Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo
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Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
Lorne, Victoria, Australia
Event Date
Distances
120 km Gran Fondo · 45 km Medio · 20 km Piccolo
Entry Status
Opens Soon
Official Website
Countdown
Race date will be published once confirmed
Overview
The event.
Amy's Gran Fondo is one of the few events in the world to close a national tourist road to traffic, 45 kilometres of the Great Ocean Road, all yours. Established in memory of professional cyclist Amy Gillett, the event has grown into Australia's premier gran fondo. The 120 km Gran Fondo climbs the coast from Lorne to Skenes Creek, ascends into the Otway Ranges, and descends back to the ocean before a stunning finish along the cliffs. It draws a mix of former pros, ambitious amateurs and first-time gran fondo riders each September.
Elite riders on the start line, Otway rainforest, ocean cliffs, and a spring seaside village feel in Lorne.
Who it suitsRiders comfortable with 3–4 hour rides and some climbing. Not a first event, but achievable with a good build.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 120 km / 45 km / 20 km
- Elevation
- ~1,700 m for the 120 km
- Surface
- Sealed road, fully closed
- Major climbs
- Skenes Creek climb (10 km at 5%), Benwerrin ridge
- Technical sections
- Fast coastal descents, blind corners, wet-weather traction on descents
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo, based on where you're starting from.
Every athlete is different. These timelines are intended as a guide only and depend on your current fitness, previous experience, lifestyle and goals.
Philippe's Coaching Perspective
What I'd focus on.
On a course like Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo, the winners of the day aren't the strongest cyclists. They're the ones who paced the early climbs at a sustainable effort and had legs to ride the second half.
The most common mistake is training only your strengths. If climbing is your weakness, the answer isn't more flat riding. It's structured climbing repeats, weekly, with progression.
Nutrition and hydration decide the last two hours. If you're not eating and drinking on schedule from the start line, the second half becomes a battle you don't need to fight.
— Philippe, Col de Sud
Is This Event Right For You?
An honest look.
This event is ideal if you
- ✓You enjoy the challenge of a well-organised cycling event
- ✓You're prepared to train consistently for several months
- ✓You enjoy Victoria-style terrain and conditions
- ✓You're looking for a meaningful, memorable challenge rather than a casual outing
You may prefer another event if
- •Your goals are focused on a different distance or discipline
- •You're looking for a shorter, lower-commitment first event
- •You haven't yet built the aerobic base this event demands
Col de Sud Assessment
A quick impression.
- Overall Difficulty
- Terrain
- Technical Skill
- Beginner Friendly
- Scenic Experience
General Col de Sud assessment. Not an official event rating.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
How much climbing is on Amy's?+
The 120 km course has around 1,700 m of climbing, most of it concentrated in the Skenes Creek ascent.
Can I use aero wheels?+
Yes — deep-section wheels are common, but be prepared for crosswinds on the coastal sections.
Is the course suitable for a first gran fondo?+
The Medio (45 km) is a great introduction. The 120 km rewards riders who have completed a structured build.
When do entries open?+
Entries typically open in autumn for the following September event.
Where should I stay?+
Lorne is the ideal base. Apollo Bay and Aireys Inlet are good alternatives if Lorne is booked out.
Col de Sud Coaching
Your journey starts here.
Every athlete starts somewhere.
Whether you're preparing for your first event, chasing a personal best or simply wondering if this challenge is right for you, the most important question isn't "Can I do it?"
It's "How much time should I give myself to do it well?"
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal preparation depends on your experience, fitness, lifestyle and goals.
If you'd like help creating a realistic training plan for this event, I'd be happy to talk it through with you.
Continue Reading
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