Amy’s Gran Fondo expected to welcome thousands to Great Ocean Road

MORE than 4,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the Surf Coast Shire’s largest two-day cycling event next weekend.

The Citroën Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo returns to Lorne next Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, with cyclists tackling five different course options.

Event director Jordan O’Neill said O2 Events, the organising body, is excited to bring the Gran Fondo back to the Surf Coast and Colac Otway Shires.

“We’re excited for what will be a spectacular ride this year and also to raise awareness of safe cycling in conjunction with the Amy Gillett Foundation,” he said.

“Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo is a significant event for the Surf Coast region.

“Last year alone the estimated economic impact for the region was $2.5 million, with 64 per cent of participants staying in the region for two to three nights.

“Lorne and the surrounding coastal towns provide the ideal location for a weekend away for participants and their friends/families with plenty of activities to enjoy.” Amy’s Gran Fondo is famously known for the being the only cycling event to welcome participants to a fully closed Great Ocean Road.

This year’s event also comes after Amy’s Gran Fondo received the hosting rights to the UCI World Gran Fondo Championships in 2025, announced in July.

The 2023 course options include Saturday’s event, the 45km Amy’s Gravel Fondo.

The 122km Amy’s Gran Fondo (Age Category), 122km Amy’s Gran Fondo (Recreation Category), the 45km Medio Fondo, and the 14km Family Fondo will all be held on Sunday.

Amy’s Gran Fondo’s event village at Lorne Foreshore Car Park will feature plenty of entertainment for both pre-ride and post-ride family activities.

A BMX stunt show will take centre stage with coaching sessions on offer.

The event village will also feature event cycling retailers including Fuel Performance (Bike Mechanic), GKA Sports, Velo Therapy, Ventou and more.

”We’re delighted that Amy’s Gran Fondo has delivered more than a decade of memorable moments for thousands of cyclists, who make the most of a rare opportunity to ride a fully closed Great Ocean Road,” Surf Coast Shire mayor Cr Liz Pattinson said.

“It’s an exciting time for the event, following the recent announcement of the UCI World Gran Fondo Championships to be held alongside Amy’s Gran Fondo in 2025.”

Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo is held in memory of Amy Gillett, who passed away in a bike-car crash back in 2006, and is conducted by the Amy Gillett Foundation.

Participants can raise crucial funds to help the Amy Gillett Foundation create safer bike-riding environments across the country.

For more information on this year Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo such as changed traffic conditions and the full event schedule, head to amysgranfondo.org.au