Epica Vanvitelliana
The vintage cycling tour through the Vanvitellian villages of Caserta
About Epica Vanvitelliana
Epica Vanvitelliana: Vintage Cycling in Caserta
Epica Vanvitelliana is a vintage cycling event held in the municipality of Caserta, in the heart of the Campania region. The event celebrates the timeless charm of classic cycling: participants ride exclusively on racing bicycles built before 1987, featuring down-tube shifters, toe-clip pedals, and external brake cables, all while wearing traditional wool jerseys and shorts in the spirit of the great races of the past.
A Route Through Bourbon Wonders
The start and finish line are set at the Belvedere di San Leucio, a district of Caserta famous for its historic Silk Colony. From here, cyclists ride through the Park of the Royal Palace of Caserta—a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece by Luigi Vanvitelli—before skirting the imposing Carolino Aqueduct, a symbol of Bourbon engineering. The route meanders through Vanvitellian villages and the rural landscapes of the Terra di Lavoro, touching towns like Sant'Agata de' Goti and the rolling hills of the Sannio Casertano.
Not a Race, but a Slow Journey
Epica Vanvitelliana is not a competitive race but a non-competitive cycling tour, designed to strip away the rush of modern cycling and restore the pleasure of contemplative pedaling. Along the route, refreshment stations featuring local products are set up, and a pasta party welcomes participants upon their return. The event is part of the Giro delle Regioni Ciclostoriche, the national circuit that brings together Italy's finest vintage cycling re-enactments.
Local History and Culture
Organized by the ASD Velo Club Caserta, the event combines sport, memory, and heritage preservation. Each edition is accompanied by side events such as exhibitions dedicated to the legends of historic cycling, conferences, and social gatherings involving local Pro Loco associations and communities. Thanks to a partnership with the Royal Palace of Caserta, Epica Vanvitelliana has become part of the site's participatory enhancement initiatives, granting cyclists access to the monumental areas of the Royal Park.
Why Participate
- Cycle through the Vanvitellian and Bourbon sites of Caserta
- Relive the atmosphere of heroic cycling with vintage bikes and wool clothing
- Taste local products from the Terra di Lavoro at refreshment stops
- Experience a stage of the Giro delle Regioni Ciclostoriche in Campania
Epica Vanvitelliana — edition 2026
Epica Vanvitelliana 2026, the fourth edition
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, the fourth edition of Epica Vanvitelliana was held, serving as the fourth stage of the Giro delle Regioni Ciclostoriche. The meeting point was set at 8:00 AM at the Belvedere di San Leucio, with the start at 8:30 AM towards the Park of the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Carolino Aqueduct.
The edition was preceded by a presentation conference on April 11, 2026, at the Pro Loco San Leucio and an exhibition on vintage cycling dedicated to Alberto Marzaioli, a teammate of Bartali, curated by Angelo Letizia. The event, organized by the ASD Velo Club Caserta, reaffirmed its commitment to slow tourism, blending sport, history, and the typical products of the Terra di Lavoro.
Programme Epica Vanvitelliana 2026
Program for May 24, 2026
- 8:00 AM — Meeting at Belvedere di San Leucio, Caserta
- 8:30 AM — Start of the two routes
- Short route: approx. 43 km (non-competitive medical certificate required)
- Long route: approx. 83 km (competitive medical certificate required)
- Passage through the Park of the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Carolino Aqueduct towards the Vanvitellian villages
- Refreshment stops with local products along the route
- Final pasta party upon return to San Leucio
Side event: Exhibition on vintage cycling dedicated to Alberto Marzaioli (from April 11, 2026, Pro Loco San Leucio).
Highlights Epica Vanvitelliana 2026
- 4th edition and 4th stage of the Giro delle Regioni Ciclostoriche
- Start and finish at the Belvedere di San Leucio
- Pre-1987 vintage bicycles and wool clothing
- Crossing of the Royal Palace Park and the Carolino Aqueduct
- Refreshment stops with local products and final pasta party
Prices Epica Vanvitelliana 2026
Practical information — Epica Vanvitelliana
Getting There
The Belvedere di San Leucio is located just a few kilometers from the center of Caserta. By car, take the Caserta Nord exit on the A1 motorway. By train, the reference station is Caserta, which is well-connected to Naples and Rome, with bus or taxi connections to San Leucio. The nearest airport is Naples-Capodichino.
Registration and Fees
Participation requires online registration on the official website. The entry fee is 25 euros, which includes a race number, local products, refreshment stops, a pasta party, and medical assistance. A medical certificate is required based on the chosen route.
Tips
Bring a pre-1987 vintage bicycle and historical-style wool clothing. Casertavecchia and the Royal Palace of Caserta are well worth a visit while you are in the area.
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Where does it take place — Epica Vanvitelliana
Belvedere di San Leucio
Belvedere di San Leucio, 81020 Caserta