Gearing up for the biggest and best Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo
Arguably the most picturesque cycling event in the world, Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo is gearing up for the fifth edition of this unique event.
With last year sold out, on Sunday 13 September 2015 over 5,000 recreational and competitive cyclists are expected to descend on the Colac Otway and Surf Coast region for the once a year opportunity to ride a fully closed Great Ocean Road.
Simon Gillett, Patron of the Amy Gillett Foundation said he was proud to be launching the fifth edition of Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo, the only mass participation cycling event in Australia with full road closures, competitive and recreational elements and a safety briefing for every rider.
“This is not just an event, it’s an experience,” Gillett said.
“After the success of last year’s event with the sell out crowd, introduction of Amy’s Wall and the inaugural Amy’s Otway Classic, we are looking forward to building on this success once again.
“The amount of family friendly activities throughout the weekend continues to increase and add to the festival like atmosphere of the event,” added Gillett.
Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo has a strong safety focus with the full road closures and a safety briefing for every rider. New to the event in 2015 is the option for previous participants to complete their safety briefing online.
“We continue to look for ways to improve the experience for our participants and continue to make the event one of the safest in Australia,” Gillett continued.
The 110km Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo is a ride that challenges all levels of cyclists, starting with the breathtaking views of the Bass Straight along the Great Ocean Road before embarking on the challenging Otway Ranges and finishing at Benwerrin outside Lorne.
Importantly the 110km Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo remains at UCI World Cycling Tour qualifier and with the 2016 UCI Amateur World Championships in Perth, the road to the rainbow jersey begins in Lorne. The top 25% of timed finishers in each age group will gain qualification to the 2016 UCI Amateur Road World Championships.
In a major boost for the event, one of Australia’s leading healthcare providers, Australian Unity is supporting both the Medio Fondo and Family Fondo.
Amanda Hagan, Australian Unity’s Group Executive Healthcare said Australian Unity is committed to supporting the wellbeing of Australians.
“Australian Unity is proud to be supporting Amy’s Medio Fondo and Family Fondo as well as the Amy Gillett Foundation in their mission of safe cycling for all Australians and a vision of zero bicycle rider fatalities,” Ms Hagan said.
“Exercise is a major factor in preventing poor health. Australian Unity is committed to providing increased opportunities for Australians to engage in exercise and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits associated.”
The 40km Australian Unity Medio Fondo showcases the entire stretch of picturesque Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Apollo Bay.
The 14km Australian Unity Family Fondo allows participants to enjoy as little or as much of the fully closed Great Ocean Road as they like, with participants riding from Lorne to Cumberland River and back.
Through safety awareness and educational campaigns the Amy Gillett Foundation’s core focus is reducing bike rider fatalities and serious injuries. Our mission is to ensure safe cycling for all Australians and a vision of zero bicycle rider fatalities.
Held in memory of Australian cycling team member Amy Gillett, who tragically lost her life while training in Germany in 2005 when hit by a car, Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo generates vital fundraising to support the Amy Gillett Foundation’s tireless efforts to promote shared respect between motorists and bike riders.
All proceeds and fundraising associated with Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo will be directed towards cycling safety research, advocacy and educational campaigns and programs.
