La belleza de fatiga y el sabor de la aventura

Why a Bicycle Elegance Competition?

Elegance and bicycles have been connected since the very beginning. It's no coincidence that Karl Drais' "Draisine," considered the precursor of all velocipedes, was invented to entertain young nobles. In the two centuries that followed, the bicycle took on many different identities beyond just a leisure device, eventually developing its own unique elegance, shaped by design, technology, materials, and, of course, an artist's touch especially when considering the renowned frame builders that characterized the unmatched Italian production (and beyond).

The Elegance Competition in Gaiole in Chianti, organized by Eroica in partnership with Biciclette d’Epoca, the leading magazine in the field, aims to pay tribute to the elegance of bicycles and their history. It celebrates both the bicycle itself, as seen in prestigious car competitions, and the harmony between the bike and the rider. Clothing is also crucial when it comes to historic bicycles.

Giancarlo Brocci, founder of Eroica, explains the importance of elegance: "Born clumsy and stocky, I am one of the ugliest cyclists to watch and know nothing about mechanics and their wonderful mysteries. However, I appreciate all forms of elegance, as one admires what they cannot achieve, recognizing its virtue in improving the world and human relations. In cycling, it is a rare quality of true champions; the symbiosis between movement, the bike, and the attire is a special trait that enhances life—even mine, as someone genetically inelegant."


Everything About the Competition

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

All bicycles admitted to the competition fall into two categories:

  • Preserved Bicycles
  • Restored Bicycles

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


REGISTRATION AND SELECTION

The maximum number of bicycles allowed is 40.

The registration fee is €35, and the deadline to register is midnight on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

You can register by clicking on this LINK


AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

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

Three additional prizes will be awarded, along with a coupon for free registration in the Eroica Bicycle Registry:

  • Loyalty Award: For the most complete and consistent bicycle, particularly in terms of restoration accuracy.
  • Elegance Combo Award: For the best combination of style between the bicycle and the attire of the person presenting it, honoring the harmonious relationship that enhances both the bike and period-appropriate clothing.
  • Best in Show: For the bicycle deemed most deserving by the jury, which will be published and analyzed in issue 70 of Biciclette d'Epoca magazine.

EXHIBITION AND AWARD CEREMONY

The competing bicycles will be displayed from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, October 4 at Piazza Ricasoli. Each owner must provide a stand for their bike.

The competition will begin at 2:30 PM, with the award ceremony at the same location starting at 5:00 PM.


You can download the full rules at this LINK