Vintage cycling event brand Eroica is getting into gear in April. The series is rolling out events in Europe, the United States, South Africa and Japan.
Mixing up wool jerseys and vintage bicycles but also modern bikes and gear, Eroica notes that it is equally at home in the past as in the future. May is also the month for some new events.
“Eroica is experiencing the buzz of starting over,” said Amedeo Polito, coordinator of Eroica’s international events and head of Eroica California. “There is great enthusiasm everywhere.
“After two difficult years marked by the Covid pandemic, the feedback we are getting is very encouraging. The international community is excited because Eroica is a special point of reference for enthusiasts.”
California 30 April – 1 May
“We are back organizing Eroica California after the world stop,” said Polito, “and we are delighted. We have 1,500 participants between NOVA Eroica California on Saturday and Eroica California on Sunday 1 May.”
A charity auction will be organized on Saturday evening to raise funds for cancer research in children. A Colnago Limited Edition bicycle, specially built for the US event, will be auctioned. In addition, a pair of Vittoria Dugast tubulars will be auctioned. In addition, “Campagnolo has chosen Eroica California for the world launch of a new product,” teased Amedeo Polito.
Prosecco Hills – 1 May
In the heart of the Veneto region Italy, NOVA Eroica Prosecco Hills will debut on 1 May, in Susegana. The event is reportedly sold out, with many international participants.
“We really wanted to bring a great event to the hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, where Prosecco Superiore is made; an event that would combine sport and culture and enhance this unique territory that received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019,” said Lodovico Giustiniani, head of the organizing committee and administrator of Borgoluce, the organisation that will host the event.
“We think that Eroica’s values, such as the beauty of fatigue, solidarity and friendship, are consistent with the characteristics of this land and with its ‘nectar’, Prosecco Superiore,” he added.
South Africa – 7-8 May
In South Africa, Eroica is set for the weekend of 7-8 May with the same format as Eroica California; NOVA Eroica on Saturday and the classic event on Sunday.
Eroica’s Amedeo Polito said “Almost 300 young cyclists will be at the starting line. The average age is 35, the youngest participation ever among Eroica events. Local organizer Stan Engelbrecht is working well.
“South Africa is a ‘wild’ event with an important new element: the NOVA Eroica route will cover 160 km, the longest in the Eroica world, all on gravel roads. Vittoria will provide technical assistance with almost as many vehicles as are used in Italy.”
Japan – 22 May
Japan is proceeding with caution because the pandemic is still a concern. Therefore, the event organizers are working to a similar organizational framework as the event’s pre-pandemic editions.
“After two years of Covid, Aki Nakazawa is working to confirm 300-400 participants,”- explained Polito. “So an event with limited numbers. The 2022 edition of Eroica Japan will also have some new elements with the involvement of Vittoria and Alce Nero.
“Given the current situation, merely confirming Eroica Japan is a great success, the result of the work of the local organizers who are working in difficult circumstances.”
Under 12s and Junior – 21-22 May; and Eroica Montalcino – 29 May
In May in Tuscany, Eroica begins its program with under 12s in Siena, on the eve of a junior race. “But it will not just be a race for children aged 6 and up. The event on Saturday will also be an opportunity to communicate a very important theme: the fight against bullying,” said Franco Rossi, President of Eroica Italia.
The Eroica Juniores-Andrea Meneghelli Cup is scheduled for 22 May, and will take place on the same route as last year, starting from Siena and finishing in Montalcino.
“There are many requests to participate,” added Rossi. “And it is very difficult to make the selection. In 2021 the race caused a great deal of hype and last year’s winner has already turned pro. We are expecting the President of the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI), Cordiano Dagnoni and the selectors of the Italian national team.”
Rossi continued, “Many are asking to come. Also in Montalcino, we will organize something special during Eroica; a violence against women initiative. The weekend program is intense and is aimed at all age groups. The party will be continuous, thanks to the many initiatives planned.”
Giancarlo Brocci, creator of the original L’Eroica, said “For Eroica, the month of May that is about to begin means a tour around the world and a full immersion in cycling, in all its forms.
“Prosecco Hills will be a purely NOVA event, California and South Africa will have two versions, Japan and Montalcino only classic, which is how we now define our vintage Gaiole-style leisure cycling events.
“The programme also includes Eroica Juniores, our now international competitive race for amateurs, the new cycling trend that has rediscovered the white roads and their engaging show. More and more, Eroica is showing the cycling world the cycling of the heart, landscapes and passion that touches the heart strings and has the future in its sights.”
