ART. 1 – ENTRY CRITERIA: BICYCLES and CLOTHING

Eroica is an event for road racing bikes, dedicated to cyclists wearing vintage or historically inspired gear, on ‘HEROIC BIKES’ (BICI EROICHE) or newly constructed VINTAGE-STYLE BIKES.

ROUTES and STARTING TIMES

Eroica offers three different routes: 60 km, 100 km, and 160 km

Each participant has the opportunity to choose the route that best suits his or her fitness level. The choice of route must be indicated during the registration process. Participants may, however, change their original choice of route, without incurring any penalty, up until the start of the event. This right is subject to the decision of the organisers and can be curtailed for technical or safety reasons.  

Participants aged between 15 and 18 years will only be allowed to participate in the 60 km or 100 km routes.

Routes will be signposted with arrows; nevertheless participants should familiarize themselves with the “Road Book” and “Eroica Map”. Maps and GPS routes can be downloaded from the website www.eroicalimburg.com.

-For the 160 km route, the start can be at any time between 7:00 am and 08:00 am.

-For the 100 km route, the start can be at any time between 8.00 am and 09.00 am.

-For the 60 km route, the start can be at any time between 9.00 am and 10.00 am 

   1.1 – BICYCLES

At Eroica only vintage road racing bikes or so-called BICI EROICHE may participate, as defined in paragraph 1.1.a, or historically inspired bikes, i.e. vintage-style bikes even if recently constructed, as explained in paragraph 1.1.b below. No other bikes will be accepted except for those mentioned in paragraph 1.1.c.

   1.1.a – BICI EROICHE or Proper Vintage Bikes

BICI EROICHE are all road racing bikes built up to and including 1987 both with or without gears, such as those built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These bicycles most likely have a steel frame, but other types of rare frames are also permitted, such as the aluminium frames built by Alan and Vitus with screwed or glued joints and the Exxon Graftek frames of the late 1970s with carbon tubes glued to aluminium lugs.

Regarding components, bicycles should adhere to the following general guidelines:

more recent bikes with gears and derailleurs, such as Simplex, Huret, Campagnolo, Zeus, Shimano, Suntour, etc. must have shift levers on the down tube of the frame; exceptions include pre-1980 non indexed bar-end gear shifters and rod/hand manual operated front derailleurs;

pedals should be with toe clips and straps or original pedals for older bikes; quick release, clip-less pedals are not allowed;

the brake cables must pass outside and over the handlebars (cables can pass inside the frame);

older geared bicycles must have original shifters such as Cambio Corsa, Cambio Paris Roubaix, Cambio Vittoria Margherita, etc.;

wheels must have at least 32 spokes laced to a low profile rim (20 mm depth or less, except for wooden rims); the rims must be of either steel, aluminium or wood;

both tubular tyres and clinchers with inner tubes are allowed;

we invite participants to fit saddles from the same period as the bicycles, so a model of 1987 or earlier; alternatively we suggest fitting a vintage model of modern production;

the change of the gear ratios is allowed due to the difficulty of the ride.

there are no particular rules on the type of brakes as long as they are in line with the construction period of the bicycle and are efficient for safety reasons.

Obviously, early 20th century bicycles with single gear or flip-flop rear hubs don’t need to comply with the above criteria as long as they have their original components.

   1.1.b – VINTAGE-STYLE or MODERN BUILT BIKES

Vintage-style, steel framed bikes of new or recent construction with vintage look and characteristics may be used only if they are road racing bikes assembled using vintage components or replicated parts similar to the original, as described above.

In particular, if the bikes are inspired by the design of road racing bicycles of the 1970s and 1980s, they must comply with three fundamental rules (a,b,c) regarding shift levers, toe clips and straps, and brake cables.

   1.1.c – EXCEPTIONS and DISQUALIFICATION

On request, exemptions regarding the type of bicycle will be granted to participants with disabilities.

For the 60 km route, other types of vintage bicycles will be admitted, such as postman’s bikes, general working bicycles, leisure bicycles, etc.

Mountain bikes are excluded from all routes.

Any registered cyclist who arrives at the start line or is found on the course with a bicycle that does not conform to the rules and regulations of the event can be disqualified immediately by the organisation.

   1.2 – CLOTHING

Participants are strongly encouraged to wear vintage or vintage-style cycling gear, such as wool jerseys and shorts and to avoid wearing modern technical gear in a visible way. Management reserves the right to disqualify any participant whose clothing is considered unsuitable or inappropriate to the event.

   1.3 – ACCESSORIES

With regard to the vintage spirit of the event, participants are invited to carefully select all their accessories, from shoes to caps and water bottles etc. The only modern cycling accessory allowed is a safety cycling helmet, which we invite everybody to use.

ART. 2 – SAFETY and USE OF HELMETS

Regarding helmet use, article 37 “HISTORICAL EVENTS - VINTAGE BIKE RIDES” of the UISP regulations states the following: “In these special events (leisure cycling rides), the use of historical frames, traditional costumes, vintage clothing and accessories is authorized, along both white and asphalt roads. The rules for leisure cycling events (cicloturismo) apply; according to the regulations for such vintage cycling events, when participating with vintage bikes and clothing, a modern hard helmet is not obligatory (leather helmet, cap etc.). The organization and participants have to be insured for the cycling activities.” Nevertheless, as stated in the previous Art. 1, the use of a modern hard helmet is recommended.

ART. 3 – RESPECT OF THE DUTCH RULES OF THE ROAD 

Eroica is a NON-COMPETITIVE LEISURE RIDE on asphalt and gravel roads. The route is entirely open to traffic and cyclists must therefore respect the Dutch Rules of the Road . All cyclists must carry a puncture repair kit and other essential tools for small repairs.

ART. 4 – REGISTRATION FEE and INSURANCE POLICY

Participation in the event is permitted only to those who have paid the registration fee and at own risk. During the event, cyclists who have not registered may not join the ride, at risk of being removed from the route. In case of accidents, they will be held responsible for any damage caused. 

The organisers of Eroica may, at any time and at their own incontestable discretion, with no need to provide any explanation, decide whether or not to accept any registration.

The registration fee, regardless of the amount paid, includes:

“RACE PACK” with event souvenirs;

RACE NUMBER for your jersey and bicycle;

ROAD BOOK which will be stamped at each checkpoint;

EROICA MAP including details of the routes, food stops and checkpoints;

FOOD STOPS in varying numbers according to each route.

The organisation will not refund any registration fee when you cancel your registration.