Elegance and the bicycle: a timeless bond

Elegance has accompanied the bicycle since its very origins. Karl Drais's Draisienne, considered the forerunner of all velocipedes, quickly became a way to entertain young nobles. Over the following two centuries, the bicycle would assume many other identities beyond pure recreation, acquiring an elegance all its own made of design, technology, materials, and naturally, an artistic touch, especially when speaking of the great frame builders who defined the matchless Italian production (and beyond).

The bicycle elegance competition of Gaiole in Chianti, organized by Eroica in partnership with Biciclette d'Epoca, the reference magazine for the sector, aims to be a tribute to the elegance of the bicycle and its history. It highlights both the bicycle itself, much like prestigious automobile pageants, and its pairing with the rider who mounts and presents it, because attire is equally important when speaking of historic cycling.

We leave it to Giancarlo Brocci, creator of Eroica, to best explain the importance of elegance: "Born clumsy and stocky, on a bike I am one of the ugliest cyclists to look at, and I understand nothing about mechanics and its marvelous secrets. However, I appreciate everything about elegance, just as one admires everything one is incapable of; I grasp its virtue in improving the world and human relationships. On a bike, it is a rare virtue of true champions, the symbiosis of the movement with the vehicle and clothing is a special gift that improves life. Even mine, an inelegantly genetic one."

Everything about the competition

Competing Categories

All bicycles admitted to the competition belong to two distinct categories:

• Preserved Bicycles
• Restored Bicycles

The type of bicycle will be identified according to the general guidelines indicated in the Eroica Bicycle Registry Regulations, available at this LINK.

Registration and selection

• The maximum number of registered bicycles is set at 40.
• The registration fee is €35, and the deadline to register is set for midnight on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Prizes and awards

The best specimen for each category will be awarded, for a total of 9 category prizes.

The following 3 recognitions will also be assigned regardless of category:

• Fidelity award: for the bicycle deemed overall the most complete, coherent, and accurate from a restoration standpoint.
• Elegance combination (Combinata d'Eleganza): for the best style pairing between the bicycle and the attire of the rider bringing it to competition. This prize aims to highlight the virtuous bond that enhances both the presented bike and the importance of coherent, period-accurate clothing.
• Best in Show: for the bicycle considered by the Jury to be the most deserving specimen in the competition, which will be published and analyzed in issue 78 of Biciclette d'Epoca.

Exhibition and award ceremony

• Exhibition: competing bicycles will be on display from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, October 2, at the Luciano Berruti Monument. Each bike owner must provide their own display stand.
• Competition Start: Scheduled for 2:30 PM.
• Award Ceremony: Scheduled at the same location starting at 5:30 PM.

Elegance, history, and passion

The bicycle elegance competition is a journey through the history of cycling and its timeless aesthetic. An event combining artisan tradition, heroic spirit, and cycling culture, making the weekend of the 29th edition of L'Eroica even more unique.