Interstate rider registrations for Gran Fondo Festival well ahead of last year Locals urged to get cycling

l CYCLING | Isaac Colman

FAR Northern competitors are being urged to take part in the region’s long-distance road cycling ride - the 2023 Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival. Only weeks remain between now and the return of the event after being such a hit last year.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manningsaid the ‘big ride’ was “another feather in the cap for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland – an event that attracts cyclists across the country and the world who want to enjoy the experience of riding in a tropical paradise”.

Cr Manning encouraged locals to participate in the event.

“While this event will bring in visitors to our region, it is also very popular with locals, and I would encourage anyone who has a bike to take the opportunity to join this spectacular ride,” he said.

He also emphasised the significance of the event, and the difference of riding the route.

“As locals we often take for granted just how unique and amazing our region is. It’s the perfect chance for locals to ride their own ‘Great Barrier Reef Drive’ and enjoy the scenery without the distraction of driving or traffic.” Connect Sport Australia managing director

Bade Stapleton said Tropical North Queensland residents could get $20 off their entry cost by using the code ‘LOCALS’ when registering.

“The Great Barrier Reef Drive will be closed for half a day on Sunday, September 10 with timed 136km and 100km return Gran Fondo rides from Port Douglas to Palm Cove, a 60km Semi Fondo ride from Port Douglas to Rex Lookout and back and a 48km one-way leisurely Medio Fondo ride from Palm Cove to Port Douglas,” he said.

“We are encouraging families to make a day of it by riding the 48km Medio Fondo together without the pressure of racing for a time.”

Saturday, September 9 marks the beginning of the festival with the Hartley’s to Port 40km mountain bike race. Starting from Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and finishing on Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, the scenic ride is a great way to stay active while also admire nature.

The second ride of the day is the Lexus of Cairns Criterium, a 2.2km lap circuit starting and finishing outside the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

The first day of the festival is concluded with the Choo Choos Free Family Ride, where each child participating will receive a free ice cream from Choo

Choos Ice Creamery. Last year, the festival attracted riders to Far North Queensland from all over the country, with this year expecting even more.

“Our interstate riders are already 22 per cent ahead of our total number of riders from interstate last year, and we still have one month to go,” said Mr Stapleton.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the festival provided a real boost to the region’s economy, through accommodation venues as well as local businesses.

“There is a spike in accommodation occupancy during the Gran Fondo, seeing an increase of almost 10 per cent (from 50 to 60 per cent),” Cr Kerr said.

“It demonstrates the importance of events like this to boost visitation to Port Douglas at this time of the year,” he said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said it was great that interstate entries for the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival were already ahead of last year’s inaugural event.

“Images of riders enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Great Barrier Reef Drive hit the media last year and cycling enthusiasts around the country noticed,” he said. Registrations are at www. portdouglasgranfondo.com.au