17th June 2025 – On 21 and 22 June, NOVA Eroica returns to Buonconvento, in the heart of the Val d’Orcia—one of the most eagerly anticipated events for gravel and modern cycling enthusiasts, nine years after the very first edition that officially began the history of gravel cycling events in Italy.
These are the key words that define a format which has always combined the thrill of a challenge with the beautiful landscapes, sport and the community.
NOVA Eroica is not just an event for modern bikes—gravel or road—but represents the evolution of the Eroica culture, while preserving its core values. Competitiveness and conviviality find the perfect balance here, with time-trial segments alternating with free-pace sections, giving equal attention to those who ride to explore the region and those who choose to push their limits, honouring the sporting tradition of cycling.
As participants ride through the Val d’Orcia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004—on the white roads of the province of Siena, they once again celebrate the true meaning of the motto, “the beauty of fatigue and the thrill of achievement,” the vision of Giancarlo Brocci that made Eroica one of the world’s largest amateur cycling movements.
One of the new features this year will be the relocation of the event “village” into the historic center of Buonconvento, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where medieval streets and walls will host the joyful spirit of the Eroica community, among music and bicycles.
The routes—from the Epic Route to shorter, non-competitive ones—speak to the legs and hearts of every cyclist, guiding them through the beauty of Tuscany, where the landscape itself becomes a form of culture.
The new addition, after the “zero edition” in 2024, is the Epic Route: 290 km and 5,500 m of elevation gain for those seeking an “ultra” adventure. The ride starts at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, 21 June, with the latest arrival time at 11:20 p.m. the same day. It’s an endurance challenge across legendary roads and landscapes.
The long “Terre di Siena” route (131 km, 1,990 m elevation gain) is the heart of the event: from the Crete Senesi to Chianti, it offers an authentic and complete experience. Acting as a bridge between routes is the medium “Crete Senesi” route (95 km, 1,410 m elevation gain), ideal for those who want to test themselves on iconic but more accessible terrain.
The program is completed by two short, non-competitive routes: Val d’Arbia (67 km, 970 m elevation gain) and Ombrone e Arbia (43 km, 500 m elevation gain)—perfect for those who want to ride at their own pace, soaking in the nature and villages of Tuscany without worrying about the clock.
There are also other events on two wheels, like Nova Eroica Family, an inclusive 25 or 16 km ride to discover the castles of Buonconvento or the Ombrone Valley, designed for beginners and young riders; the Ciclo Club Eroica ride; an all-out ride with the Trace collective; and the all-female Pedale Rosa ride.
The routes cross 17 municipalities, along the permanent paths of L’Eroica and Eroica Montalcino, showcasing a landscape rich in human and cultural value. This is also supported by the “Adopt a Kilometer” project, which involves local communities in actively caring for the land and serves as a model of sustainability within the broader Eroica for the Environment initiative.
The NOVA Epic Route, in particular, follows the permanent route promoted by Terra Eroica, a project to enhance cycle tourism along Tuscany’s white roads.
Nova Eroica is also music, celebration, and community. From Friday, 20 June, to Sunday, 22 June, the village of Buonconvento will come alive with a festival featuring two stages, vinyl DJ sets, live concerts, and storytelling moments. Among the many highlights is the now-legendary Proraso Barbershop, which returns to care for the beards, moustaches, and hair of cyclists of all ages—because you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style on the saddle.
More info: https://eroica.cc/it/nova-eroica
Link to Media Kit: download