MORE than 4,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the Surf Coast Shire’s largest two-day cycling event next weekend.<\/p>\n
The Citro\u00ebn 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo is a significant event for the Surf Coast region.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The 2023 course options include Saturday’s event, the 45km Amy’s Gravel Fondo.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A BMX stunt show will take centre stage with coaching sessions on offer.<\/p>\n
The event village will also feature event cycling retailers including Fuel Performance (Bike Mechanic), GKA Sports, Velo Therapy, Ventou and more.<\/p>\n
”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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Participants can raise crucial funds to help the Amy Gillett Foundation create safer bike-riding environments across the country.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MORE than 4,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the Surf Coast Shire’s largest two-day cycling event next weekend. The Citro\u00ebn 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 […]<\/p>\n