L’Eroica 2013 Registration by Lottery
by Chikashi
photo by the Brunette
The 2013 edition of l’Eroica will take place on 6 October. The good news is that registration will open in less than a week, on 21 January. The rest is a bit mixed.
The number of riders registering through the regular channel will be capped at 5000. I think this is sensible because there is a limit to how many participants the organisers and the region can handle. The regular channel does not include those invited by the organisers, sponsors, 200 spots being sold at a premium in May and June, and spots allocated to tour operators. There is also no limit to the number of over-60 and female participants.
If I remember correctly, the further limits on under-60 riders is new: only 2500 under-60 boys, 1500 Italians and 1000 non-Italians. The registration period for us is between 21 January and 3 March.
Now comes the real twist: It is no longer first-come-first-served. Rather, 1500 Italians and 1000 non-Italians will get a spot by a random draw. That is, LOTTERY. Many people were disappointed last year because they did not register quickly enough (I think it sold out in less than a week…). I take it that, in order to be ‘fair’, the organisers have decided to disappoint (and delight) at random instead. They have not yet announced when the draw will be.
The registration period for over-60s and women is between 1 February and 30 June. There is no limit to the number of over-60s and women, both Italians and non-Italians.
So, some anxiety ahead for us boys then.
UPDATE: go here.
Yes, it is a worry, particularly if you are trying to organise a group and don’t know if everyone will get in or not. I thought I was ahead of the game having booked accommodation in Gaoile already (inc deposit) but the lottery has equalled that out.
I have read comments on forums here saying that people are going to travel anyway and ride the route regardless because they are public roads (but avoid the feed stations). I dislike the idea of a free for all but wonder how l’Eroica can police the situation.
We have ridden for the last two years and ate hoping to be there in October, lottery willing.
I heard rumours about this new system before I went last year, which is why I did not book the same hotel where we stayed. I think the organisers’ intent is good albeit people’s notion of fairness can vary a bit. However, it is quite obvious how to game the system. Furthermore, I would venture to guess that they, who I believe are all volunteers, will have increased their work load significantly and introduced a risk of lesser revenue because once the names are drawn, they will need to chase everyone for payment, including those that were not committed to going in the first place. We’ll see how it ends up, but I suspect it will have unintended consequences.
Agreed. They are obviously having to manage the success and I hope they succeed because it is a wonderful event. Speaking with others in my group today we all agreed that we have had two great trips and if we get a third, we will count ourselves lucky. Above all, I hope the people behind l’Eroica continue to enjoy what they do and the esssential vibe of the ride endures.
Do you know, yet, when you will find out whether you got in? Good luck, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Thank you! I think the draw will happen shortly after the 3/3 closing date, so we shall see… Today was the pro version, and I’m happy for young Moser to win it.
You got your wish! Great finish for Moser in Siena.
Also waiting on tenterhooks for ballot result. Seven in our group, not sure what we will do if only some of us get in!
Do we know when the draw is?
According to the London Fixed Gear forum you can check if you’re registered via this link: http://www.sdam.it/events/registrations-check.do
All seven names from my group come up, as does yours Chikashi.
Looks like we’re off to Tuscany again!
Ha! Thanks for that! Something’s off. I only paid the published rate! Ahahaha! Hope to see you there then!
UPDATE: I see that this post is getting hits everyday now from people wanting to know what the deal is with this year’s registration. It appears that the draw will only take place this week, and therefore, the confirmation on sdam.it appears to be just for your entry in the draw, not in the event. If you are selected in the draw this week, then you should be receiving a confirmation email shortly thereafter from the organisers. Until then, fingers crossed!