritage that inspired much Italian history, literature, culture, and music. The main intent of organizing L’Eroica is to protect and uphold the heritage Tuscany’s “Strade Bianchi” white roads. L’eroica can also be known as ‘Eroica’ so don’t be confused between the two names as they are both the same event.
Since 1997 the event has grown with an increasing number of people from all over the world converging on this little town to support the event every year. It has now become the epitome of clean cycling, environment preservation, and having a lifestyle that aids nature and sustainability.
L’Eroica’s organizers make it a point to keep even non-participants informed and make them aware of the advantages of environmentally friendly attitudes and habits. This shows the establishment’s commitment towards spreading the good word rather than just promoting their event.
Please be aware that only 1,500 places are available for non-Italians, with Gusto Cycling you can have peace of mind if you book early you will be guaranteed places. L’Eroica is a vintage bike event with an amazing, unique atmosphere, full of colour and traditions of a bygone age.
