10 Years of NOVA Eroica: Celebrating Italian Gravel Cycling on the strade bianche of Buonconvento and the Val d’Orcia
A decade ago, ‘gravel’ was an almost unknown word in Italy. Today, it has become one of the most vibrant movements in modern cycling. At the center of this journey is NOVA Eroica, which celebrates its tenth edition on 12 April in Buonconvento.
In 2016, NOVA Eroica was one of the first Italian events dedicated to modern bicycles on the strade bianche—the famous white gravel roads of Tuscany. The idea was simple, but revolutionary: to bring the spirit of L’Eroica into contemporary cycling and create an event that combines performance, social connection, and the culture of the region.
In just a few years, this format has helped shape Italian gravel cycling. The discipline has since grown into a global phenomenon—and NOVA Eroica remains one of the most distinctive events on the European cycling calendar.
This year, NOVA takes place in spring for the first time, on 11-12 April, allowing participants to experience the beauty of the Val d’Orcia as it returns to blossom after the winter.
Three words capture the philosophy of the event: Race, Ride, Relax. NOVA Eroica welcomes those who want to compete and give their all on the timed sections, as well as riders who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the Tuscan hills.
The routes—two for racing and two for cycling tourism—run through some of Tuscany’s most iconic landscapes, from the Crete Senesi to the vineyards of Chianti and the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia.
The long route, Terre di Siena (131 km, 1,990 meters of elevation gain, 5 timed segments), is the centerpiece of the event. The medium route, Crete Senesi (95.7 km, 1,410 meters of elevation gain, 3 timed segments), offers a challenging but more accessible experience. The program is completed by the Val d’Arbia (67 km, 970 meters of elevation gain) and Ombrone e Arbia routes (42.9 km, 500 meters of elevation gain), designed for those who want a more relaxed day on the bike.
For riders looking to push their limits, the Epic Route returns for its third edition: 290 km and around 5,500 meters of elevation gain along some of Tuscany’s most spectacular strade bianche—a ride that will test even the most well-trained hearts and legs.
Of course, the typical Tuscan refreshment stops—a hallmark of L’Eroica—will also be there, where physical effort meets the flavors of local tradition.
NOVA Eroica is more than just sport. For three days, the medieval village of Buonconvento transforms into a small festival of bicycle culture, with gatherings, music, and activities that bring the squares and streets of the old town to life. Special attention is given to young people and the schools of the region.
The routes of NOVA Eroica pass through 17 municipalities along the permanent routes of L’Eroica and Eroica Montalcino, helping to showcase a region that has become one of the most popular destinations for international cycling tourism in recent years.
The event is also part of the Eroica per l’Ambiente project (“Eroica for the Environment”) and the initiatives of Terra Eroica, which are committed to protecting the strade bianche and promoting the sustainable development of the territories they cross.
After ten years, NOVA Eroica continues to demonstrate that the beauty of effort and the appeal of challenge still have their place in contemporary cycling.
Registration: eroica.cc/it/nova-eroica
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