Last weekend, thousands took to the sun-kissed routes of Tuscany for the annual L'Eroica bike ride. But if encountering large numbers of Lycra-clad cyclists is your idea of hell, fear not: the event has rather grander ambitions when it comes to road-worthy style.
The brainchild of one man, Giancarlo Brocci, L'Eroica was founded in 1997 as a way to rediscover this age-old pursuit, reconnecting people with Italy's heritage in the process. The popularity of the event has since seen it expand to countries across the world and you can now partake everywhere from South Africa to Japan at various times of the year, with each event adding its own local flavour.
Drawing its inspiration from an appreciation of classical cycling, the event takes its aesthetic cues from the early 1900s. In regards to the bikes themselves, the older the better – the ultimate cut-off point for permitted cycles is 1987. And, of course, riders are expected to come decked out in the appropriate sartorial gear to match – expect knitted jerseys and retro caps, as well as the odd handlebar moustache.
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Brooks England has been involved with L'Eroica for years and with a history in the industry dating back to 1866, it knows a thing or two about the sport. For 2016, it has created a L'Eroica-approved jersey, which is also worn by its team at the events worldwide. Made from a wool and acrylic mix and manufactured by specialists Santini, the chic shirt comes in a subdued palette of blue, yellow and beige, with a suitably patriotic UK flag on the sleeve. The company also sells a number of sophisticated special-edition saddles, making it easier than ever to nail the vintage look.
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