Cyclists take on the Great Ocean Road

MORE than 2,000 cyclists from around the globe descended on the Great Ocean Road region last week for the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships – transforming it into a high–stakes arena for amateur cyclists chasing rainbow jersey glory.

The five-day titles concluded on Sunday with a punishing 131km road race in and around Lorne.

Dutchman Jeroen Van Voorden emerged as the first finisher and claimed gold in the men’s 19 to 34 age group category with a commanding time of 3.08:28.

“I was actually quite happy with the wind because we’re used to it,” Van Voorden said.

“It made the race tougher, and that’s what I like. I focused on saving my energy, not reacting to every attack, and that helped me have fresh legs in the final.”

 

Australian Matilda Raynolds produced an emotional ride to win her age group and finish third overall in the women’s standings – behind America’s Jill Patterson and Poland’s Alina Mylka – after being diagnosed with stage four lymphoma.

“It’s been 12 months since my diagnosis, and I spent six months getting healthy and rebuilding,” Raynolds said post-race.

“I feel really proud of where I’ve got myself back to. Today I just wanted to enjoy it. It’s so different to race without pressure – to look up, see where you are, and realise how lucky we are. I didn’t care too much about the result, but I’m glad I got it in the end.”

Racing on familiar roads made the moment even more special for the Victorian.

“I’ve just felt so proud of Victoria and Lorne – this incredible playground – and to show it off to riders from all over the world,” she said.

“We’ve had South Africans, the Spanish, the French, the Dutch … and to have everyone here in the peloton on closed roads was just magical.”

 

Raynolds navigated the decisive Benwerrin climb and headwinds with precision before launching a strong final effort to win gold in the women’s 35 to 39 age group, finishing in 3.44:18.

“Descending the back of the Great Ocean Road on fully closed roads was a dream,” she said.

“You don’t often get that as an amateur. Huge thanks to the volunteers and organisers – events like this aren’t easy, and everyone created such a positive, special atmosphere.”

Earlier in the week, the championships opened with a 23km individual time trial in Lorne, where riders faced a technical out–and–back coastal loop featuring steep ramps and steady climbing.

Among the many stand-out performances was Frenchman Marcel Eve, the oldest racer at this year’s titles, who won his career fourth gold medal a day before his 85th birthday. Margaret, a regular at the Lorne Central cafe, baked a cake for the occasion.

 

The focus shifted to Geelong’s waterfront for the team relay on Friday last week, where 21 squads from 12 nations lit up Eastern Park on a 1.92 km street loop.

Poland executed a smart strategy and won gold, edging out two Australian squads to the cheers of loud and proud local and international fans.

The event ran in conjunction with Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo that saw an additional 2,500 recreational cyclists, including Olympic swimming champion Mack Horton and former Test cricketer Peter Siddle, take part in a mass recreational ride.

It raised funds for Amy’s Foundation, which recently partnered with AusCycling to ensure safer roads for all bike riders.

Both events firmly put the region on the map, in a big boost for the local economy.