GREAT BARRIER REEF GRAN FONDO FESTIVAL IN THE WORKS

Event organiser Connect Sport Australia has announced a Port Douglas Gran Fondo cycling festival for 10-12 September 2021 in hopes of luring high-spending cyclists and their families to Queensland, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef region.

Already known for the Crocodile Trophy MTB race, one of the hardest in the world, and the spectacular IRONMAN Sunshine Coast Triathlon, Queensland is looking to add a mass-participation road cycling festival in Port Douglas to help the economy shake off the pandemic blues.

“Connect Sport is building an entire weekend of activity to bring more than 3500 travellers into the region and will offer accommodation and itinerary options suitable for cyclists and their families to ensure they extend their stay,” event director Bade Stapleton told Gran Fondo Daily News.

The local Douglas Shire Council government has agreed to support the event, which is expected to inject more than $3 million into the economy.

In addition to 46, 100 and 160 kilometre fondo races for amateurs alongside the world famous Great Barrier Reef on the Captain Cook Highway, there will be street sprints for elite cyclists as well as an industry leading bike expo including local music, food and craft beer.

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