Nova Eroica del Gran Sasso is a bicycle touring event that has become a must-attend event for lovers of two wheels and attracts participants from all over Italy. The event, scheduled from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, is now in its fourth edition and includes four routes: two free-running, totally cyclotouristic, and two with special timed trials, with free-running transfer sections reserved for gravel bikes.
It is also distinguished from other cycling tourism events by the strong involvement of the local municipalities crossed, an element that enriches the experience of the participants and enhances the communities involved: Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Calascio, Barisciano, San Pio delle Camere, Prata d’Ansidonia, Navelli and Castelvecchio Calvisio are just some of the participating municipalities that it is possible to cross and get to know according to a different perspective. Therefore, it is a real celebration of local communities in which the main protagonists are the villages: each of them will organize themselves to give refreshments to the cyclists who will be able to taste the typical products of the area, from arrosticini to the fagiolata of the Trinità refreshment stand. All accompanied by Abruzzo folk music, singing and dancing in pure Eroica style. 
This 4th edition of the Nova Eroica Gran Sasso presents the different routes designed to please cyclists of all levels, from beginner to expert, and all with one common denominator: the love of cycling and the breathtaking landscapes of the Gran Sasso. The event clearly highlights four distinct routes, each with its own characteristics of distance, elevation gain and type of terrain, and all starting and finishing in the picturesque setting of Castel del Monte, in the province of L’Aquila, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the beating heart of this cycling event. The routes are defined as follows:
- Long: “Terre della Baronia e Campo Imperatore” is the longest route and the flagship of the event, with its 132 km and an impressive 2730 meters of elevation gain; reserved for gravel bikes, this track is a real challenge for the most trained and adventurous cyclists and features two competitive sections;
- Medium: “Giro del Gran Sasso” 92 km cycling tour and an elevation gain of 1830 meters, this route is designed for those who prefer asphalt but do not want to give up the climb, so it is suitable for road bikes;
- Medium: “Giro dei Borghi e piana di Campo Imperatore” 84km and 1620 meters of elevation gain, is reserved for gravel bikes and includes a competitive section, it represents a real immersion in the area;
- Short: “Giro della Rocca di Calascio” 60Km cycling tour around the famous Rocca di Calascio, with its 1100 meters of elevation gain is an ideal route for those who want to savor the atmosphere of Nova Eroica without facing extreme challenges.
This is a cycling event dedicated to gravel bikes, but road and cyclocross bikes are also allowed. The gravel bike is a versatile type of bicycle designed to tackle a wide range of terrain, combining elements of road bikes and mountain bikes. It is ideal for those who like to explore dirt roads, groomed trails, gravel (hence the name “gravel,” which means “gravel” in English), and long asphalt routes without having to change vehicles. For this reason, it is the perfect companion for those seeking freedom, adventure and a single bike capable of tackling everything from city asphalt to remote trails. In addition, for the 2025 edition, mountain bikes and pedal-assist bicycles will also be allowed on an exceptional basis, but they will not be allowed to participate in the time trials.
It will be a unique adventure to experience on your bikes, pedaling through the majestic mountains of the Apennines.
Credit photo: Nova Eroica Gran Sasso
