Nova Eroica Gran Sasso

Nova Eroica Gran Sasso begins and ends in Castel del Monte, a stone village in L'Aquila on the Gran Sasso massif. Riders gather in early June for a three-day all-road cycling event. It belongs to the Nova Eroica family, so the atmosphere is Eroica, not a standard road sportive. Modern bikes are permitted, gravel bikes are frequently seen, and the appeal lies in long, mixed-surface rides through the Abruzzo Apennines. The event provides four route options through Gran Sasso National Park. Paved sections, dirt paths, white roads, and steep ascents alter the pace throughout the day. Some parts follow ancient tratturi, the drove roads historically used for moving flocks between seasonal pastures. The routes traverse villages, open plateaus, extensive valleys, and offer views towards Rocca di Calascio. Participants seek adventure-style cycling with cultural connections, rather than just a timed competition. The event extends the Eroica concept into one of Italy's most striking mountain regions.