The most marvelous vintage bike races in Tuscany

L’Eroica takes place in Gaiole in Chianti on the 1ˢᵗ Sunday in October, as a flagship event of vintage cycling in Tuscany. Starting in 1997 with the goal of preserving Tuscany’s dirt roads, it attracts cyclists and enthusiasts who are drawn to a style of riding that features vintage bicycles, period clothing and non-competitive rides.

The routes wind through Sienese Chianti, the Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia, with trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The longest route is over 125 miles or 200 kilometers with an elevation gain of over 12,000 feet or 3,700 meters, while the permanent 130-mile or 207-kilometer route allows you to have a L’Eroica experience year-round, even outside the event dates.

For information, see eroica.cc.

L’Intrepida is Anghiari’s historic bike ride, held each October on the roads associated with the Battle of Anghiari. Launched in 2012, the event offers 3 non-competitive routes—short, long and intrepid—designed for cyclists wearing attire in keeping with the spirit of the event and riding vintage bicycles built before 1987.

The itinerary alternate between paved and unpaved roads, with vintage refreshment stops in some towns throughout the area. After the bike ride, the program continues with lunch featuring bringoli anghiaresi, a typical local dish.

For information, see lintrepida.it.

La Medicea is the vintage bike race held in the area of Carmignano and Montalbano. The most recent calendars have it scheduled for spring, slated as an event featuring vintage bicycles and clothing, aimed at promoting the region and local biking traditions.

With Carmignano as its centerpiece, this historical route then winds through hilly roads, villages, vineyards and olive groves, passing through Comeana, Poggio alla Malva and Artimino, home to the Medici Villa of La Ferdinanda. The route then continues toward Bacchereto, Quarrata, Villa La Magia, the banks of the Stella and Ombrone streams, the Querciola Nature Reserve and the Cascine di Tavola Park.

For information, see lamediceaciclostorica.com.

L’Ardita in the Alpe di Poti is Arezzo’s vintage bike ride dedicated to vintage bicycles. It takes place in the spring, starting from Piazza Grande, and passes through the Arezzo area up to the Alpe di Poti climb, made famous by the 2016 Giro d’Italia.

The routes vary in length and difficulty. The Gourmet route is the most accessible at about 18.6 miles or 30 kilometers long. The Classic route is about 31 miles or 50 kilometers in length. The SuperClassic route, at some 40 miles or 65 kilometers, includes the Alpe di Poti. The longest route, L’Ardita, is circa 50 miles or 80 kilometers long and culminates in the event’s signature climb.

For information, see lardita.com.

La Chianina Ciclostorica takes place in June in Marciano della Chiana, with the event dedicated to vintage cycling, to the Valdichiana and the local culture. Attracting enthusiasts riding vintage bicycles, the event offers routes designed to explore the valley, taking in villages, landscapes and gravel roads.

In addition to the bike routes, the program brings the village to life with cultural events, food stalls, music and opportunities for socializing. La Chianina is thus also a weekend dedicated to exploring the countryside and a shared passion for vintage cycling.

For information, see lachianina.net.

La Marzocchina is a tourist bike ride with historic bikes and woolen jerseys that winds through the Valdarno countryside. The routes are designed for both casual cyclists and more experienced riders, with paths winding through villages, the countryside and along gravel roads.

In addition to San Giovanni Valdarno, it passes through the mining area of the Cavriglia Power Plant, thanks to the partnership and support of ENEL (Italy’s primary electricity provider in Italy). One of the event’s most recognizable features, this stretch of road links vintage cycling to the region’s industrial heritage.

For information, see lamarzocchina.it.

La Lastrense si svolge a marzo sulle colline di Lastra a Signa, nel periodo in cui il paesaggio si apre alla primavera tra vigneti, oliveti, cipressi e ginestre in fiore.

Il percorso, lungo circa 75 chilometri, attraversa luoghi legati alla storia agricola, culturale e sociale del territorio fiorentino. Tra le tappe più rappresentative c’è Villa Caruso di Bellosguardo, legata alla memoria del tenore Enrico Caruso.

Info: lalastrenseciclostorica.it

The 99 Curve starts in San Vincenzo and takes place in the spring along a loop route between the Etruscan Coast and Val di Cornia. The name refers to the curves that separate Suvereto and Sassetta, 2 villages along the way. The route passes through 6 municipalities: San Vincenzo, Castagneto Carducci, Piombino, Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto and Sassetta.

Much of the route follows gravel roads and scenic backroads, winding along the coast, through the countryside, medieval villages, vineyards and forests. The event is non-competitive and takes place on roads open to traffic.

For information, see 99curve.it.

La Valdambrina is the vintage bike ride through Bucine and the Valdambra. It takes place in the fall, starting and ending in Piazza del Popolo, in the town’s historic center. The route passes through Valdambra and the neighboring municipalities of Montevarchi, Laterina, Pergine Valdarno and Gaiole in Chianti.

The event is completed by a vintage market, music and tastings of local specialties in the shops of Bucine. The routes are marked at major intersections, with each participant receiving a road book along with their race bib. For information, see lavaldambrina.prolocobucine.it.

Poggi e Buche is Montepulciano’s vintage bike ride, dedicated to vintage bicycles and clothing. It takes place in the spring and features a route through vineyards and hills, starting from the Pienza area. The event is backdropped by scenic routes that cover both paved and unpaved sections, designed to highlight the landscape and the culture of vintage cycling. Details about the routes, including any changes due to track conditions, are communicated by the organizers through official channels.

For information, see poggiebuche.it.