Ten years of Nova Eroica told through a lens they mean much more than a simple photographic chronicle: means closely observing the evolution of the gravel, of the participants and of the very spirit of an event that marked an era and which last April 12th reached the milestone of ten candles. Paolo Penni Martelli, from Brescia who has lived in Barcelona for twenty years and is the official photographer of the event, He is one of those who has experienced this change pedal after pedal, shot after shot, since the first edition.
Paolo, how did your adventure with me begin? Eroica and Nova Eroica?
I started in 2015 almost by chance, when the organizer of the first Eroica in Spain asked me to go photograph an event I knew nothing about. I accepted out of curiosity. On that occasion, I met one of the owners of Eroica, Andrea Meneghelli (then president, who tragically passed away on his bike in 2020 , ed.), who saw my photos and asked me to go to Gaiole that same year. It all started from there: since 2015, I've been following Eroica events every year.
When was Nova Eroica born and what was the atmosphere like at the beginning?
The first editions were very different. Il gravel it was exploding and there was still a strong competitive component. The format included some timed sections on dirt roads, then the group would regroup and continue together. It was a way to transform the Granfondos into something more accessible, but many participants still had a pure race mentality.
We ask you the same question what we did to Giancarlo BrocciHow have the participants changed over these ten years?
In the beginning, there were many former professionals or highly trained amateurs, people who wanted to win. Today, the spectrum is much broader: cyclists of all levels participate, including those who simply want to enjoy the ride. The female presence has also increased significantly. The event has become more inclusive and less competitive.
What does Nova Eroica represent for you today?
For me, it's become a family . I often meet the same people at both Eroica Classica and Nova Eroica, around the world. Over time, a very strong human bond has developed, one that transcends cycling and work.
From a photographic point of view, is there a symbolic place that you prefer?
If I think of Buonconvento, the iconic feature is Monte Sante Marie. Every year I go back to that spot where more or less every year Pogacar attacks (all Strade Bianche, ed.) and it thrills me every time. Because it's incredible to see the cyclists tackle those descents and climbs at very high speeds.
We participated in the Nova Eroica two years agoThe downhill dirt sections didn't seem as easy as they appear on TV...
Exactly, when they broadcast the TV Strade Bianche they look smooth, but in reality they are full of undulations and pitfalls. I follow her on a Vespa and have almost fallen several times. When you think that the professionals go by there at 70 miles an hour, you understand how impressive it is.
How important is the territory in the success of the images?
A lot. Tuscany, especially between Buonconvento and Montalcino, is unique in the world. It's a landscape designed and culturally constructed. There's nothing like it anywhere else, and I must say I've traveled quite a bit. This year, with the Nova Eroica being moved up to April, the Val d'Orcia was much greener , with many yellow flowers that are only noticeable at this time of year.
Has your photography equipment changed over the years?
Yes, a little. I'm trying to carry as little weight as possible. Technology helps, even if they're not very good at reducing weight yet. I work with two cameras, a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm, plus a small drone.
What are the best times of day to take photos of the Nova Eroica?
Dawn is the best time; I'm always up and running very early, and the photos I take during those hours often end up being some of the most beautiful. Sunset would be fantastic, but unfortunately, the events always end early, so it's difficult to take advantage of it.
Have you ever experienced Nova Eroica as a participant on a bike?
It's happened to me, but only for work reasons, when I had no other means of transportation during the event. At the Nova Eroica in South Africa and Switzerland, for example, I had to take photos and ride. But I never actually participated in the event. I did ride the Buonconvento route, however, outside of the event.
In conclusion, what makes Nova Eroica unique compared to other events?
The spirit. Today it's no longer a race against time, but a shared experience. Participants stop, chat, laugh. This also completely changes the way you photograph: you're not just looking for the performance, but the emotions, the relationships, the atmosphere...
