Sport
28 August, 2024
Race like no other
Brace yourself cycling fans as the Cook Highway between Port Douglas and Palm Cove becomes an ocean side conga line of Lycra and flashing pedals.
The 2024 Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival ramps up for its now third year successful year between September 6 and 8.
“Keeping Port Douglas top of mind is important,’’ said Connect Sport managing director Bade Stapleton.
“This year we invested $200,000 in marketing for the event with the view of increasing community involvement,” he said.
“It is all about encouraging locals and visitors to get out there.
“We regard the Gran Fondo as just another excuse to visit Port Douglas.
“Last year the Gran Fondo brought around $1.6 million to the Douglas region which is exciting”.
Ambassador Mark Beretta said the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival was “one of the most incredible cycling experiences I have ever had”.
“The 2023 event was spectacular and everyone from across Australia, and around the world, had a fantastic time, not just on the ride, but with the whole Tropical North Queensland experience,” he said.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful rides, in gorgeous sunshine at a beautiful time of the year.
“With only 2000 spots available, I’d highly recommend you enter today so you don’t miss out.
“This is one of the most awesome events I’ve ever been involved with, and I’m proud to be telling everyone about.”
Although not a race, there is certainly something challenging for every brand of two wheeled enthusiast.
The event offers different options to suit every rider, from the most challenging 136km Gran Fondo course with just over 800 metres of climbing and a minimum average speed required of 22km/h.
The road hugs the coastline as it winds between rainforest clad mountains and the waters of the Great Barrier Reef offering views from Rex Lookout, not twice, but three times.
For the more family-orientated or young at heart, the fully closed 2.2km circuit in front of Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina will be open for anyone to bring their kids down for the Choo Choos free family ride.
The Gran Fondo Festival is well regarded as a fantastic reason to visit the region with local businesses getting behind the two-day event to show their support.
“Another great community part of the festival is the Choo Choos’ free family ride on Saturday, September 7 between 4.30pm – 5.30pm,” Mr Stapleton said.
“All kids who have registered and ride on the day receive a free ice cream from Choo Choos’ Ice Creamery.
To add to this they have amazing prizes including trips out to the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver, Silversonic and Wavedancer for families who dress up.
Saturday will see riders take on the Hartley’s to Port Mountain bike race as well as the Lexus of Cairns Criterium and Wharf Street Sprint events in Port Douglas.
On Sunday, the Gran Fondo event will be held on a combination of courses that are open to other road users while others will be closed off to vehicular traffic.
To ensure the safety of all those concerned, the Gran Fondo will be managed by qualified traffic controllers and Queensland Police will be in attendance.
In case of the odd spill or competitors happen to overdo it, there will be a professional medical team, including the Queensland Ambulance Service.
If you’re preparing for your first Gran Fondo, there are some basic tips you may want to consider for your epic ride.
Ensure your bicycle is prepared for the distance with lights, chains, levers and cables are all in good working order.
Having spare tubes and a puncture repair kit on hand is a pro tip as well as a good multitool and air pump.
Pack a few snacks for the ride. ‘Snakes’ and similar gel styled sweets are popular for that mid-ride sugar hit.
Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. The tropical northern sun can wring you out in a short space of time.
Consider carrying water in the form of a wearable Camel back hydration system or similar.
Sunscreen and eyewear are a must for a day in the saddle. Most of all, have fun. You are riding through one of the most scenic locations in Australia, enjoy it.
To get the up-to-date information on road closures and changed traffic conditions, entry details or how you can support as a volunteer, go to portdouglasgranfondo.com.au
