In 2026, Eroica Montalcino reaches the milestone of its tenth edition. It marks a decade in which "the beauty of fatigue and the thrill of conquest" experienced on historic bicycles has become inextricably woven with a deep responsibility toward the Val d’Orcia landscape. Since the movement’s inception, Eroica has protected the strade bianche (white roads); today, this commitment evolves into a model of integral sustainability, proving that reclaiming the past is the key to the planet's future.

The Eroica per l’Ambiente project embodies the green soul of our event: an approach that starts with the values of the circular economy, inherent in the restoration of steel frames and the reuse of wool cycling kits, and transforms them into concrete actions, ethical partnerships, and global strategies.

Eroica Montalcino 2026 actions: a decade of commitment

To mark this tenth anniversary, the Montalcino event honors territory protection through established initiatives and international milestones:

• The Eroica Italia Sustainability Manual: Eroica Italia SSD confirms its pledges through this operational tool for conscious event management. The Manual commits the organization to raising awareness among participants and stakeholders about the importance of adopting sustainable practices before, during, and after the race through the Brunello vineyards.
• The Sustainable Cycling Manifesto: Born in 2024 from a collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Manifesto returns to Montalcino with its 10 core principles. It serves as a practical guide to ensure every heroic pedal stroke becomes an act of nature stewardship.
• UCI Climate Action Charter: Eroica proudly adheres to the Union Cycliste Internationale’s climate action charter, committing to a significant reduction in the environmental impact of cycling events by 2030.
• Adotta un Chilometro (Adopt a Kilometer): A choral effort involving local associations. Caring for the permanent routes is a collective act of love to preserve the integrity of the white roads and the roadsides we traverse.
• Eco-Solidarity race number: For 2026, every cyclist will wear a race number made of recycled fabric by Roy Roger's. Printed with ecological inks on "secondary raw material," it stands as a symbol of solidarity, supporting AIL Siena Grosseto this year.
• Waste management with Sei Toscana: At every rest stop, waste sorting is guaranteed via dedicated islands. Through our partnership with Sei Toscana, we promote proper waste disposal to leave the territory untouched after the passage of cyclists across the 5 routes.
• The presence in the village of the Tuscany Environment Foundation (TEF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of our region's marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In Montalcino, a "City of Honey" and headquarters of the ASGA (Siena Grosseto Arezzo Beekeepers Association), they will present several activities, including the Educational Beehive, La Boutique Selvatica, and a BioBlitz to discover the world of bees.

Institutional vision and MASE initiatives

The partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, which seals a shared vision, will be brought to life at Eroica Montalcino through:

• Plogging Activity: Taking place at 3:30 PM on Saturday, May 30th, along the final kilometer leading to Podere Casisano. This initiative involves the press and village guests, making them active participants in the Adotta un Chilometro
• “The 40 Words of Sustainable Mobility”: Presentation of the volume created in partnership with MASE to celebrate the Ministry's 40th anniversary. Printed on certified ecological paper, it will be officially presented to the authorities of the 17 municipalities involved in the Terra Eroica permanent routes, institutional representatives, and students from the Istituto Insieme middle schools. The book will be presented in the Cloister of Sant’Agostino on Friday, May 29th, at 11:30 AM.

Certified sustainability and local identity

Eroica Montalcino meets the highest sustainability requirements for major events, acting on every production aspect:

• Eco-Sustainable Medal: To celebrate the tenth-anniversary finish line, every "heroic" finisher will receive a medal made of natural eco-sustainable material, produced exclusively with certified inks.
• Clean Energy: All electricity supplies required for the village in the heart of Montalcino and for event services come exclusively from certified renewable sources.
• Short Supply Chain: Our rest stops primarily offer local "zero-km" food and wine, supporting the economy of Sienese farms and slashing transport-related emissions.
• Zero Waste Race Pack: Made of durable, reusable material, it includes organic local specialties and reusable bottles to eliminate single-use plastic consumption along the route.