Thousands registered to undertake Amy’s Gran Fondo

THOUSANDS of cyclists will take to the Great Ocean Road within weeks for the 10th anniversary of Australia’s safest and most spectacular cycling events.

Named in honour of Amy Gillett and conducted by the Amy Gillett Foundation, Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo is preparing to take the Surf Coast by storm, with more than 4,000 registered cyclists to attend the Saturday, September 10 to Sunday, September 11 event.

Soon-to-be 10-time rider of Amy’s Gran Fondo, Tom Leaper has the event circled in his calendar ever since he first rode it a decade ago.

“Amy’s Gran Fondo has a special place on the cycling calendar for me as we get to ride on the best roads in Australia with no traffic,” Mr Leaper said.

“It brings friends together and promotes rider safety, which is important to me.

“I’ve completed all nine editions; Amy’s is one of my favourite weekends of the year.”

Catering to cyclists of all abilities, Amy’s Gran Fondo is held on fully closed roads over the two days.

The first of two days begins with Saturday’s lone ride, Amy’s Gravel Fondo, where cyclists tackle a gruelling 45km gravel course to kick off proceedings.

Sunday begins with both 130km headline races for age category racers and recreational riders.

Amy’s Medio Gran Fondo spanning 45km will follow the main races before Amy’s 14km Family Ride concludes the event, allowing children and parents to take in the sights of a portion of the ride.

The top 20 per cent in each age group of Sunday’s age category race will be invited to the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo Series World Championship event held in Scotland.

The main course begins and ends in Lorne with aid stations located in towns and locations such as Deans Marsh, Forest, Mount Sabine, Turtons Track and Kennet River.

“It promises to be a memorable event for all participants, to have the rare opportunity to ride on a closed Great Ocean Road,” Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said.

“We appreciate the benefits that the thousands of Amy’s Gran Fondo cyclists bring to our townships and businesses on the Surf Coast.”

For more information on the event, including road closures or to register, visit amysgranfondo.org.au.

To donate to the Amy Gillett Foundation for safe cycling advocacy, head to amysgranfondo2022.grassrootz.com/amy-gillett-foundation/donate.