Updated September 18, 2024 --

Amy’s Gran Fondo 2025 is a prestigious annual cycling event in Lorne, Victoria, Australia. Established in 2011, the event is organized in honor of Amy Gillett, a former Australian cyclist who tragically lost her life in a road accident in 2005. The event aims to promote road safety and raise awareness for safer cycling, supporting the Amy Gillett Foundation's mission of "safe cycling for all."Amy's Gran Fondo has historically been a UCI Gran Fondo World Series and qualifier event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship.  This year, Amy's will host the World Championship on a specially designed course extending the Gran Fondo Route (see below).  Amy’s Gran Fondo stands out for its stunning scenery, challenging routes, and a strong focus on road safety and cycling advocacy. It is one of the few events in Australia that is run on fully closed roads, offering participants an exclusive and safe environment to ride in.

UCI Gran Fondo World Championship

The UCI Gran Fondo World Series is a global series of cycling events where amateur riders can compete in challenging, long-distance road races. Riders who perform well in designated UCI Gran Fondo World Series events, such as Amy's Gran Fondo, can qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship.  To qualify for the World Championship, riders must finish within the top 25% of their age group in a UCI Gran Fondo World Series event. This qualification allows them to compete against the best amateur cyclists worldwide in the annual prestigious World Championship event.

Route Options

Amy’s Gran Fondo 2025 offers several route options catering to cyclists of all abilities:

• Gran Fondo (120 km): This is the flagship route, featuring challenging climbs, technical descents, and spectacular coastal views. Riders tackle the famous climb to Skenes Creek and navigate winding roads through the Otway Ranges before returning to Lorne.
• Medio Fondo (45 km): A shorter option for those seeking a less demanding challenge. This route skips the biggest climbs but still offers stunning scenery.
• Family Fondo (14 km): A family-friendly route that allows all ages and skill levels to participate in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
• Amy’s Gravel Fondo: The gravel fondo offers adventure enthusiasts an off-road experience, featuring mixed terrain and gravel sections through the Otways.

Location

Lorne, Australia, is a picturesque coastal town along the iconic Great Ocean Road. It is an ideal destination for outdoor athletes, especially cyclists participating in Amy’s Gran Fondo. The town offers a perfect blend of stunning natural scenery, challenging cycling routes, and relaxation opportunities, creating a memorable experience on and off the bike.

For cyclists, Lorne is a gateway to Australia's most beautiful and diverse terrain. The Great Ocean Road offers world-class cycling with sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and rolling hills, ideal for training and racing. Amy’s Gran Fondo features a scenic but demanding course, with its combination of coastal roads, hilly climbs, and forested stretches providing a unique and rewarding challenge for cyclists of all levels. The region's smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure make it a cyclist’s paradise and the cool ocean breeze offers relief during long rides.

Off the bike, Lorne is packed with outdoor activities that can make your trip even more enjoyable. The area boasts beautiful beaches, such as Lorne Beach, where you can relax, swim, or try out water sports like paddleboarding and surfing. Nearby, you can explore the lush Otway National Park, which offers hiking trails through ancient rainforests, waterfalls like Erskine Falls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Lorne’s vibrant café and restaurant scene is another highlight. You can refuel after a ride with fresh, locally sourced food and coffee, or simply unwind at one of the town’s many seaside eateries. For a more leisurely day, browse local art galleries or take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road to explore neighboring towns and attractions like the Twelve Apostles.

Whether you're there to tackle Amy’s Gran Fondo or enjoy the natural beauty, Lorne offers a well-rounded experience for outdoor athletes looking to combine performance with adventure and relaxation.

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