Steadyrack Gran Fondo National Championships
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Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Event Date
2027-01-10
Distances
Gran Fondo · Medio Fondo
Entry Status
Opens Soon
Official Website
Countdown
23 weeks until race day
Overview
The event.
The Steadyrack Gran Fondo National Championships gives everyday riders the rare chance to race the same fully closed roads as Australia's elite cyclists during the Westbridge Funds Road National Championships in Perth. The course follows the spectacular Kings Park circuit above the Swan River, with sweeping views over the city skyline and a punchy, repeating climb that decides the race. Held in January, it is the only mass-participation event in the country where amateurs contest a national championship jersey on a genuine championship course, with full road closures, live commentary and elite-level race organisation from start to finish.
National championship week energy in Perth, closed city roads, jerseys on the line and elite racing on the same circuit later in the day.
Who it suitsExperienced club and competitive riders comfortable in a bunch, chasing a national age-group result on a demanding circuit.
Key challengesRepeated Kings Park climb, high summer temperatures and a fast, race-paced bunch from the gun.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- Multi-lap Kings Park circuit
- Elevation
- Punchy climb repeated each lap
- Surface
- Sealed road, fully closed
- Major climbs
- Kings Park ascent every lap
- Technical sections
- Fast descents, tight circuit corners, bunch racing
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for Steadyrack Gran Fondo National Championships, 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 Steadyrack Gran Fondo National Championships, 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 Western Australia-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.
Do I need to be an experienced racer?+
Yes. This is a championship-standard bunch event on a demanding circuit and is not suited to first-time gran fondo riders.
Are the roads closed?+
Yes. The Kings Park circuit is fully closed, the same course used by the elite Road National Championships.
When is the event held?+
Sunday 10 January 2027, during Road National Championships week in Perth.
How hot does it get?+
Perth in January can reach the mid-30s. Heat acclimation and a strong hydration plan are essential.
What can I win?+
Age-group national gran fondo honours are decided on the day.
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.
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