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Australian Gran Fondo Championships A Huge Success

8th Jan 2016 - Hundreds of amateur cyclists took part in the inaugural running of the MARS Austrailian Gran Fondo Championships in western Victoria, Australia.

Cyclists accepted the challenge of conquering Mount Buninyong, an extinct volcano that rises to 719 metres (2,359 ft), 

The Gran Fondo allowed the riders to compete on the world famous course, on fully closed roads, ahead of the elite road races over the weekend..

The Aussie voice of cycling Matt Keenan and former professionals Rochelle Gilmore and Baden Cooke all took part in the Gran Fondo.

Rochelle Gilmore, 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who recently retired from professional racing jumped at the chance to take part.

“What a buzz! I just loved being surrounded by enthusiastic cyclists, embrace the atmosphere and take on the challenge of the tough course" said Rochelle.

The Gran Fondo gave cyclists a real insight into the course and get an appreciation of what the Pro's go through, how hard it is, how fast they go.

The Fondo enabled Cycling Australia o put on a whole festival of cycling in Ballarat, allowing amateur riders to ride the Gran Fondo, stay over the weekend, experience Ballarat and watch the Elite Race - a great day and event for the whole family especially kids.

FULL RESULTS via Cycling Australia.

After a hugely successful event in 2016, attention quickly turns to making it even bigger and better in 2017. 

Australian Gran Fondo Championships A Huge Success