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
Around the Bay
Melbourne, Victoria·Date to be confirmed·300 km / 250 km / 210 km / 135 km / 100 km / 50 km / 20 km
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
📍 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Usually Held
🗓 October
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
300 km · 250 km · 210 km · 135 km · 100 km · 50 km · 20 km
Course Type
Road
Difficulty
Intermediate
Entries
Opening Soon
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: 14 Week Long Ride Build.
- ✔First 200 km ride
- ✔Return to endurance
- ✔Group ride confidence
Overview
The event.
Around the Bay is one of Australia's most inclusive cycling events. Since 1993 it has invited riders to circumnavigate Port Phillip Bay in a single day, with distance choices from a 20 km family loop to the full 300 km bay crossing. The event combines a Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry, coastal rolling roads and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas. Held in October, it functions as a spring goal event for thousands of Melbourne cyclists and a milestone first long ride for many.
Community-first, well organised, and the shared reward of finishing at Alexandra Gardens with a warm meal.
Who it suitsFirst-time long-ride cyclists on the 100–135 km, and experienced riders chasing the 210 km or 300 km bay loop.
Distances
300 km
250 km
210 km
135 km
100 km
50 km
20 km
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 20–300 km depending on route
- Elevation
- ~1,600 m for the 210 km
- Surface
- Sealed road, mostly open with police support
- Major climbs
- Mostly flat with rolling coastal sections; Arthurs Seat detour on longer options
- Feed zones
- Every 40–50 km on longer routes
- Technical sections
- Ferry crossing at Sorrento; group riding etiquette on coastal roads
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
- 10–22 °C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Moderate coastal
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- TBC
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
14 weeks for most riders on the 210 km.
Long sessions
Long rides 4–6 hours peaking at 180 km.
Strength training
Weekly single-leg strength.
Recovery
One rest day + one very easy spin per week.
Course-specific prep
Practise sustained aerobic riding at goal pace over 4+ hours.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse 70–90 g carbs/hour on all long rides.
Equipment testing
Standard road gearing suits the mostly flat course.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long endurance ride 4–6 hours
- — Sweetspot session
- — Group ride
- — 1–2 easy rides
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Start and finish are in central Melbourne — easy public transport access.
Accommodation
Any Melbourne CBD, Southbank or St Kilda hotel works.
Packet collection
Bib pickup at Alexandra Gardens the day before.
Parking
Limited near the start. Public transport is easier.
Public transport
Free public transport with your race bib.
Weather
Spring Melbourne — layer up and pack a gilet.
What to pack
Rain jacket, gilet, arm warmers, spare tubes.
Nutrition
Big breakfast; drop-bag or jersey-pocket food for aid stations.
Recovery
Warm meal at the finish line; walk along the Yarra later.
Local cafés
Patricia Coffee Brewers or Market Lane in the CBD.
After the race
Extend for the Yarra Valley, Bellarine wineries or the Great Ocean Road.
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.
Is Around the Bay beginner friendly?+
Yes — with a 20 km family loop and a 50 km option, it is one of the most accessible cycling events in Australia.
How flat is the course?+
Mostly flat with rolling coastal sections and around 1,600 m of climbing on the 210 km option.
Do I have to catch the ferry?+
Riders on the 210 km and 250 km routes cross Port Phillip Bay by ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff. It is included in the entry.
When do entries open?+
Entries typically open in early autumn for the October event.
What bike should I ride?+
A road bike with 25–28 mm tyres is ideal. Gravel and endurance bikes also work well.
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