Italy / L'Eroica & Tuscany

The Italian Classic

L'Eroica is one of the most original and best loved gran fondo rides in the world. It is a celebration of cycling and the heroes from yesteryear! Join us on the "strada bianca" (white gravel roads) in 2017 for what will be an exhilarating ride! The experience is truly rewarding – cycle from dawn to dusk, from a tankful of energy to those last final drops, from exhilaration to fatigue... We have designed a memorable tour following the landscapes and most picturesque towns of Tuscany: Siena and the smaller villages of Montalcino, Montepulciano and Gaiole, Greve and Radda in Chianti. You will immerse yourself in all things Tuscany including its diverse districts and traditions, superb food and fine wine: Viva la Toscana!

L'Eroica & Tuscany

Pictures (10)

Day by Day

Day by Day

1. Friday 05.10.18
Gaiole in Chianti and the Chianti Valley (50 km).
We will collect you from Florence Airport at approximately 12 noon and transfer you to the Chianti Valley in the heart of Tuscany (1hr drive). During the afternoon we will prepare the bikes and start cycling in this world famous wine region. The Chianti region is loved for its natural beauty, postcard perfect small towns, friendly locals, quality wine and fresh produce. In the evening you will sample some of these Chianti treats with the tour guides.

2. Saturday 06.10.18
Welcome to Eroica.
This morning you will visit L'Eroica event village to collect your vintage (pre 1985) steel bike ahead of tomorrow 's gran fondo cycling event. Be careful not to get lost in this amazing expo. The village includes close to 100 stalls with cycling gear and bikes from yesteryear! Today your cycling route heads towards Greve and Radda in Chianti through a picturesque landscape of hills and vineyards. The climbs are gentle, with a maximum 5% incline, culminating in spectacular fashion on white gravel roads, allowing us to relive the heroic days of Binda, Gagliardoni and Bartali. You should now be becoming very familiar with your steel bike and looking forward to L'Eroica challenge that awaits you tomorrow!

3. Sunday 07.10.18
Eroica Day.
Today you ride Italy 's version of the Paris Roubaix! The L 'Eroica gran fondo was born from a pure passion for cycling with the aim of rediscovering the authentic roots of a truly beautiful sport! During the evening we will all enjoy a celebratory glass of fine Chianti red wine!

4. Monday 08.10.18
Gaiole in Chianti – Siena (80 km).
After a few great days soaking up L'Eroica atmosphere today we push on towards Siena. Following the rolling terrain the arrival in Piazza del Campo in Siena is truly special! This medieval piazza is located in the centre of the old town and is one of Europe's greatest squares. The twice-a-year horse-race, Palio di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza.

5. Tuesday 09.10.18
Siena – Borgo di Montalcino (100 km).
Today's ride follows a historic route south until we reach the attractive town of Borgo di Montalcino. The final climb to the village is steep, but you can look forward to some breathtaking views and at the summit reward yourself with some rustic bread and salami! The break will set you up for the loop ride back to Siena.
Remember that the support van is always there if you prefer an afternoon rest!
While you will have many undulations to contend with the climbs on the return are less challenging than on the way out!

6. Wednesday 10.10.18
Siena – Montepulciano (100 km).
After breakfast we say goodbye to Siena and cycle towards Asciano and the famous Senesi Crete landscape. The clay fields during earlier days were overworked and abandoned and erosive forces have created a lunar landscape.
Today the hills of the Crete are populated with many sheep. On arriving in Montepulciano we will be sure to visit this hamlet’s historical centre where you can view its cathedral and Civic Palace. Montepulciano also boasts ancient underground cellars where guests can sample wonderful Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

7. Thursday 11.10.18
Montepulciano – Pienza (100 km).
Enjoy riding through the beautiful rural landscapes of the Val d ́Orcia a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycling from Montepulciano you will follow roads lined with the regions characteristic and emblematic cypress trees. The jewel of the Val d ́Orcia region is the small renaissance town of Pienza. The climb is gentle and the opportunity to enjoy lunch in Pienza and soak up its medieval history is well worth the effort! The return loop to Montepulciano cycling the winding roads past famous wine estates is a fantastic way to finish your Tuscan cycling experience!
This evening we will yet again celebrate our cycling achievements and new friendships formed with a classic glass of wine!

8. Friday 12.10.18
Following breakfast and some time to finalise your packing we will organise a 1.5hr transfer to Florence city centre or Florence Airport. If you are flying we will have you at Florence Airport by 12 noon.