We’ve adapted the format of Eroica South Africa 2021 considering current regulations and crowd restrictions, and we’ll be hosting the event from the Montagu Country Hotel on Bath Street.

The hotel has a beautiful new deck that will be the base for registration, the start and finish. We have an exciting new route concept for you this year, where riders will be encouraged to spend a day out on their bikes. Grab breakfast, lunch and drinks along the route and enjoy the dramatic backdrop of the mountainous region.

The 2021 NOVA gravel bike category will still have a race aspect this year, with four timed Strava race-sections, and also a portage section up the Pietersfontein dam wall for a compulsory NOVA-selfie at the top. Although the distance will be a bit shorter, with more technical sections, there will still be lots of time in between for hanging out, drinking beer, swimming, and enjoying the view. In the interest of trying to keep everyone safe, we will also be introducing a casual start to this year’s NOVA event. Start when, and with whoever you want to. You will receive a detailed map marked with the route, your Strava segments, picnic spots, view points and a secret swim spot or two. Plan ahead to make your day as laid back, or challenging as possible.

All bikes must have drop handlebars. The competitive ride consists of short timed segments, timed with cycling app Strava, and are all on gravel roads. All NOVA racers must have Strava installed on their smart phones to be considered for the ranking. The timed segments will be used to compile the individual ranking and thus to select the best riders, regardless of age or sex.

 HISTORY OF THE NOVA

L'Eroica has never just been about recreating the past. It was originally launched as a "junket" - a “freebie” - for those who had participated in the "Gino Bartali" Granfondo, and it has always proposed routes that are tough, never just a ‘walk in the park’ for the cameras. In 2007, on 9 October, we proposed the Monte Paschi Eroica, the pro version of our event. Since then white roads have been reintroduced into the top echelons of the cycling world, including stages races and the memorable Giro d'Italia 2010 Carrara-Montalcino, with two segments of the permanent route of L'Eroica. 

Giancarlo Brocci ( Founder L'Eroica)