A total of 8,245 cyclists took the start of the XXIX edition of L'Eroica over the past two days. They came from 58 countries to meet in Gaiole in Chianti, pedal along the gravel roads, and share an experience that, after nearly thirty years, continues to attract enthusiasts from every corner of the world. Another edition that confirms the international dimension of an event born in 1997 from an idea by Giancarlo Brocci and that has become, over time, much more than just a cycling event.

Total registrations reached 8,988, while starters numbered 8,245. Of these, 4,802 were Italian, representing 58.2%, and 3,443 were foreign, accounting for 41.8% of the total. Nearly one cyclist in two came from abroad. Female participation was also significant, with 1,041 women at the start, representing 12.6% of starters. Men numbered 7,204. Five routes offered five different ways to experience L'Eroica. The most popular was the Medio Crete Senesi at 135 kilometers, with 2,046 starters (24.8%). The Passeggiata Valle del Chianti at 46 kilometers recorded 1,701 participants (20.6%), the Cento Val d'Arbia at 106 kilometers had 1,695 (20.6%), the Percorso Lungo at 209 kilometers had 1,570 (19%), and the Corto Gallo Nero at 81 kilometers had 1,233 (15%).

These numbers tell the story of an event capable of welcoming cyclists with different experiences, levels of preparation, and expectations. Some choose to tackle over 200 kilometers while others prefer to enjoy the landscape with a shorter ride. In Gaiole there is room for everyone, as long as they share the same spirit. But L'Eroica cannot be measured by numbers alone. You only need to look around Gaiole, listen to conversations at the village, meet cyclists at the rest stops and along the gravel roads to understand what makes this event so special.

There are those who return every year, those who have made L'Eroica a family appointment, those who arrive with friends, and those who, after traveling halfway around the world, meet people in Gaiole they knew from previous editions. There are stories that intertwine, friendships that are renewed, and others that are born while pedaling together. For many, the effort is an important part of the experience, but it is never the only thing that matters.

It is beautiful to see how, for a weekend, people from different countries find themselves sharing the same road, without language or origin representing a distance. They recognize each other in a vintage bicycle, in a wool jersey, in the desire to pedal and in the willingness to stop for a word or a drink at the rest stops. This is what makes L'Eroica truly a unique event. The vintage bicycles, the gravel roads, and the landscape are a fundamental part, but the true heritage is represented by the people who choose to be here every year. An international community that continues to recognize itself in a simple and authentic way of experiencing cycling.

«Every time L'Eroica concludes, the first thing that comes to mind is all the people who worked to make it possible and those who chose to be here – declares Franco Rossi, president of Eroica Italia ASD –. The 8,245 cyclists who took the start came from 58 countries, but in Gaiole they all found the same welcome and the opportunity to share a passion. It is wonderful to see how many return year after year and how many arrive for the first time and discover this world. I believe that the greatest heritage of L'Eroica is precisely this community, which has grown over time without losing its connection to its origins. We must continue to care for it, keeping alive those values that Giancarlo Brocci placed at the center from the beginning: respect for the territory, the beauty of effort, the pleasure of being together, and the spirit of adventure. They are simple values, but today more than ever important».

L'Eroica is already looking ahead to the next appointment, which will have special significance. In 2027, the thirtieth edition will be celebrated, an important milestone for an event born in 1997 on the gravel roads of Chianti and grown to reach every part of the world.

Thirty years of bicycles, of gravel roads, of effort and friendships. Thirty years of people who chose Gaiole in Chianti, discovered a territory, and became, in some way, its ambassadors. A story that has been able to grow and renew itself while maintaining an intact bond with its roots.

The thirtieth edition will be an opportunity to reunite, remember those who helped build this adventure, and celebrate together with all those who are part of it. From those who were there at the beginning to those who discovered L'Eroica only this year. Because thirty years are an important milestone, but also a new starting point. The road is the same as always, the passion is the same. And there is still a great desire to pedal.

L'Eroica invites you to 2027 to celebrate together its thirty years.