Triathlon
TriathlonAustralia
Noosa Triathlon
Noosa, Queensland·Date to be confirmed
One of the world's largest Olympic-distance triathlons on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
CyclingAustralia
Amy's Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo
Lorne, Victoria·Date to be confirmed·120 km Gran Fondo / 45 km Medio / 20 km Piccolo
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Lorne, Victoria, Australia
Usually Held
🗓 September
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
120 km Gran Fondo · 45 km Medio · 20 km Piccolo
Course Type
Road (closed)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Entries
Opening Soon
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: 16 Week Gran Fondo Build.
- ✔First gran fondo
- ✔PB attempt
- ✔Climbing-curious riders
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.
Distances
120 km Gran Fondo
45 km Medio
20 km Piccolo
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
- Feed zones
- Three on the 120 km
- Technical sections
- Fast coastal descents, blind corners, wet-weather traction on descents
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 8–18 °C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Moderate coastal
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- TBC
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
16 weeks with a clear climbing block from week 4 to 12.
Long sessions
Long ride 4–5 hours peaking at 130 km with 1,500 m climbing.
Strength training
Twice weekly focused on posterior chain and single-leg strength.
Recovery
One rest, one recovery spin per week; full deload every 4 weeks.
Course-specific prep
Repeats of a 10 km climb at 5% grade to simulate Skenes Creek.
Nutrition practice
Practise 80–100 g carbs/hour and race-day breakfast.
Equipment testing
Compact chainring (50/34) and 11–32 cassette suit most riders.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long endurance ride with 1,000+ m climbing
- — Sweetspot intervals
- — VO2 hill reps
- — 1–2 easy rides
- — Strength
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Melbourne (MEL) or Avalon (AVV) airports, then 2.5 hour drive to Lorne.
Accommodation
Book Lorne, Apollo Bay or Aireys Inlet many months ahead.
Packet collection
Registration and expo run at Lorne foreshore Friday and Saturday.
Parking
Free parking around Lorne; walk to the start.
Public transport
Shuttle buses run for some accommodation partners.
Weather
Cool, coastal, changeable — plan for rain even if the forecast is dry.
What to pack
Rain jacket, gilet, arm warmers, full-finger gloves, spare tubes, ride food.
Nutrition
Two full bottles + 4–6 gels/bars for the 120 km.
Recovery
Ocean swim (or plunge) at Lorne beach; walk the Erskine Falls track.
Local cafés
Bottle of Milk or Ipsos in Lorne — expect queues on Sunday morning.
After the race
Extend for the Twelve Apostles, Otway ranges walks or Bells Beach surf.
Equipment Checklist
What to pack.
Safety
- Helmet
- ID + emergency contact
Kit
- Cycling shoes
- Rain jacket / gilet
- Gloves (full and half finger)
Nutrition
- Race nutrition (gels, bars)
- Bottles / hydration mix
Mechanical
- Spare tubes x2
- CO₂ inflator + cartridges
- Mini pump
- Multi-tool + tyre levers
Tech
- GPS computer + charger
- Front & rear lights
- Power bank
Comfort
- Chamois cream
- Sunscreen
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
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
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Last details checked: November 2025