- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
One of Victoria’s most popular cycling events, Amy’s Gran Fondo, will return to the Great Ocean Road
with a new route, ride options and entertainment thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced the return of the race for 2019, which caters to cyclists of all abilities, supported through the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund.
Held in memory of Amy Gillett and led by the Amy Gillett Foundation, the event has attracted more than 120,000 visitors to the region in the past eight years and raises funds to create a safe bike-riding environment in Australia.
Amy Gillett was an Olympic rower turned champion cyclist who was killed when struck by a car while training in Germany in 2005.
In 2019, Amy’s Gran Fondo will include the 14km Family Fondo, 45km Medio Fondo and the 120km Gran Fondo, as well as the return of the highly successful 65km Gravel Fondo and elite Men’s and Women’s Criterium racing.
The event will also include an additional 10km added to the course between Deans Marsh and Forrest, and a new approach to the festival atmosphere including family entertainment, food and beverage vendors, music, children’s activities and areas to relax.
With 9500 riders taking part over the past two years, the event is a UCI Gran Fondo World Championships qualifier. The World Championships will be held in Varese, Italy, this year – meaning the road to the rainbow jersey begins in Victoria.
Through events like Amy’s Gran Fondo, the Labor Government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund helps rural and regional towns across Victoria secure a strong calendar of events that support local jobs and bring visitors to regional Victoria.
Tourism is vitally important for regional Victoria, with the latest figures showing the total number of visitors to regional Victoria was 51.9 million in the year ending September 2018 – with a spend of $10.1 billion
The race is held on Sunday, 15 September 2019. For more information go to: .
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to be supporting this world-class cycling event right here in Victoria, along one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines.”
“Major events like Amy’s Gran Fondo capitalise on the tourism strengths of regional Victoria, giving a boost to local jobs and businesses on the Great Ocean Road.”
