Sportive

Eroica Britannia returns for 2016

Vintage sportive and festival back for third edition at Bakewell Showground, Derbyshire

Eroica Britannia returns to the Peak District in 2016 as L’Eroica celebrates its 20^th year.

The award-winning three-day festival, centred on the Bakewell Showground, Derbyshire, launched in 2014 as the L’Eroica series reached British shores.

And in the year the original vintage sportive celebrates two decades, Britain’s own take on the Eroica experience is expected to attract more than 4,000 riders from June 17 to June 19.

Eroica Britannia returns for 2016 (pic: L’Eroica)

The Ride, the pinnacle of the festival, takes place on the final day and sets the challenge of riding a pre-1987 road bike on a choice of either a 30-, 55- or 100-mile route taking in the tracks and trails of the Peak District.

And the Ride – the first of its kind in the UK – is not the only attraction on offer, with the festival also including a Great British Beach, vintage fairground and a new-to-2016 camp called The Settlement, celebrating the best of the British outdoors.

A Swing Night is also new for 2016, while the “Best in Show” vintage fancy-dress competition also returns.

Nick Cotton, from Eroica Britannia, said: “The Ride and the wonderful spectacle it brings to the area places Eroica Britannia in a unique position amongst other UK festivals.

“Our riders, their friends and family give us a core festival audience in addition to the tens of thousands of festival go-ers that flock into the area for the festival.

“The International attraction that Eroica Britannia brings to the area gives the chance for a vibrant showcase of local brands, accommodation, businesses and of course the natural beauty of the Peak District.”

Eroica Britannia offers a choice of three sportive routes in the Peak District on the final day of the three-day festival (pic: L’Eroica)

A three-day festival pass costs £20, with under-12s going free, and onsite festival camping is £65 for three nights.

Ride entry, which includes the cost of the three-day festival pass, is £60 for adults and £45 for concessions.

For more information visit eroicabritannia.co.uk or check out the full L’Eroica series for 2016 below.

L’Eroica cycling series dates 2016

Sunday April 10 – Eroica California, Paso Robles
Saturday April 23 – Eroica South Africa, Montagu
Sunday May 1 – Eroica Primavera, Buonconvento, (ITA)
Sunday May 15 – Eroica Japan, Eiyu
Sunday June 5 – Eroica Hispania, Cenicero (ESP)
Sunday June 19 – Eroica Britannia, Bakewell (UK)
Sunday October 2 – L’Eroica, Chianti (Italy)