Tour de Brisbane
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
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Event Date
2027-04-04
Distances
105 km · 60 km · 35 km · 10 km Family Ride
Entry Status
Opens Soon
Official Website
Countdown
31 weeks until race day
Overview
The event.
Tour de Brisbane is Queensland's flagship road cycling event and one of the few opportunities in Australia to ride the streets of a major capital city on fully closed roads. The event starts and finishes at South Bank and rolls through the CBD, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point cliffs and the leafy western suburbs. With multiple distance options, from a family-friendly 10km loop to a 105km challenge, it is designed to introduce new riders to the community while still giving experienced cyclists a fast, spectator-lined day out. Held every April, it has become a cornerstone of the south-east Queensland cycling calendar and a rare chance to see Brisbane's skyline from the saddle without a single car in sight.
Big-city start line energy, spectators lining Story Bridge, and a festival village at South Bank all afternoon.
Who it suitsNew gran fondo riders wanting a supported first big event; experienced riders chasing a quick city ride; families and juniors on the shorter loops.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Distance
- 105 km / 60 km / 35 km / 10 km
- Elevation
- ~1,000 m for the 105 km course
- Surface
- Sealed road, fully closed
- Major climbs
- Story Bridge approach, Coot-tha loop, Toowong ramps
- Technical sections
- Urban corners, tram tracks in the CBD, fast descents into the valley
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for Tour de Brisbane, 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 Tour de Brisbane, 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 Queensland-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.
Is Tour de Brisbane beginner friendly?+
Yes — the 10 km and 35 km loops are ideal first events, and the whole route is on fully closed roads.
How much climbing is there?+
The 105 km course has around 1,000 m of climbing spread through Brisbane's inner ring; the shorter distances are much flatter.
What bike should I ride?+
A road bike is ideal. Aero wheels are permitted.
When do entries open?+
Entries usually open in late spring for the following April event.
What weather should I expect?+
Autumn Brisbane is typically 14–24 °C with low humidity and light winds.
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
Keep exploring.
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