Eroica, much more than a race: the history, values, and future of cycling

There is a cycling made of rankings, watts, and technology pushed to the limit. And then there is a cycling that tastes of dust, sweat, and authentic passion, where the challenge is not against the stopwatch, but against oneself and the roads that have made the history of this sport. This is the world of Eroica, an event born in Tuscany that has become a global movement celebrating the purest roots of cycling. A phenomenon that continues to grow and evolve, as demonstrated by the new Nova Eroica stage in Ivrea, an emblematic case of how the “heroic” spirit can conquer new territories.

What is Eroica: More Than a Race, a Way of Experiencing Cycling

Eroica is not simply a gran fondo, but a philosophy, a way of understanding the bicycle that puts the experience at the center, and not just the performance. It is an invitation to rediscover the pleasure of exertion, the beauty of the landscapes, and the value of sharing, riding on bicycles that have a soul and a story to tell.

From the White Roads of Tuscany to the World: The History of Eroica

It all began in 1997 in Gaiole in Chianti, from an idea by Giancarlo Brocci. His objective was as simple as it was revolutionary: to safeguard the last white roads of Tuscany from the spread of asphalt and to recover the values of an epic cycling, that of Coppi and Bartali. The first edition saw the participation of 92 “seekers of feelings,” as Brocci loved to call them. From that small group of pioneers, the idea began to pedal fast, transforming a local event into a brand recognized throughout the world, synonymous with authenticity and passion.

The Values of Eroica: Exertion, Passion, and Memory

The success of Eroica is founded on clear and timeless values. The first is respect for the history of cycling, honored through the use of vintage bicycles and period clothing. Then there is the rediscovery of the beauty of exertion, understood not as suffering, but as a tool for self-knowledge and understanding the territory. Finally, the passion that unites every participant: a visceral love for the bicycle, for pristine landscapes, and for a shared adventure without the pressure of competition.

The Evolution of the Movement: From an Event to a Global Lifestyle

What was a single event has become a cultural phenomenon with a calendar of international events, from California to Japan, from South Africa to the United Kingdom. Today, Eroica is a true lifestyle that involves tens of thousands of enthusiasts, united by the same desire to live a unique experience, far from the frenzy of modern cycling and closer to the essence of the sport.

The Eroica Formats: Between Tradition and Innovation

To respond to an ever-growing audience, the brand has been able to evolve, creating two complementary souls that share the same spirit: the classic Eroica and the more modern Nova Eroica.

The “Classic” Eroica: Vintage Bikes and Vintage Clothing

It is the beating heart of the movement. To participate in events like the one in Gaiole in Chianti, the rules are strict: only bicycles built before 1987 are allowed, with steel frames, gear shifters on the down tube, and external brake cables. Wool clothing and retro aesthetics complete an experience that is a true dive into the past, a living tribute to the golden age of cycling.

Nova Eroica: The Gravel Format for Modern Cycling

Nova Eroica represents the evolution of the concept, a bridge between past and future. It is a format designed for modern road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, which keeps the original spirit intact but makes it more accessible. The routes combine stretches of white roads with paved segments and offer special timed sections for those who want to test themselves against the clock, but always within a framework that prioritizes the pleasure of riding together.

Nova Eroica Ivrea 2025: A New Beginning in Piedmont

It is precisely within the Nova format that one of the circuit’s most interesting new additions fits in: Nova Eroica Ivrea. An event that for the first time brings the “heroic” essence to the hills of Piedmont, in a territory rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

A Courageous Debut Among the Hills of Canavese

The first edition, which took place on September 14, 2025, represented a winning bet. Despite a limited turnout, typical of a debut event, the quality of the experience and the enthusiasm of the participants confirmed the potential of this new stage. A start for true pioneers, who had the privilege of “writing the first page” of a story destined to grow.

The Routes of Nova Eroica Ivrea

The heart of the event is its routes, designed to enhance the beauty of the Canavese territory and the Morainic Amphitheater of Ivrea:

• “Via dei Castelli” – 43 km: A route accessible to everyone, ideal for those who want to savor the Nova Eroica spirit without excessive physical commitment. A gentle journey among vineyards, historic villages, and castles that dominate the landscape.
• “Serra Tour” – 80 km: The intermediate route that raises the bar. It tackles the Serra Morenica di Ivrea, the largest in Europe, with significant elevation gain that, however, offers unforgettable views.
• “Anfiteatro Morenico” – 133 km: The real challenge for the most trained cyclists. An epic route with a full 19 climbs that wind through woods, lakes, and ridges, putting legs and character to the test.

Sport, Territory, and Culture: The Potential of an Event Destined to Grow

The choice of Ivrea is no coincidence. This territory, famous for its industrial culture linked to Olivetti and for its historic Carnival, offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and food and wine. Nova Eroica thus becomes a driver for slow tourism, an opportunity to discover on two wheels an authentic and still little-known corner of Piedmont. The growth potential is enormous, with the ambition of becoming a permanent and unmissable fixture on the cycling calendar.

Eroica is an idea that keeps on pedaling

Eroica has shown that another kind of cycling is possible: more human, more real, more connected to the territories and the people. It is not just a return to the past, but a way to give a soul to the future of the bicycle. Whether you are vintage bike purists or modern explorers on a gravel bike, this movement has something to offer everyone.

The invitation is to follow it, to let yourself be captivated by its philosophy and, why not, to participate in Nova Eroica Ivrea to experience firsthand an adventure that combines sport, nature, and culture in an unforgettable way.